FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Glenavon v Portstewart

The start of the 2021-22 Bet McLean League Cup provides a welcome distraction for Glenavon from the shock of their defeat to Carrick Rangers on Saturday.

Gary Hamilton promised after the weekend loss to make changes, and while that may have been the case anyway, some of his players will be out to prove a point against Portstewart (7.45pm).

It's likely that a number of fringe players will feature for the Lurgan Blues, giving them an opportunity force their way into contention for Saturday's league meeting against Ballymena United.

As you're about to find out, meetings between Glenavon and Portstewart have been fairly limited down the years, but here's five facts that will impress your mates at the match tonight.

1. Glenavon and Portstewart have only met competitively three times before tonight's game – twice in the League Cup and once in the Irish Cup. The last competitive meeting was in the 2019/20 League Cup with Glenavon running out 4-1 winners.
2. Portstewart are unbeaten in the Premier Intermediate League so far this season, having won two of their three games this season against Banbridge and Newington YC and drawing the other against Tobermore United.
3. The Seahawks have lost their only competitive game against opposition from a higher level, going down 2-1 to Institute in the North West Senior Cup last week.
4. Glenavon and Portstewart did meet in pre-season, with the Lurgan Blues running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Andy Waterworth and Kyle Beggs.
5. Glenavon are looking win the League Cup for the first time in over 30 years. Goals from Geoff Ferris (2) and Stevie Conville set Glenavon up for a 3-1 win over Newry Town in the 1989 decider