Sports Direct Premiership: Linfield v Glenavon (Saturday, 3pm)
Glenavon couldn’t have a tougher fixture to build on Tuesday night’s win over Crusaders than Linfield, says Mourneview defender Mark Haughey.
The Lurgan Blues came from a goal behind to beat the Crues 3-1 and now turn their attention to the Sports Direct Premiership leaders tomorrow at Windsor Park.
The 33-year-old has spent his entire career playing for both clubs, a glorious eight-year spell with the Blues between two periods with Glenavon, where he came through the ranks.
The two teams are at opposite ends of the table; after beating Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday Linfield are 11 points clear at the top, while Glenavon are third from bottom and recently replaced manager Stevie McDonnell with Paddy McLaughlin.
David Healy’s team have also scored 12 goals more than any other team in the division, with Coleraine target Joel Cooper the top scorer with 11 goals, and Haughey knows Saturday will be a tough proposition.
“Getting the three points against Crusaders was massive for us”, said the Newry man.
“We know how important the win was for us.
“Obviously we want to build on the win, but there aren’t many games more difficult than Linfield at Windsor Park.
“The table doesn’t lie, they are top of the league for a reason because they know how to win games, I know that from my own time at Linfield.
“They have quality all over the park and their front three – or front four, depending on who the No 10 is – are dangerous with their movement and understanding of each other.
“Joel Cooper is having a great season and I know Matthew Fitzpatrick from his time at Glenavon, he’s strong, can hold the ball well and he’s scoring goals.
“I played with Kirk Millar at Windsor Park and he is an excellent player, his work rate is constant and he’s always a threat.
“Linfield are sharing goalscoring duties and that’s the sign of a good team.”
Tuesday night’s win over Crusaders saw Haughey play a full 90 minutes for the first time since August, due to a groin injury.
It was McLaughlin’s first win after losing to Portadown and drawing 3-3 with Coleraine, so the team is moving in the right direction.
Six goals in two games is a plus for a team that has scored fewer goals than everyone bar Larne, who have played five games fewer.
“It’s no secret that goals have been an issue in the first half of the season”, said Haughey.
“Paddy hasn’t done anything major. The demands the staff have put on the squad, in terms of tempo, that’s probably the big difference.
“As a group of players we seem to have more energy, we seem to have more in the tank.
“Paddy and I have been very honest with each other. He was honest about me and where I am, I asked if I would get an opportunity and he said yes.
“Tuesday night felt good, particularly mentally, it was good to be back playing.
“The more game time I get, the better I feel.”
