Massive crowd sees Lurgan Blues defeat Rathfriland

Glenavon, who had player-manager and former Northern Ireland international Gary Hamilton in their line-up, went a goal up on the quarter hour mark through former Newcastle United striker Guy Bates and then went on to go 2–0 up 10 minutes before the break – trialist Lee Toland, who was also with the Magpies, doubling the score.

Early in the second half Rathfriland missed a great opportunity to pull a goal back when Glenn Waddell’s penalty was saved by Andy Coleman but the home side went on to give the Lurgan Blues a decent game.

After Glenavon took a 3–0 lead through Darren Munce Ally Wilson then pulled a goal back with a great turn and shot from outside the box which squeezed inside the post to make it 3–1.

The visitors scored another from close range from new signing Sean McCashin but the goal of the game was scored on the 80 minute mark when substitute Stevie Coulter unleashed a 30 yard scorcher into the top corner for a fantastic goal to leave the final scoreline at 4–2 to Glenavon.

Overall it was a very good workout and a particularly pleasing second half performance from the Whites.

It was great to see a big crowd at the match from the local community. Pre season often gives the opportunities for games like these and this fixture certainly didn’t disappoint.

After playing Rathfriland Rangers in a friendly on Wednesday evening Glenavon’s next game was against Millwall on Saturday, who were on a tour of Ireland, with the Lurgan Blues losing 3–0.

PRE SEASON CONTINUES FOR RANGERS - An away fixture to Donaghcloney precedes a home fixture against Warrenpoint Town with Ards Rangers (away) and Scarva following at home.
A long trip south of the border to Carlow Town on Saturday August 4 is the penultimate game before a final home fixture against Brian Adair’s former employers’ Loughgall. 
Wednesdat July 25 – Donaghcloney (A), 7pm; Thursday July 26 – Warrenpoint (H) 7pm; Surday July 28 – Ards Rangers (A) 3pm; Tuesday July 31; Scarva Rangers (H), 7pm; Saturday August 4 – Carlow Town (A) 4pm; Tuesday August 7 – Loughgall (H) 7pm.

Swifts Pre Season - Rathfriland Swifts, who play in the Reserve Championship, continue a series of games that will see them prepare for their second season in the Mid Ulster’s new league. The glamour friendly has to be the fixture against Portadown Reserves on Saturday August 4.
All matches are home fixture and are as follows: Saturday July 28 - Ballybot FC; Saturday August 4 - Portadown Reserves; Tuesday August 7 - Loughgall Reserves; Saturday August 11 – TBC.
The Saturday fixtures will be 2pm kick offs and the Tuesday fixture at 7pm - why not come along and spectate at what is an impressive pre season warm up campaign.
COMMITTEE MEETING - The August committee meeting will take place at the clubrooms on Tuesday 21st August at 7pm. Please note the new earlier start time.

SENTRY DUTY: Thursday July 26 – Mark I, Eric, Lindsay, Chub; Saturday July 28 – Roy A, Rodney, Chub; Tuesday July 31 – Trevor W, Junior; Saturday August 4 – Mark I, Lindsay; Tuesday August 7 – Gary W, Rodney, Brian T.

MEMBERSHIP - Could everyone be reminded that with the new season getting underway that the 2012/13 membership fees are now due: £30 - employed; £15 - students, unemployed, senior citizens.

PRE – SEASON FRIENDLY – SWIFTS v ORCHARD CITY - Rathfriland Swifts hosted new local club Orchard City in a pre season friendly at Iveagh Park on Saturday past. City won the game 3–0 with three first half goals but the game was marred by a serious injury midway through the second half to Swifts captain Ryan Monaghan and was sensibly blew up early by referee Wayne Gibson.
BEST WISHES - Best wishes to former Rathfriland player Clifford Sterritt and the rest of his colleagues in their inaugural season as a new club in the Carnbane league.

GET WELL SOON - Best wishes for a speedy recovery goes to Swifts player and captain Ryan Monaghan who suffered a double break of his right leg during the Swifts friendly with Orchard City on Saturday past. Ryan is one of the games` great gentlemen and a true clubman and all players and officials wish him a speedy recovery. Get well soon Ryan.

RATHFRILAND FC YOUTH - Rathfriland FC Youth are holding their registration night this Wednesday evening, July 25, from 7-8pm for all existing and new players with coaching commencing next Wednesday August 1 from 7-8pm.