It may not be the biggest Mid-Ulster derby, but tonight’s Sports Direct Premiership clash between Dungannon Swifts and Glenavon has always had plenty of bite.
There is only 20 miles between the two clubs but this particular derby game only began in 2003 when the Swifts first arrived in the top flight of local football.
Since then there have been several tasty encounters, including a 1-1 draw at Stangmore Park in September 2016 that saw three players – Kris Lindsay, Ryan Harpur and Gary Hamilton – sent off.
The two clubs are currently at either end of the Premiership league table going into tonight’s game at Stangmore, with Dungannon enjoying an exhilarating campaign that sees the Tyrone club in second place.
Glenavon endured a slow start to the season and dismissed manager Stevie McDonnell in November, with Paddy McLaughlin coming in to breathe new life into the Lurgan Blues, who are 10th in the league.
Swifts boss Rodney McAree has particular insight into the fixture as he played for both teams on his return from England and says it is one of the most eagerly awaited games of the season.
“It’s always a game you look forward to”, said McAree, who played for Fulham and Bristol City early in his playing career.
“Obviously Glenavon’s big Mid-Ulster derby is against Portadown but ever since we came into the Irish League there’s been a big rivalry between us and Glenavon.
“I suppose when there’s a short distance between the clubs, you want to try and show that you’re better than the opposition, and you want to give your supporters something to shout about as well.
“There have been a few occasions when the game has blown up as such, a few fracas here and there, there’s that aspect that comes with the game.
“It’s a good game. I played for Glenavon when I came home from England, so there’s a little bit added for the local lads and certain boys who have played for both clubs like myself.
“It’s one I look forward to and relish.”
Both teams are in great form, having won their last three games in a row and Glenavon have only lost two games from seven since McLaughlin arrived at Mourneview Park.
McAree has a high regard for what his counterpart has done and suspects this may be influencing McLaughlin’s thinking in the transfer market.
“Paddy has certainly put a bit of bounce into the team.
“He hasn’t made too many changes. I expected more incomings at Mourneview but he’s maybe got a little bit more of a response from the players that he has and feels he doesn’t need to add too many.
“They’ve a lot of good players. Ryhs Marshall is back playing in the middle of the park, the two full-backs, Len O’Sullivan and David Toure, are good players, they’ve got a lot of players who can hurt you so we have to make sure we are as good as we possibly can.”
