GLENAVON V PORTADOWN, A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 5TH October 2024 Glenavon faces Portadown at Mourneview Park in its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture.

Portadown has invested significantly in its first team squad since securing promotion to the top division. No fewer than thirteen new faces have been recruited including Aaron Carey (ex-Glentoran), Steven McCullough (ex-Ballymena United), Jamie McDonagh (ex-Cliftonville), Cathair Friel (ex-Ballymena United), Shay McCartan (ex-Glentoran) and Josh Ukek (ex-Bala Town). The Ports’ have also been boosted by the return to full fitness of striker Paul McElroy. Josh Ukek is suspended following his dismissal against Ards.

Glenavon boss Stephen McDonnell fully appreciates the importance of the derby. “There is, obviously, a keen rivalry between the clubs,” he said. “I have already talked to our players about the significance of the game, and I will do so again on Saturday. It is a huge match.”

McDonnell reckons that the clubs’ most recent encounter – Portadown’s 1-0 Bet McLean Cup semi-final success in January – is of little relevance. “Their team, with the exception of perhaps one player, has completely changed and we have also added new names.”

He believes that the Ports will be as tough an opponent as Glenavon has faced this season. “Portadown has made a positive start to the season. They are a good side, full of energetic and physically strong players,” he continued. “It is up to us to match their effort and physicality. If we do that, hopefully, our quality will come through.”

The Dundalk man was pleased that Glenavon defeated Newington 3-2 in midweek to reach the BetMcLean Cup second round. However, he was disappointed with the team’s performance. “Although we scored three goals, we missed far too many chances,” he continued. “The score should have been ten or twelve nil by the midway point of the second half. Then we lost concentration and allowed them back into it. After keeping clean sheets against Crusaders, Larne and Glentoran, we ought to have done a lot better. It was not acceptable. The lads know my feelings.”

Two Glenavon players are doubtful for the big derby. James Doona and Mark Haughey have groin injuries. They will be assessed on Saturday.

The match against Portadown is sponsored by Mr. Ken Cardwell. Ken is a former club director. He still plays an important role at the Glenavon Academy.

The match ball sponsor is The Bluebell Cottage, Moira. Located in Rawdon Court, Bluebell Cottage sells a wide variety of high quality furniture and giftware.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is The McShane Family.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free Admission to all games)

  • Monday 7th October 2024 – Dungannon Swifts Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Stangmore Park, 1945 k.o.
  • Friday 4th October 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Portadown U-18s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, 2015 k.o.
  • Saturday 5th October 2024 – Glenavon U-16s v Ballymena United U-16s, Saint Patrick’s Academy, Banbridge, 3G, 1115 k.o.
  • Saturday 5th October 2024 – Glenavon U-15s v Bangor U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School, 3G, 1115 k.o.