Tuesday 28th February 2023
Kick Off 7.45pm
This evening we look to return to our winning ways Glenavon are visitors to the Bet McLean Oval in the first of our games in hand over the top five in the 2022-23 Danske Bank Premiership.
Glenavon have endured a difficult run of results since their impressive 4-2 home victory over Crusaders in early January; failing to win any of their last eight league matches and picking up just two points along the way, while also exiting the Irish Cup to Championship side Harland & Wolff Welders. Successive defeats to struggling Portadown and Newry City have left Gary Hamilton’s side in ninth place, eight points ahead of Dungannon Swifts, who currently occupy the relegation play off place.
Glentoran won both encounters between the sides at the Oval last season 2-0; firstly in a league game the week before Christmas where first half goals from Conor McMenamin and Rory Donnelly were enough to claim the three points and then in the semi-final of the Europa League playoffs second half goals from McMenamin and Jay Donnelly secured passage to the Final to face Larne in May of this year.
Experienced defender Sean Ward and midfielder Matthew Snoddy both missed Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Newry through suspension, while ex Linfield defender Mark Haughey has been missing due to long term injury. Hamilton should be able to call upon the services of Jordan Stewart, however, with the diminutive ex Glentoran forward having arrived on loan from Linfield for the remainder of the season.
Rodney McAree: “It was very disappointing to come away from Solitude on Saturday with a defeat. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb by going behind 2-0. I was particularly disappointed with the manner in which we conceded both goals, we didn't get enough pressure on the ball quickly enough to try and prevent the shots on goal. We responded well though and had plenty of pressure, got back into the game but unfortunately couldn't force an equaliser and disappointingly left without any points.
We need to make sure we approach this game with Glenavon in the right manner. Glenavon have good players who can hurt you so we will need to be at our best to get the result we need. Glenavon's results have probably been better against top six sides than they have against the bottom six so we have to be mindful of that. It's an opportunity for us to get back to winning ways but we know it will take all we have to make that happen.
Marcus Kane is suspended for one game after collecting his 5th booking on Saturday but we’re hopeful of having Jay back available for selection. There are a few little niggles from Saturday but all being well we'll have everyone else available for selection bar our long term injuries”.
Tickets are still available for this game at www.glentoran.com/tickets
