GLENAVON V NEWINGTON, A LOOK AHEAD

On Tuesday 13^th January 2026 Glenavon faces Newington at Mourneview Park in the Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round. The match was rescheduled due to a frozen pitch. The tie will be played to a finish with extra time and, if necessary, penalty kicks.

Newington, currently placed sixth in the NIFL Championship with 30 points from 21 matches, boasts brothers Jay and Rory Donnelly. The two talented strikers have scored eighteen and 9 league goals respectively. However, despite scoring 43 goals to date, the Belfast club has conceded 36. On 30^th December 2025 it led Institute 3-1 at the Brandywell but succumbed twice in second half injury time to draw 3-3.

“I have watched a few of Newington’s recent games on video,” said Blues’ boss Michael O’Connor. “They are an honest, hard working team with some good players. Obviously, they have the two Donnellys up top. But there are others who can play. They score goals but they also concede them.”

O’Connor has warned the players that they will need to approach this tie as professionally as any Premiership fixture. “There is always the danger of complacency in a game like this. I am very aware of that and told the boys on Thursday night that they will have to concentrate and work as hard if not harder than they would in a league match. Newington is certain to be up for it. We need to match or better their levels of commitment. Then, hopefully, the ability we have will make the difference.”

Although Michael’s main focus is on the battle to stay in the Premiership, he believes that it is important for Glenavon to do well in the Irish Cup. “Reaching the final and the big day out in May is the dream,” he said. “But, even if that does not happen, it is a chance to win some matches. Winning breeds confidence. A good run in the competition will help us to get out of trouble in the league.”

It is now nearly two weeks since the club’s last Premiership outing, a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Dungannon Swifts. “That was another game which we could easily have drawn or perhaps even won,” O’Connor reflected. “Paul McGovern headed inches wide from a corner kick and Corey Smith had a one-on-one with their goalkeeper before they had even threatened us. But, again, our failings in front of goal cost us. The positives were that we created some really good scoring chances and, again, the players gave absolutely everything.”

The brief hiatus has helped some players to shake off injuries and others to build up fitness. “The break has really helped us,” added Michael. “Luke Cartwright suffered a back injury against Dungannon. During the first half he hurt himself twice in the same place. He has rested and did some little light training on Thursday. Luke McGerrigan woke up after the Boxing Day match with some discomfort in his hip. Scott [Hughes] advised us to leave him out of our last game. We did that and he is available for selection again. Oran O’Kane has also rested. He is making good progress. Kris Lowe should be back training next week. He is coming on really well.”

There is also good news about Peter Campbell and Sean Carlin. “Peter played for 5-6 minutes against Dungannon,” the boss continued. “Both Peter and Sean trained on Thursday night. They are doing really well. We want them back ready to start matches as soon as possible but we will need to be patient. It might be another couple of weeks before that becomes an option.”

Jacob Carney, who suffered a concussion injury against Portadown, will be able to resume training next week.

Since the Dungannon match Glenavon has lost Bridel Bosakani and Corey Smith who returned to their parent clubs. In December Francely Lomboto, Michael O’Connor and David McDaid also left. Numbers have been further denuded with midfielder Jack Malone’s transfer to Glentoran. “Jack has probably been our best player since I arrived,” said O’Connor. “He has performed well in every match, has scored some important goals and has been a really positive influence in the dressing room. He has also been a great servant to Glenavon for the past three or four seasons. But, when Glentoran approached us, we felt that the move would give us the opportunity to strengthen the squad in a couple of other areas. Obviously, we desperately wanted to keep Jack and also bring in the two players we were interested in. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”

Thus, attacking midfielder Charlie Lindsay and striker Nathaniel Ferris have been recruited on loan to the end of the season. Michael has high hopes for both. “Charlie went to Rangers when he was a teenager and was reckoned to be the next big thing,” the manager explained. “Unfortunately, things did not work out for him. He came home and has been steadily rebuilding his career. For whatever reason, he wasn’t getting much game time at the Oval and was keen to play more regularly. Nathaniel did exceptionally well at Loughgall. His goals to games ratio was very impressive. Again, he made a big move to Glentoran and has not been able to cement a regular starting place. He wants to play and we are happy to give him the chance. He knows our club well because he and his family are all dyed-in-the-wool supporters. We feel that Charlie and Nathaniel will be really important players for us.”

Glenavon has also signed winger Gavin Gilmore from Finn Harps, “Gavin plays on the right,” O’Connor added. “He is a different type of player to Peter Campbell and Stephen Mallon. He works extremely hard, has a great attitude and is a good professional. The people I have spoken to about him say that he will give us energy, get crosses in and be a threat himself in the box. Hopefully, he will enjoy himself and do well.”

Charlie, Nathaniel and Gavin are all eligible to play against Newington.

The match sponsor is the “3, 4, 5, WhatsAppers” syndicate. This group of supporters is part of a private Glenavon WhatsApp group. The matchball sponsor is Doug Beattie MLA. The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsor is Luke Foster. Glenavon is indebted to all its financial backers.

Alternatives Restorative Justice, a restorative justice organisation, will hold a bucket collection. It is running a course in the Bedeck Suite on Thursday nights. It is led by former Glenavon midfielder Pete Batey. Please give generously.

Tickets purchased for the match on Saturday can be used on the rescheduled match on Tuesday. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled match contact the office for a refund.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free Admission to all games)

• Monday 12^th January 2026 – Glenavon Reserves v Portadown Reserves, Mourneview Park, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 9^th January 2026 – Glenavon U-18s v Dungannon Swifts U-18s, St. Patrick’s, Banbridge, 3G, 2015 k.o.
• Saturday 10^th January 2026 – Glenavon U-16s v Ballymoney United U-16s, NIFL U-16 Cup, quarter final, Banbridge High School 4G, 1130 k.o.