It’s time for some festive cheer Blues

History does not read too well in this famous meeting of the two rivals with Portadown way out in front, but it is up to the present squad to forget about the past and produce a match winning performance.

“Boxing Day is a massive game for us and there is no bigger an occasion for a player bar a cup final,” said manager Gary Hamilton.

“The fact we have sold out our tickets a week ahead of the game shows just how big a game this is for the fans.

“We can forget about form. It’s all about who turns up and who wants it most on the day.”

Hamilton stressed it was vital to get control of the game early on.

“I feel the team that gets on top first can usually go on and control the game.

“We need a bright start, we don’t want to start the way we did on Saturday.

“If your opponent gets on top then their supporters getting behind them and it makes it very difficult.”

Ahead of Glenavon’s biggest domestic game of the season the club released this statement:

‘All supporters are reminded ahead of the Boxing Day game that alcohol, glass containers, glass bottles, fireworks and flares are prohibited from all public areas within Mourneview Park. Due to health and safety restrictions all tins and plastic bottles of drink (with tops attached) will also be banned from all the stands. Any person detected trying to bring any such item into the ground or Stands will have it confiscated and be denied access if they don’t co-operate. Anyone deemed drunk will not be permitted through the turnstiles. We ask for your co-operation with any directions given by the stewards in advance’.

Glenavon supporters should note that on passing through the turnstiles and the main entrance they must retain their part of the ticket as access to the Geddis Stand and Crescent Stand will only be permitted on production of that ticket for the respective stand.