CARRICK RANGERS v GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 26^th April 2025 Glenavon ends its Sports Direct Premiership campaign where it began last August, with a fixture against Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue.

Paddy McLaughlin was encouraged by his team’s display in last weekend’s 2-0 home success against Ballymena United. “I thought we played well,” he said. “Defensively we were very strong. Tadhg Ryan commanded the penalty area. David Toure, Len O’Sullivan, Harry Murphy and Harry Lynch were all impressive. Up front Peter Campbell was a handful. It was good to see him back at something approaching his best form. Paul McGovern and Ben Wilson were both excellent and Luke McGerrigan, of course, came on and scored.”

The Glenavon boss was particularly delighted that Ben shone in midfield and Luke got on the scoresheet. “We have been watching Ben since last November,” added the Northwest native. “He is a quality young player with a great future. It is hard to believe that he is only 16 years old. Luke has only been training with the first team for a short time, but it is obvious that he has a lot to offer. He took his goal extremely well.”

Regrettably, Luke sustained an ankle injury in training this week and will not be available for the trip to East Antrim. “It is a bitter disappointment for the player because he would almost certainly have started, and it is frustrating for us because we want to see how he performs over 90 minutes. Unfortunately, we lost another talented youngster, Kyron McGee in similar circumstances a few weeks ago and could have been without Paul McGovern against Ballymena. Mourneview Park, at present, is just not good enough. That is nobody’s fault given the weather we have had but it is a far from ideal situation. Finding better facilities for next season is a priority.”

The game at Taylor’s Avenue is, potentially, the last which Chris Atherton, Harry Murphy, Len O’Sullivan and David Toure will play for the club. Chris is poised to join an English Premiership outfit; Harry is coming to the end of his loan spell from Glentoran; and Len and David will soon be out of contract. “All four lads have made an enormous contribution,” added McLoughlin. “They have great to work with and have always performed at a high level. It might appear that they are all about to leave us, but I have not given up hope that some of them will represent the club again. We will certainly be doing our best to make that happen.”

Paddy expects Carrick Rangers to field a much changed eleven. “Stephen [Baxter] will have more than one eye on the promotion / relegation play-off next week,” he added. “Therefore, we don’t know what to expect. We will almost certainly make changes as well. It is another chance to give Ben Wilson and others vital experience. Every player who has stepped up from the Under-20s has been excellent.”

Glenavon lost the season opener 2-0 at Carrickfergus last August but drew 1-1 and won 2-1 in the two fixtures which were subsequently played at Mourneview Park.

Note that Saturday’s match kicks off at 3-00 pm.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free Admission)

• Monday 5^th May 2025 – Larne Olympic v Glenavon Reserves, Inver Park, 1945 k.o.
• Wednesday 7^th May 2025 – Crusaders Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Seaview, 2015 k.o.
• Monday 28^th April 2025 – Ballinamallard United U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Ferney Park, 2000 k.o.
• Wednesday 30^th April 2025 – Dungannon Swifts U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Stangmore Park, Mid Ulster Youth Cup Final, 1945 k.o.
• Saturday 26^th April 2025 – Ballinamallard United U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, Ferney Park, 1100 k.o.
• Monday 28^th April 2025 – Glenavon U-16s v Glentoran U-16s, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.