Saturday 28 September
Kick Off 3pm
Game 10 in this season’s Sports Direct Premiership on Saturday when Glenavon visit the Bet McLean Oval.
Former Glens forward Michael O’Connor could be a doubt after being substituted at half time in the draw with Dungannon. Midfielder Niall Quinn and ex-Glens defender Calum Birney have been long term absentees and winger James Doona has missed the last two matches after being withdrawn during the win at Crusaders. They were given a boost, though, with the return of midfielder Jamie Doran as a substitute against the Swifts.
Glenavon find themselves in 9th place in the early season table.

A difficult opening to the campaign saw them lose four of their first five matches but they are unbeaten in their last four games thanks to an impressive 1-0 win at Crusaders and home draws with Loughgall, Dungannon and Champions Larne.
Over the summer break, manager Stephen McDonnell made seven new signings, with two former Glentoran players amongst them in defender Rhys Marshall and forward Michael O’Connor.

In addition, defenders James Carroll and Barney McKeown (from Loughgall and Newry City respectively) have been tasked with replacing the retired Sean Ward and departing Danny Wallace. Vastly experienced former Larne, Ballymena and Coleraine striker Davy McDaid, Shelbourne winger Keith Ward and Newry midfielder Paul McGovern complete the new arrivals.
In last season’s only league meeting at the Oval last October, Glentoran emerged as 3-1 winners thanks to a first half brace from Junior and a Paddy McClean goal right on half time. The second half was a much quieter affair, with Glenavon scoring an injury time consolation goal via midfielder Jack Malone.

Declan Devine: “I offer no excuses for our loss at Larne last week as that loss, like our others this season, wastefulness in front of goal when we were on top was matched with poor game management at the other end with soft goals conceded unnecessarily at bad times – just before the break at Dungannon and Larne then in injury time in Ballymena. All at times when we’d been well on top. This isn’t down to luck because we make our own luck.
“Not one team has been substantially better in any of our defeats and the four goals conceded in recent weeks were all very preventable. We’ve been working hard on this and also with the forwards.
“There’s no question we’re still short in numbers and we’ll be working on that ahead of the January window. But right now there’s still enough experience in the squad to keep us challenging on all fronts between now and when we have the chance to strengthen further.
“On the injury front Cammy Palmer has been shaking off a hamstring pull and should be back soon. Same for Wassim who shouldn’t be long. Aaron Wightman is getting there after his long spell out with a metatarsal injury and I’m excited about having him available to me for the first time.
“Glenavon today will be a challenge, as all games are in the league right now. They’re coming here on an unbeaten run and have had a couple of good wins so far. But it’s down to us to win the game and I’m confident we will if we start positively and take our chances when we create them.”
Remaining tickets for this game can be purchased HERE

IMPORTANT SUPPORTER NOTICES

The Board of Directors remind supporters that under no circumstance is anyone permitted to bring flares, fireworks or any other sort of pyrotechnic equipment into the Bet McLean Oval at any time. These are highly dangerous to other supporters and potentially to players. Any breach of this rule will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Persons breaking this rule will receive a lifetime ban from the Bet McLean Oval and will be reported to the police.
We strongly request that supporters respect the rights of the local residents by parking well away from housefronts in the immediate locality. There is plenty of available parking at the Holywood Arches Heath Centre.
The Railway Stand will unfortunately be closed for this game due to some essential maintenance work currently being undertaken by the club with the support of NIFL.

MATCH SPONSOR: EVERYDAY LOANS

Saturday’s match sponsor is Everyday Loans. Everyday Lending Limited was established in 2006 and has branches nationwide. The company is committed to professional, responsible lending.
Belfast branch details can be found at this link
We thank Everyday Loans for their support of Glentoran.