Fans of both Glenavon and our visitors tomorrow, Portadown, are understandably excited about the prospect of what could be the most significant Mid-Ulster derby in years as both clubs compete, along with deposed Champions Cliftonville, for a lucrative European qualifying place. The third-placed Lurgan Blues are two points ahead of neighbours Portadown with the Wee Reds a further point back.

Gary Hamilton looks to extend a six-game winning run of league games to seven in Glenavon’s final home game of the season, a result which, depending on other results, could clinch that coveted third place.

The Glenavon manager has called on all Lurgan Blues fans to turn out in numbers and be the ‘extra man’ tomorrow. “The fans have really got behind us and were magnificent on Saturday against Linfield. It was great to see and hear them,” Gary told us as he looked ahead to the game. “Everybody at the club, fans, officials and players is really looking forward to the game; we can’t wait for what is probably the club’s biggest game in years. It’s all credit to the boys who have been excellent the last 4 or 5 weeks and have got us to this point and hopefully we can see it out tomorrow. It won’t be easy with two very good sides involved but we’ll be giving it our all to try to get to where we want to be.”

With ‘Kids go FREE’ again tomorrow there really is no excuse for not getting along to cheer on the Lurgan Blues.

Remember, it’s YOUR club, YOUR support! Get out in force on Saturday and back the boys in Blue as they strive towards @EuropaLeague.

Souvenir Programme

On Sale tomorrow price £2 – could become a collector’s item!

Statistician’s Corner

The current winning sequence has had fans and armchair statisticians searching their memories and the record books to find the last time such a run of results happened. Considering the fact that the recent results include beating three top-six teams including Cliftonville (2-3 and 5-0) and Linfield (1-0 and 0-2)  twice each and vanquishing Glentoran 4-0 it’s an achievement of real significance.

In fact you have to go back to the beginning of the 1993-94 season to find an equal or better sequence, when Glenavon, after drawing on the opening day of the league, went on to win the next 12 league games.

Match Officials

Mega Draw

A reminder that the first winners in the 125th Anniversary Mega Draw will be drawn at tomorrow’s game. If you haven’t got your ticket yet there’s still time: The Club Shop Blue Zone is open tonight (Friday) from 7-8:30 pm and tomorrow prior to the game for sale of Mega Draw tickets and Club merchandise.

Post-Match

The Annual Player awards will be made in the Bedeck Suite after the game and this will be followed by an evening of entertainment featuring music by the ever-popular Ronnie Mac and Margo.

Our Sponsors

Match Sponsor tomorrow is MP for the local Upper Bann constituency, David Simpson.

The Ball is sponsored by a quartet of fans comprising of George McNally, Brian Odgers, Laurence Davidson and Brian Odgers Jnr and Milne Funeral Services.

The Glenavon ‘Man of the Match’ sponsor is Craigavon Koi and Aquatics, located 3 miles from Lurgan heading towards Gilford in the village of Bleary. The company’s aim is to offer a wide range of fish and pond supplies all under one roof.