Hamilton to keep faith in his in-form Lurgan Blues

The Lurgan Blues will return to league action following a fortnight’s gap aiming to extend the perfect home record at the expense of struggling Ballinamallard.

Hamilton’s long-term pursuit of prizes has been bolstered by some familiar faces back in Glenavon colours across recent weeks but the boss is expected to maintain his policy of sticking with a successful side.

Kevin Braniff has scored three goals and clocked up appearances across two games at Mourneview Park since Glenavon’s previous Danske Bank Premiership outing against Ards. Kyle Neill also added minutes across the League Cup and reserves’ fixture list in pursuit of progress back towards the senior set-up.

“We do not disrupt a winning side,” said Hamilton. “Every player knows that is the policy but it is great to have more players available for playing time.”

Hamilton will review the availability of Rhys Marshall, Joel Cooper and Mark Sykes following international duty for the trio with Northern Ireland under 21s.

Ballinamallard manager Gavin Dykes, however, has warned his senior squad he is prepared to drop down the roster in a bid to resolve a return of just one point from six league games.

“We have an under 20s side and I’ve no problem putting them in because we’ll get honesty and desire from them,” warned Dykes after last weekend’s defeat by Coleraine.”