crunch game ahead

It is the second phase of games with the Lurgan Blues home to Warrenpoint Town who they defeated on the opening day of the season 2-0.

Glenavon have always found the Milltown club formidable opponents and they have already shown how dangerous they can be with draws both at Cliftonville and recently Portadown.

Following the crushing League Cup blow, Glenavon and their fans need a boost.

“We will be working hard to get back to winning ways,” says manager Gary Hamilton.

“We are onto the next phase of games and looking at the table we are in a better position points-wise as we were this time last season.

“However, after a couple of bad results we need to bounce back. It will not be easy. At present we are having to cope with suspensions and injuries. It happens at every club but it is tough for us at the minute.

“We will have to get our heads down and work hard and hopefully we can pick up a win and start to play a settled team.

“Warrenpoint are a team with a great work ethic, they came up the ranks together and they have carried that strong team unity into the Premiership and we have to match their desire if we are to succeed in getting the result we need.”

Alan Blayney had to pull out of last Saturday’s game with stomach pains but he is hoping to be fit for Friday night.

“It just hit me all of a sudden,” said Alan. “I hope to shake it off in time for the Warrenpoint game.”

Conor Dillon is suspended, Kris Lindsay is a doubt along with Shane McCabe. William Murphy is nursing an ankle injury and Eoin Bradley who missed the midweek game is still out for Friday night as he is on a holiday booked before he signed for Glenavon.

With Mark Patton still making slow progress it is a real headache at present for the manager and his backroom team.