Michael O’Connor labelled Glenavon’s display during their 3-0 Premiership defeat to Linfield as “probably the worst since we've come in” and has sent another warning to his players that “big changes are coming”.

Saturday’s result means the Lurgan Blues are now 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table with only 10 matches left to play and face an uphill task to preserve top-flight status.

Former Glenavon striker Matthew Fitzpatrick scored in both halves – following up his midweek hat-trick against Dungannon Swifts in style – while Sam Taylor also got on the scoresheet, marking only a fourth away win of the season for David Healy’s men.

O’Connor was left frustrated with his side’s performance and accused his team of going “through the motions”.

placeholder image — Matthew Fitzpatrick celebrates scoring against his former club. (Photo by Alan Weir/Pacemaker Press)

"I thought the first 10-15 minutes we looked decent, we looked bright, we looked lively, we had a couple of chances with Peter Campbell,” he said. "I think once Fitzy got the first goal, I think there was only one team there today, it was Linfield.

"At 1-0 at half-time. I said to the boys at half-time, ‘listen, start the second half really brightly, try and play on the front foot’.

"From our kick-off, 10 seconds later, they're in our box – that set the tone for the second half.

"They got the second, got the third, but listen, our boys went through the motions today, especially in the second half. It's not acceptable.

"There'll be big changes coming next week. Yeah, it's not acceptable. It's probably the worst we've played since we've come in.”

Glenavon were dealt a cruel Irish Cup blow when Jonny Addis struck in the dying seconds of last weekend’s tie at Cliftonville, but O’Connor’s men have now followed it up with consecutive league defeats to Carrick Rangers and Linfield.

O’Connor admits only a handful of players came out of Saturday’s showing with any credit.

"I made changes Tuesday, I made changes today...you get two young lads come on, Micky Harkin and Luke McGerrigan, teenagers – those two boys actually looked like the only ones that actually want to win, Paddy Burns was the other one,” he added. "I think Paddy comes out today with a bit of credit.

"I think everyone else needs to have a good look at themselves.”