GLENAVON V CRUSADERS, A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 27th September 2025 Glenavon faces Crusaders at Mourneview Park in its ninth Sports Direct Premiership fixture.

The Seaview men have had a significant turnover in players since the end of last season. Jimmy Callacher (Carrick Rangers), Billy Joe Burns (Carrick Rangers), Adam Lecky (Carrick Rangers), Daniel Larmour (Glentoran), Jordan Stewart (Glentoran) and Philip Lowry (Limavady United) have gone. Ten new players have arrived including Adam Brooks (Queen of the South), Fraser Bryden (Ayr United), Musa Dibaga (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Elliott Dunlop (Airdrie), Kurtis Forsythe (Carrick Rangers), Brendan Hamilton (Aberdeen), Kieran McKechnie (Arbroath) and Finley Thorndike (Glentoran).

Crusaders have achieved two wins and one draw from their opening eight fixtures. “They have lost a lot of household names and have brought in a number of new faces,” said Glenavon boss Paddy McLaughlin. “Declan Caddell, a young manager, has put his stamp on the squad. He is probably a bit disappointed with results so far but that doesn’t mean that they will be anything other than tough opponents. The Crues, under Stephen Baxter, played a particular way and had a lot of success. The style has changed. They are now playing more football and trying to pass the ball through the thirds. Although they are in transition, we will need to be at our best to get a positive result.”

McLaughlin rejected the suggestion that Glenavon struggled against Linfield last weekend. “We were playing the league champions,” he said. “How many clubs go to Windsor Park and create lots of scoring opportunities let alone score goals? It’s the toughest fixture in the calendar. We competed well and we played well. We pressed them back in the last thirty minutes and had a lot of possession in the final third of the pitch.”

Paddy referenced the fact that Glenavon has played Glentoran, Coleraine, Cliftonville, Larne and Linfield in five of its last six Premiership games. “Those are tough opponents,” he continued. “They all have ambitions to either win the League or at minimum qualify for Europe. We are a young side. Obviously, we would like to have scored more goals and picked up more points. Now we have a run of matches against clubs which are likely to be competing in the bottom half of the table. It is an opportunity for us to turn the corner.”

McLaughlin said that the players continue to work hard in training and prepare professionally. “The lads are determined to start putting points on the board,” he added. “I cannot fault either their commitment or attitude. We have a lot of critics now who seem to be enjoying the fact that we have struggled and want to ask ridiculous questions. When things turn around, as I am confident they will, we will have lots of answers for them.”

Paddy revealed that Peter Campbell, Niall Quinn, Kris Lowe and Ben Wilson are out. “Kris has a calf injury which sometimes flares up,” he explained. “That’s why he didn’t play last weekend.” Paddy Burns has returned to the training pitch but is very unlikely to start. “It is good to have Paddy back inviolved, but this weekend might be too early for him to make a return,” he said. “Scott Hughes, our new physio, is doing a great job getting him ready to play again.” The boss added that several members of the squad have been suffering with heavy colds and flu. “It is not clear, at the moment, who will be fit. We will make an assessment on Saturday morning. But whatever happens we will put a competitive team on the pitch.”

Francely Lomboto, who was sent-off against Coleraine in August, will serve the second of his three match suspension.

Saturday’s fixture is sponsored by Ian Irwin. Ian is the son of Glenavon President Gordon Irwin. Like his father, he is a lifelong fan. The matchball sponsor is Paul Mitchell. The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsors are Trevor and Lewis Harbinson. Many thanks to all our sponsors.

The charity is the Cedar Foundation which supports those living with disabilities, autism and brain injuries. Supporters are asked to give generously.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Saturday 27^th September 2025 – Portadown Reserves v Glenavon Reserves, Bob Radcliffe Cup 2nd Round, Shamrock Park, 1400 k.o.
• Saturday 27^th September 2025 – Glenavon U-16s v Institute U-16s, St. Patrick’s 3G, Banbridge, 1115 k.o.