GLENAVON V CRUSADERS, A LOOK AHEAD 3w1n6z

On Saturday 7th December 2024 Glenavon faces Crusaders at Mourneview Park in the Sports Direct Premiership. 706l7

Last weekend Matthew Snoddy rescued a point for Paddy McLaughlin’s men against Coleraine in an exciting 3-3 draw. The new boss felt that his side merited a share of the spoils.

“It was a much improved second half display,” he said. “We were off it in the first half, but after half-time, the players lifted their levels and showed a great desire to get back into the match. We thoroughly deserved the point we got.”

McLaughlin was somewhat frustrated at his side’s disappointing start. “Coleraine are a very good side,” he continued. “They have good players and have the advantage of being full time. Conceding two goals in the first fifteen minutes played right into their hands. It left us with a mountain to climb. We cannot give away early goals and expect to win games. It is something we must stop doing.”

The new manager made good use of the half-time break to re-organise and re-set.

“We told the lads some home truths but also encouraged them to have a go,” he added. “At the start of the game we stood off them too much, didn’t keep the ball and didn’t defend our box properly. We told the midfielders and strikers, when in possession, to get higher up the pitch faster. It made a difference. Some of our attacking play was excellent.”

McLaughlin was particularly pleased with the contributions of Peter Campbell on the left and Chris Atherton on the right. “Peter and Chris are good players,” he continued. “Before half time they weren’t involved enough. To score goals you need to bring your best players into the game and keep them in it. We told the rest of the lads to give them the ball and them as much as possible. They did that.”

Paddy felt that the ers played their part in the improved second half display. “The fans stayed with us,” he added. “They could have given up, but they didn’t. We will need that type of backing at every match between now and the end of the season.”

McLaughlin anticipates another difficult 90 minutes against Crusaders. “They are an excellent side,” he continued. “Declan [Caddell] has done well in his first season. They beat Coleraine at the Showgrounds at the end of October and this week had a very good win against Dungannon Swifts. They are capable of scoring goals. We will need to be at our best if we are to pick up any points.”

Paddy reports a near fully fit squad. Only Calum Birney, with a slight groin strain, and long-term absentee Isaac Baird, are unavailable.

The match against Crusaders is sponsored by Ms. Karen Cunningham in memory of her father, Mr. Noel Cunningham.

The ball sponsor is Mr. Jack Pringle.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsors are Mr. Gareth Lough and Mr. Kyle Kirkwood.

Many thanks to all our sponsors.

In September 2024 Glenavon defeated Crusaders 1-0 at Seaview.

Glenavon v Crusaders, Last Season
Date Result
23/09/23 Crusaders 2 Glenavon 0
23/12/23 Glenavon 1 Crusaders 3
24/02/24 Crusaders 2 Glenavon 0

 

Other Glenavon teams in action:

(Free ission to all games)

  • Monday 9th December 2024 – Glenavon Reserves v Portadown Reserves, Mourneview Park. 1945 k.o.
  • Saturday 7th December 2024 – Glenavon U-18s v Ards U-18s, St. Patrick’s, Banbridge, 3G, Harry Cavan Youth Cup, 1330 k.o.