GLENAVON V LINFIELD, A LOOK AHEAD

On Saturday 20^th December 2025 Glenavon faces Linfield at Mourneview Park in its next Sports Direct Premiership fixture.

Linfield is currently third in the Premiership table with ten wins and five draws from 17 fixtures. Its only setbacks were a 1-0 defeat at Ballymena and a 2-0 reverse against Portadown at Shamrock Park. It is unbeaten in its last six matches. The Belfast Blues’ squad includes Isaac Baird who, of course, moved to Windsor Park from Mourneview Park during the summer.

Glenavon boss Michael O’Connor anticipates a strong performance by the South Belfast men. “They are playing with confidence and scoring goals,” he reflected. “Matthew Fitzpatrick is, in my opinion, the best striker in the league and they have other threats in the final third. But, barring the Bangor, match, we have won our games at home. If we show the same mentality that we did against Glentoran there is no reason why we can’t cause an upset.”

Michael did not mince his words when he reflected on last Saturday’s 5-2 defeat against Cliftonville at Solitude. “Our performance was unacceptable,” he said. “The defending was, at times, dreadful. We did not do enough despite having a one-man advantage for the last 40 minutes. Players do not need to be better than the opposition to work hard, run hard and do the basics. The boys have been told exactly what I thought. Now it is up to them to respond.”

The concession of three first half goals, two within five minutes of Bridel Bosakani’s brilliant second strike, was the principal reason for the defeat. “I have watched the recording a number of times,” O’Connor continued. “The first was a straight ball through the middle of our defence. Noone dealt with it and McWoods ran through to score a simple goal. The second was a break on the left by Joe Sheridan. He is all right footed, yet we allowed him to cut inside and again no one put a tackle in or tried to block his run. The third was another burst on the left side of the penalty area. Johnny Addis was able to get into the 18 yard box under no pressure whatsoever and shoot past Sean Hamill. It was schoolboy defending. There is absolutely no excuse for it.”

O’Connor accepted that Glenavon was handicapped by the lose of goalkeeper Mark Byrne who collided with the scorer of the first goal. “I agree that that made things harder for us,” he said. “Young Sean Hamill did very well but I think Mark would have stopped the shot from Sheridan. The fact that Sean was playing his first Premiership match should, if anything, have made us more determined to stop opponents getting into the penalty area in the way that Sheridan and Addis did. As I have said, it was not good enough.”

Michael was also disappointed by the team’s response after Cliftonville defender Odhran Casey was sent off early in the second half. “At half time, even after a really bad 5-10 minutes, we were still in the game with a chance of taking a point or more,” he said. “I encouraged the boys to keep their heads up and be positive. When Casey was red carded, I thought we had a real opportunity. However, we didn’t show sufficient quality in the final third, we were too safe in our passing, and we didn’t make enough forward runs without the ball. At times we had more possession, but we didn’t hurt them. In fact, as the game wore on it was them, not us, that looked the more threatening.”

On a more positive note, O’Connor was pleased that Jack Malone continued his recent scoring form and Bridel Bosakani notched his first goal. “Jack has made a big contribution since I came in,” he continued. “He is prepared to make forward runs and when he gets into good positions he can hit the target. Paddy Burns gave him a great pass, and he finished with an excellent lob. Bridel’s goal was a wonder strike. He controlled it well on his chest and made a really clean connection.”

The loss of Mark Byrne early in the match at Solitude begs the question, who will be between the posts against Linfield? “That is probably going to be a late decision,” said the Blues’ boss. “We thought that Mark had broken his jaw. Thankfully, that is not the position. However, he suffered some dental damage. We are still waiting to hear the professional advice on whether it is safe for him to play and what special protection, if any, he will need.”

Jacob Carney has not featured, even for the Reserves, since late September. “Jacob is training well, but is he ready to start a game? We are not sure about that. If Mark does not make it, we will have to consider him,” Michael continued, “but throwing Jacob in against Linfield after so long out would not be ideal. As in all these matters, we will ask the player how he feels and be guided by Scott Hughes, our sports therapist.”

On a positive note, Stephen Mallon, Luke McGerrigan and Ben Wilson played the first half of Glenavon Reserves’ Development League fixture against Coleraine on Monday night. All came through unscathed. Luke Cartwright trained on Tuesday and Thursday night. Sean Carlin and Kris Lowe continue to battle longer term injuries.

In September 2025 Glenavon lost 2-0 to Linfield at the National Stadium.

The match sponsor for Saturday’s fixture is Avondale Foods (Craigavon) Limited. Avondale has been the club’s main corporate sponsor since 2024. Its principal, Greer Geddis, is the President of the William Walker Supporters’ Club. The matchball sponsor is lifelong supporter, Gordon Gough. The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is Diamond Elite Chauffeur Services. Glenavon is indebted to all its financial backers.

The Triangle Glenavon Supporters’ Club will hold a bucket collection in aid of Northern Ireland Pancreatic Cancer. Please give generously.

Northern Ireland Alternatives, a restorative justice organisation, will officially launch a scheme currently being delivered at Mourneview Park. It is led by former Glenavon midfielder Pete Batey.

The 12^th Man Programme, which holds sessions on Thursday nights in the Bedeck Suite, aims to encourage responsible behaviours, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Twelve people are currently enrolled. There is room for more. If you might be interested email Pete at [email protected].

Glenavon Academy’s 2013 squad, winner of the prestigious Foyle Cup in July 2025, will parade the trophy during the half time interval. Congratulations once again to the coaches and boys.

The annual Carol Service will take place in the Bedeck Suite thirty minutes after the match finishes. It will be led by Mr. Billy Fyffe, chaplain to the Glenavon Academy. Everyone is welcome.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 22^nd December 2025 – Glenavon v Crusaders, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 19^th December 2025 – Ballinamallard United U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Fisher Park 3G, Ballinamallard, 2000 k.o.
• Saturday 20^th December 2025 – Coleraine U-16s v Glenavon U-16s, The Showgrounds, 1100 k.o.