Back in the game

Barry Gray expects an intriguing battle when Cliftonville lock horns with Glenavon tomorrow and believes the fixture can confound most observers’ pre-match predictions.

The Reds travel to Mourneview Park on the back of last weekend’s victory over Dungannon Swifts and, up against a Lurgan Blues side that has registered more Danske Bank Premiership goals than any other team this season, boss Gray has called for big performances right across the pitch.

“People keep talking about our attack and the same with Glenavon, we both have a lot of talented players at the top end of the field,” he explains.

“The game’s not just about strikers, though, and you need your defence to keep opponents quiet and need the midfield to chip in and do their bit too. Team performances are ultimately what matter and, as I said after the Dungannon game, I can see signs of partnerships and understandings developing that weren’t there before. We’re trying to find that connection and we’re getting there.

“I’m sure anyone looking in at this match probably won’t talk too much about defenders, but they’re going to be important for both teams because there’s no doubt that both sets of forwards are dangerous and will pose a threat.”

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