Michael O'Connor still not looking at the league table as Glenavon supremo targets points return from 'big week'
Michael O’Connor says he is continuing not to look at the Sports Direct Premiership table as he aims to prevent Glenavon from suffering relegation.
The Lurgan Blues provided themselves with a major boost in their survival push as they won a Premiership game for the first time on the road this season last Saturday.
A brace from Conor Falls – added to Barney McKeown’s well-taken header – gave Glenavon away day joy at Bangor.
That result, coupled with Crusaders’ loss at Cliftonville, means the gap between the two teams is now seven points having both played the same amount of games.
"Honestly, I haven't looked in about five or six weeks,” he said.
“I think we just have to worry about ourselves. There's still 27 points to play for.
"We'll try and pick up points every week. It's a big week this week for us. I think about four or five weeks ago, I showed the boys on the big screen that this week is going to be a massive three-game week.
"Let’s see if we can pick up maximum points, if not, can we pick up six or seven points and close the gap on Crusaders.”
O’Connor’s boys are on their travels to Ballymena United this evening as the Sky Blues look to respond from their narrow defeat to derby rivals Coleraine last Friday night.
A goal from Will Patching separated the two teams but United were guilty of missing two big chances in the second half to perhaps earn a point as Coleraine stopper Ryan Schofield make key saves to thwart Sean Murray and Success Edogun.
Oran Kearney brought in several new players during the recent January transfer window and his recruitment has impressed O’Connor.
He added: “Oran’s had a good transfer window and signed a lot of players.
“They did well on Friday night against Coleraine and as I said, they signed really well in January.
"It's whether they can start getting their players to play the way Oran wants to play.
"Every game in this league is going to be tough between now and the end of the season. We have to treat it as nine cup finals. Saturday was our first one and we passed it.”