GLENAVON V CLIFTONVILLE, A LOOK AHEAD p395x

On Saturday 15th February 2025 Glenavon faces Cliftonville at Mourneview Park. It will be the Lurgan Blues’ 26th Sports Direct Premiership fixture of the season. 2h236a

Despite losing some key players last summer, Cliftonville has reached the Bet McLean Cup Final, the quarter finals of the Clearer Water Irish Cup and is well placed to secure a top six finish in the Premiership.

Two weeks ago, the Reds defeated the Lurgan Blues 3-2 in a memorable cup tie. This time, Paddy McLaughlin expects them to be every bit as tough an opponent. “They are a quality side,” he said. “That was evident in the game at Solitude, and it will be the same on Saturday. They have played two league matches in the last four or five days. Some of their players might have picked up minor knocks. That could help us. But essentially, they will be strong and difficult to beat.”

McLaughlin feels that his players should take a lot of confidence from the quality of their performance in North Belfast. “The lads did everything except win the tie,” he said. “They have shown that they are every bit as strong as a good Cliftonville side. The compliments we received were nice, but it is not what we were looking for. This time we want to be on the right end of the result.”

Last Friday night Glenavon lost 2-0 against Derry City in a friendly fixture. Paddy felt that it was very worthwhile. “It allowed us to give opportunities to the likes of Tadhg Ryan, Sean Carlin, Isaac Baird, Harry Murphy and others,” he said. “We are starting a difficult run of fixtures. We have a lot of games to play in the next five or six weeks. Everyone in the squad is likely to be called upon at some point. We need to keep players sharp and in the best possible shape.”

“Although we lost the match, I felt that every player who took part performed well,” he continued. “We have some excellent young players. They again demonstrated that when they are called upon, they will be able to step up and contribute.”

Paddy also wants to build on the club’s excellent home record since his arrival in November. “Mourneview Park is a stadium which players and ers love to visit because the pitch and facilities are so good,” he said. “We are trying to change that. We want them to dread coming to Lurgan. To do that we need to keep the good recent run of results going.”

Glenavon will be without Peter Campbell against Cliftonville due to suspension. “Peter has been exceptional,” said McLaughlin. “But a door will open for someone else. We have some very talented young wingers. Chris Atherton, Paul McGovern and Aaron Heaney are all competing for a starting place. Whoever takes Peter’s jersey will have the chance to stake a claim to stay in the team.”

Paddy reports no injury problems apart from long term casualties, Mark Haughey and Calum Birney.

The match is sponsored by S.M. Vint and Company, a Banbridge-based firm of Chartered Certified ants and ed Auditors. S.M. Vint was established in 1988 by Mr. Samuel Vint. Since then, the company has grown steadily and now has a strong client base throughout the County Down area and beyond.

The match ball sponsor is the Leather Restoration Company. This Portadown-based business is a highly reputable restorer of leather items.

The McCracken’s Brewery “Player of the Match” sponsors are Mr. David Watt and Mr. Andrew Trimble.

There will be a bucket collection for Craigavon Cardiac Care Association. Please give generously.

This is the third Sports Direct Premiership clash between Glenavon and Cliftonville. The Reds won the first meeting 2-1. The second fixture was drawn 0-0.

Glenavon v Cliftonville, Last Season
Date	Result
12/08/23	Cliftonville 3 Glenavon 0
13/10/23	Glenavon 0 Cliftonville 1
17/02/24	Cliftonville 4 Glenavon 2

Other Glenavon teams in action this weekend:

(Free ission)

• Monday 17th February 2025 – Carrick Rangers Reservesv Glenavon Reserves, Taylor’s Avenue, 1945 k.o.
• Friday 14th February 2025 – Glenavon U-18s v Portadown U-18s, Brownstown Park, Portadown, 2015 k.o.
• Saturday 15th February 2025 – Glenavon U-16s v Portadown U-16s, St. Patrick’s 3G, Banbridge, 1115 k.o.