GLENAVON v GLENTORAN: Gary Hamilton believes Lurgan Blues will get back on track

Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton will be looking to put the last few days behind him as they face Glentoran in the Danske Bank Premiership.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2018, 15:09 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2018, 16:09 BST
Glentorans John McGuigan is loving life under manager Ronnie McFallGlentorans John McGuigan is loving life under manager Ronnie McFall
Glentorans John McGuigan is loving life under manager Ronnie McFall

Hamilton had to look on as his side crashed out of the Irish Cup 2-1 to Loughgall and then he watched as his team were dispatched 6-1 by league leaders Crusaders on Tuesday night.

But the Lurgan Blues chief expects his side to come out fighting against the Glens.

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“If the boys perform like they did against Crusaders, show the same effort and desire then they have a great chance of getting a result.

“I think if they play to those levels against Glentoran they have a chance.

“Against Crusaders you are playing the best team in the country and in the first half against them we were the better team.

“But through poor decisions from us and the referee they have got themselves in front in the game and top sides don’t give it away.

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“And they punish you for every mistake you make, but if you play teams around us or below us you might get away with the odd mistake - but you can’t get away with it against Crusaders.”

And Glentoran’s John McGuigan believes they can finish the season on a high note under interim boss Ronnie McFall.

And the veteran manager has made an instant impact with Glentoran earning back-to-back wins in the Premiership .

A gutsy 1-0 victory over Cliftonville was followed by a 5-0 hammering of Warrenpoint Town.

“It has been a great response since Ronnie came in.

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“We have got two good wins on the bounce and confidence is rising.

“We have worked a lot on shape with Ronnie. Keeping a tight unit when we don’t have possession, and also keeping our shape when we have the ball.

“Also playing a 4-4-2 seems to have helped us.

“Having the likes of Curtis Allen and Robbie McDaid up front has been great, and the two lads have been firing in the goals. So obviously they enjoy playing together.

“We have looked well organised in the past two games, and that’s something we will continue working on.

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“We are scoring goals, but just as important is we haven’t conceded in the two games. That’s massive for us.”

And McGuigan believes McFall has used all his years in the game to calm the Glens down.

“He is so experienced, and he has been in the game for a long time. He knows what he is about and things are relaxed,” McGuigan added

Related topics:GlenavonGlentoranLoughgall