Whites seek home win over Glenavon

TOMMY Wright celebrated one year in charge at Lisburn Distillery this week - a year which has seen the Whites' fortunes on the pitch improve dramatically.

They were doomed to relegation when he took over in September last year, but the former Northern Ireland international goalkeeper never gave up hope and Distillery not only survived the drop but became a very competitive team again.

In 32 league games under Wright the Whites have taken 41 points which is a remarkable return considering just how low they had sunk.

"We have a decent run going and the challenge to the players now is to keep it going and keep picking up the points," said Wright. "It has been a much better start to the season than last year but the pressure is on every week to keep performing at the highest level because the matches are so tough. There are no easy games and you have to scrap and fight for everything.

"We did well last week to get a point off Cliftonville whom we have found very difficult to break down in recent games. On Saturday we face Glenavon, a team whose form has been a bit up and down. They made a great start winning the first four games but then lost the next five so it just shows how quickly things can change.

"Marty Quinn has spent a bit of money and gathered a good squad and with players like Mark Miskimmon, Trevor Molloy and Tony Grant in the front line we know the danger they pose."

Wright hopes to have goalkeeper Phil Matthews back after a bout of flu and will have a late fitness check on striker Glenn Ferguson who had to come off in the second half last Saturday. Ferguson was expected to be used sparingly but it was three games in a week for the 41-year-old. "The situation with Glenn is I leave the call up to him. If he is feeling okay and fit to play then we go with that."