It's important Glentoran start another winning run after Larne defeat, says goal machine Pat Hoban
After watching their four-match winning streak come to an end on Tuesday night, a determined Pat Hoban is aiming to help Glentoran get back to picking up victories.
The men from east Belfast were beaten 4-1 by league leaders Larne on Tuesday night as their title hopes suffered a crushing setback against Gary Haveron’s side.
After equalising through Daniel Larmour, the Glens then suffered a blow when Ryan Cooney was dismissed for a tackle on Sean Graham and Larne then seized the initiative to take the lead through Chris Gallagher’s effort.
The three points were then secured by the visitors as Paul O’Neill added his second before Tomas Cosgrove got in on the act late on.
Hoban though insists the Glens have to learn from the defeat and move onto the next game away at Glenavon on Saturday afternoon.
"It was a frustrating night for us on Tuesday night but we can't afford to dwell on it,” the experienced campaigner said.
"It's over and done with now so we have to move on, take our learnings and focus on the next game.
"There were plenty of positives for us to take away from the match. Even after going down to 10-men I felt we still tried to play our own game and put the pressure on Larne.
"Unfortunately, we were undone a couple of times, but I think the score line was a bit harsh in the end.
"Ultimately though we have lost the match and our winning run is over, but it's important that we start another one.
"We've come far in the last few weeks, we have worked hard for those results, and hard work will help us get back to winning ways again."
Glenavon remain footed to the bottom of the Premiership standings but Hoban warned they can ill-afford to take the Lurgan Blues lightly.
He explained: "I know it's a cliché, but there are no easy games in this league that's for sure.
"It doesn't matter where any team are in the table anyone is capable of getting a result.
"Glenavon may be at the foot of the table, but they have shown with some of their recent performances that they have plenty of quality in the squad.
"They have players who can produce and punish you and we have to make sure that we are ready for that.
"We certainly won't be taking anything for granted. We have to go there and go about our business in the right manner with hard work and effort."
Former Dundalk man Hoban has 14 league goals to his name so far this campaign and scored a notable double hat-trick against Carrick Rangers recently.
Like every striker – he just wants to simply find the back of the net more often between now and the end of the season.
"I'm pleased with how things have gone so far but as a striker you're probably always eyeing up more goals,” he continued.
"To be sitting on 14 league goals at this stage is good but ultimately it's all about the results for the team.
"The best thing is to be scoring goals to help the team win games, thankfully I have been able to do that in recent weeks.
"If you're going to be successful you need the goals to be shared out, and thankfully we have a number of players who are a real threat in the opposition box."