Crusaders are away this week in the Sports Direct Premiership and Mourneview Park is the destination to play Glenavon (3pm) Declan Caddells side will be brimming with confidence after a good display last Tuesday night while Paddy McL;aughlin will be seeking his first win as Glenavon manager so an interesting game lies ahead.
It will be a case of assessing the squad for Declan and his management team as the already small pool to pick from could be added to after several players limped out in the victory against Dungannon Swifts. Lewis Barr and Harry Franklin where both replaced and we wait too see if both return for this one. The return of Philip Lowry and Jarlath O'Rourke last time out made a big impact but the team overall have been playing well and will be positive for a victory. on fire striker Kieran Offord will definitely want to add to his tally again while Harry Jewitt-White continues to show his form and is getting better week on week. To stay in the hunt in a heavily congested table a win is a must as Crusaders head into the festive run of games.
Glenavon under new manager Paddy McLaughlin have drawn their two games in the regime. A late late goal from ex Crusaders player Matthew Snoddy rescued a point last time out and the fact that they played to the last whistle will have given Paddy a boost. They will be seeking that all important first win and Crusaders will be wary of that aim and organise accordingly. Glenavon sit one off the bottom of the table but positions mean nothing as the players try to impress the new manager and it is a perfect storm to get results from. The main man to watch in the Glenavon team is David McDaid and he will be a handful if he gets going. Paddy McLaughlins assistant is of course ex Crusaders captain Colin Coates and it will be great to see him again and this time on the sidelines barking the orders.
We now as always make the rally cry and ask you follow us to Lurgan on Saturday. Your backing has been immense and we need it home and away every week no matter where we are. Go to https://www.glenavonfc.com/ticketing-2/ and make sure you follow your favourite team on Saturday. C'mon the Crues.