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Match Preview: Glentoran v Glenavon

Tue, 28/01/2020 - 01:49

Tuesday 28 January 2020, Kick Off 7.45pm

Tonight, we attempt to return to the top of the table with a win over Glenavon in a match rearranged from November.

We have only played Glenavon once so far this season- an opening day 1-1 draw at Mourneview Park, That evening, in an evenly contested encounter, both goals were scored in the opening twelve minutes – a Darren Murray fourth minute opener, cancelled out by a Sammy Clingan free kick after twelve minutes. Both teams will have a markedly different look tonight, in our case four of that starting line up included four players who have since left the club and a couple of other injuries.

Our home record against Glenavon hasn’t been great in recent years, compared to at Mourneview Park. The corresponding fixture last February epitomised our season, as, after leading through a first half Darren Murray penalty and looking well in control with twelve minutes to go, we imploded  when 38-year old Gary Hamilton introduced himself as a late sub and (not for the first time in this fixture) turned the match – 2-1 Glenavon!

Glenavon have had a traumatic season to date and have been active in the current window. Glenavon supporter and Editor of the Ulster Gazette, Michal Scott said of their summer activity; “Glenavon come to the Oval off the back of an 8-1 trouncing by Linfield at Windsor Park. It was their worst result of the season, beating their 7-0 hammering at Windsor in September. Described by manager Gary Hamilton as "frustrating and embarrassing", the Lurgan Blues should be out to prove a point.

“It’s going to be difficult for the boys to put that behind them, but the good thing is, there’s another game straight away," Hamilton told the club's website. "[The players] don’t have to wait and there’s an opportunity to get back onto the pitch again on Tuesday night and hopefully put that behind us.

It's fair to say that the season so far has been one to forget for Glenavon and rebuilding for next season is already underway. Former Glenman Danny Purkis (McKee) is leading the line following the departure of Andrew Mitchell to the Glens.

Former Shelbourne pair Greg Moorhouse and Conan Byrne have also joined the club, while Matthew Snoddy has joined on loan from Crusaders, however he will be unavailable due to a pre-arranged trip to Rome. Robbie Garrett also misses out due to his red card on Saturday.

 

Mick McDermott: “While the Larne result was disappointing, they are a very good side who played well on the night. A draw might have been a fairer result but losing Hrvoje at the time we did then the injury to Keith prevented us from finishing the match the way we have been recently. But there’s no shame losing to a team like Larne. They have a lot of quality, are deservedly in the top half, and will beat a few more of the top teams between now and the end of the season. This is a highly competitive league with a number of very good teams, who will all take points from each other, week in and week out. We prepare for each match with the same thoroughness and intensity, no matter where our opponents are in the table.  That’s the way to maintain a position at the upper end of the table.

For tonight’s match we’ll need to make a few changes. Hrvoje has had a scan on his knee, so we’re currently waiting for the results from the radiologist. But he’ll definitely miss a few games, a blow considering everything he gives us. Keith rolled his ankle in a tackle at Larne, but he should be available for Saturday. It’s a pity about Keith, too as he was really hitting the ground running in his first couple of games. Ciaran O’Connor has a one match suspension for five yellow cards, largely picked up with Warrenpoint earlier in the season. But that gives opportunities to a few other players who have worked hard and deserve it. I have no doubt they’ll take their chance now it’s come for them. Also, Robbie is back from suspension which is a big boost.

Glenavon have had a tough season and a few tough results recently. But they’re always hard to beat and can cause trouble to any team on their day. They’re very efficient, they work hard, are very well organised and press well. I expect to see the same tonight, so we’ll be up for the challenge.

Finally, we had a great meeting with the investor last week. Ali is impressed and delighted with how the project is progressing so far and the impact it’s having on our growing support and on our community here. He’s so pleased that he’s now going to increase his investment in our team and facilities to give us even more support as we continue our climb. With that level of commitment from Ali, things will only continue to get better for Glentoran and our supporters.”

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. Local parking is freely available at the Arches Health Centre.