Danske Bank Premiership, Glentoran v Glenavon
Saturday 11th February 2017, kick-off 3pm.
Glentoran welcome Glenavon to the Oval for our third meeting in this season’s Danske Bank Premiership.
Glenavon are currently 6 points and 2 places above us in 6th place going into the game. However, head to head honours this season have been even with a 2-2 draw at the Oval under Roy Coyle in September (goals from Jonathan Smith and Steven Gordon) followed by 1-1 at Mourneview Park through a Jay Magee equaliser.
Both clubs go into the game in similar form as each have 2 wins, 2 defeats and a draw from their last 5 matches. There is no doubt the Glens will need to produce a quality performance to reverse this season’s terrible home form.
Manager Gary Haveron said in advance of the game: “Calum Birney picked up an ankle injury on Thursday night in training and is unlikely to be available. Jay Magee had a bit of sickness but will hopefully be okay for the Glenavon match. Our last match against Ballinamallard was a very disappointing performance and result in a match result and one where we didn't take advantage of the teams directly above us also losing also. That would have put us in a very strong position for an assault on a top six finish. That is still our ambition for the rest of the season but that makes game against Glenavon is almost a must win!!! A win takes us within 3 points of Glenavon and would keep the hopes alive and help build real momentum with 5 games left before the split.
We are currently working hard to identity and recruit players who will significantly improve us for next season. I will also be letting the current players know where they stand over the next month or so. I’ve been to all the recent Under 20 games and am dying for some of the younger players to take the opportunity and show with their performances they are ready for the step up to first team action and provide a different option. We will definitely look to get more younger players involved in first team matches in the coming weeks.”
The Board of Directors at Glentoran Football Club would again request that all supporters travelling to the Oval by private car, consider the local residents when deciding where and how to park. Also there have been road works in the Mersey Street area during the week so please allow a little more time to get to the stadium on Saturday.