GLENAVON V RATHFRILAND RANGERS, A LOOK AHEAD

On Friday 28^th August 2026 Glenavon faces Rathfriland Rangers at Mourneview Park in its fifth BOYLE Sports Championship fixture.

Rathfriland, managed by former player Ally Wilson, is in its first Championship campaign after securing promotion in April. However, it has made a disappointing start to the new campaign. It has lost twice at home versus Loughgall (3-1) and Newry City (2-1) and twice away against Annagh United (4-2) and Newington (4-0). Rangers’ squad includes former Glenavon favourites Andy Kilmartin and Stephen Teggart. Teggart scored Rathfriland’s first goal of the season five minutes into the clash with Loughgall.

Glenavon will be determined to collect all three points after the disappointment of conceding an injury time equaliser in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Armagh City. Speaking ahead of Rangers’ visit to Mourneview Park, Michael O’Connor emphasised both the need to respect the opposition and produce a sharp, front foot performance from the first whistle. “It could be a banana skin for us,” said the Belfast man. “They have already lost four times. But that does not mean that we can afford to take them for granted. We spoke about it at training last night. It is important that we get out of the blocks quickly and try to score an early goal. We can’t show up thinking that we’re guaranteed the points because they haven’t won a match yet.

They are going to pick up points at some stage. We must make sure that it is not against us.”

Reflecting on the draw at Holm Park, Michael was disappointed with his team’s first half performance. He was happier with the second half display. “In the first 45 minutes we hit too many long balls and didn’t show enough composure in possession,” he said. “We got dragged into the physical stuff which played into their hands. After the break we were braver on the ball, kept it better and dictated most of the play. We could have been three or four-one up before they equalised. Their keeper made two brilliant saves from Rooster [Ryan Waide] and Jude [Johnson]. Those are the type of chances we should be taking.”

Michael is conscious that Glenavon is still searching for its first clean sheet of the season. “This is a transition league,” he continued. “You think that you are in total control then lose possession and bang, you concede. Defenders need to be ready to respond if the opposition wins the ball back and launches a counterattack. They need to be switched on all the time. It is an aspect we are working hard to improve.”

Despite the concession of the late goal at Holm Park, O’Connor reported that the players were in good form at training on Monday night. “I spoke to them immediately after the game and told them that what I thought about what had happened,” he added. “They knew themselves. It felt like a defeat. But equally, I said that they needed to get their heads up and be ready to put in a good week ahead of the Rathfriland game.”

The former Northern Ireland international was satisfied with the players’ response. “We have had two good sessions,” he said. “On Monday we had a look at Saturday’s match. I pointed out what we had done well and what we had done badly. We also walked through a few things. Wednesday’s was a tougher session. The tempo was excellent. We focused on Friday night’s game and what we need to do to get a result.”

This week Glenavon has added central defender Peter Maguire and midfielder Jack Henderson to its squad. “They are two great lads,” enthused O’Connor. “They are good professionals and set very high standards for themselves. Both are top players. Peter was in the Dungannon team a good bit last season, but it looked as if he wasn’t going to get as much game time this year, so I spoke to Rodney [McAree] and we sorted something out. It was a perfect combination. Peter wanted to play more often and we needed a centre-half.  Jack also has strong credentials. Last year he was one of the best players in the Championship. He is really combative and tackles strongly. He will strengthen us.”

Meanwhile young defender Matthew Allen moved to Dollingstown in a permanent deal. “Mattie felt that he might not play regularly this season and wanted to have regular first team football,” said Michael. “If a player doesn’t want to stay here and fight for his place then it is best that he moves on.”

The news on injuries is mixed. “Mounts [John Mountney] has been running and seems to be progressing well,” O’Connor explained. “Unfortunately, Stevie Mallon had a setback in training a week ago, but it is nothing serious and he should be back very soon. Oran [O’Kane], who picked up an injury in the Strabane game, is due to have a scan on his groin. We will assess him again after that.”

Friday’s match sponsor is Banbridge-based Chartered Certified Accountant and Registered Auditor S.M. Vint & Company.

The match ball sponsor is Paul Rankin.

The Zia Restaurant “Player of the Match” sponsor is Hollie Berries at The Tearooms, Scarva, County Down.

Thanks to the Park Avenue Takeaway, Avenue Road, Lurgan for supplying hot food for half-time hospitality in the Boardroom and Skinny’s Pizza, Mourne Road, Lurgan for providing post-match food for the players of both teams.

Glenavon is grateful to all its sponsors and benefactors.

There will be a bucket collection in support of Victoria Vikings’ Smash It Programme. This is an exciting initiative by Victoria Cricket Club to introduce children of primary school age to the fun of striking a ball with a bat. Please give generously.

Other Glenavon teams in action:

• Friday 28^th August 2026 – Dungannon Swifts U-18s v Glenavon U-18s, Stangmore Park, Dungannon, kick-off: 8 pm.
• Saturday 29^th August 2026 – Glenavon U-16s v Bangor U-16s, St. Patrick’s High School, Banbridge 3G, kick-off: 11 am.
• Saturday 29^th August 2026 – Glenavon U-15s v Dungannon Swifts U-15s, Lurgan Junior High School 3G, kick-off: 9-30 am.