Wednesday 10th May
Kick Off 7.45pm
With the 38-game league season behind us, we now welcome Glenavon back to the Bet McLean Oval for the semi-final of the Europa Conference Play Offs.
Glenavon have enjoyed a ten-game unbeaten run - encompassing seven wins and three draws- in the League since ending a disappointing run of form with a 0-0 draw at the Oval at the end of February. In fact, Gary Hamilton’s side have the honour of being the only side in the Danske Bank Premiership who the Glens did not beat at least once this season, with a 2-1 win at Mourneview Park in November and a 2-0 March win at the Oval sandwiching the goalless February game.
Our last win over the Lurgan Blues came exactly one year ago to the date of today’s game; meeting at the same stage of the European playoffs at the Oval, second half goals from Conor McMenamin and Jay Donnelly securing a 2-0 victory that saw us progress to the Final.
Manager Hamilton made a number of changes to his side for last week’s scoreless draw with rivals Portadown, and will definitely have to recall regular goalkeeper, ex-Glens stopper Rory Brown, to his line-up after deputy Marc Matthews was stretchered off against the Ports. Other regulars including Matthew Fitzpatrick, Sean Ward and Robbie Garrett will also be in line to be restored to the side.
Rodney McAree: “I’ve been happy with our end to the main Danske Bank Premiership, although obviously disappointed we didn’t make the automatic qualification on the last day. But I need to pay tribute to the players as since I took over in January their effort, work rate and desire to succeed has been second to none and they did very well to push from sixth place at one stage to finish third and to keep in with a chance of second until the very last day.
"We’re looking forward to this game and hopefully one on Saturday. Glenavon have proved against us and other top teams this season that they’re a very well organised side, tough to beat and playing with a lot of confidence at the moment after an excellent end to the season. It’s probably fair to say these are the two most in form teams going into the play-offs so clearly we face a challenge. But the players and the coaching staff will relish that challenge and with a big Glens crowd behind us this should be a real occasion.
"Everyone in the club knows how important European qualification is, particularly for full time clubs like ourselves that have already had strong investment from owners. It’s important to bolster that investment to help planning and building for future success. We go into the play-offs with a clear understanding of that performance and a determination to deliver.
"Shay and Marcus are both fit to join the squad. Marcus was on the bench at Seaview last week but I felt Harry’s injury came too early to risk Moko, though I thought Joe did very well for us when he came on. Harry’s injury isn’t as bad as it initially looked. It was really unfortunate for him after he took his chance so well, rose to the challenge and looked so comfortable at first team level. But with a bit of time and rest, hopefully we’ll have Harry available for the start of next season.
"Finally I’d like to congratulate Aidan and Conor for their selection in the NIFL/NIFWA Premiership Team of the Season, in Conor’s case for the second season in a row. It’s a great acknowledgement of the two lads, considering they’ve both been unlucky with injuries at different stages of the season. I feel Bobby and Terry also could easily have merited a place for their consistently outstanding performances but I understand how competitive the league has been this season with so many good teams and so many good players on top of their game.”
Tickets are still available for this game at www.glentoran.com/tickets . Season tickets are not valid for this game.
