Braniff’s derby goal

Braniff spent around eight years lining out for the Ports against Glenavon but will be pushing for a Lurgan win this weekend.

The striker left Shamrock Park last season following a breakdown in the relationship between the player and manager Ronnie McFall, with Braniff relocating to Australia before returning home then signing a Glenavon contract.

Saturday will provide Braniff with a first meeting against his former-team-mates but the in-form forward remains adamant his only goal is a Glenavon win.

“I always enjoyed the Mid-Ulster derby games in the past but, of course, this time I am going to be wearing Glenavon blue,” said Braniff. “I will just play my normal game and these games never need anything extra but take care of themselves.

“We can go into the match with confidence high after a good run of results and, to be honest, we feel disappointed not to have more on the board.

“The Dungannon Swifts defeat was a massive disappointment but now it is three wins on the bounce and confidence is high.”

Braniff feels his own game is starting to kick into gear after an initial period of adjustment.

“I am enjoying my football at Glenavon and know the goal is to finish as high in the league as possible, especially after the club winning last season’s Irish Cup,” said Braniff. “Both sides will be evenly matched on Saturday.

“The partnership up top with Eoin Bradley seems to be working and our three-game winning run shows the team is playing well as a group.”

Kick-off on Saturday will be 3pm.