Emphasis on cup tie ahead of derby clash

Gary Hamilton is concerned Glenavon’s crucial Irish Cup replay scheduled for Monday night will have a negative affect of their chances of completing a hat-trick against rivals Portadown.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Feb 2014, 14:00 BST
©Russell Pritchard 14th September 2013 Danske Bank Premiership match between Glenavon and Ards FC at Mourneview Park, Lurgan Glenavons Manager, Gary Hamilton at Saturdays Match. ©Russell Pritchard / Presseye©Russell Pritchard 14th September 2013 Danske Bank Premiership match between Glenavon and Ards FC at Mourneview Park, Lurgan Glenavons Manager, Gary Hamilton at Saturdays Match. ©Russell Pritchard / Presseye
©Russell Pritchard 14th September 2013 Danske Bank Premiership match between Glenavon and Ards FC at Mourneview Park, Lurgan Glenavons Manager, Gary Hamilton at Saturdays Match. ©Russell Pritchard / Presseye

The Blues have already seen off the Ports twice this season, winning 4-2 at Shamrock Park before Mark Patton’s last gasp striker earned their first Boxing Day derby victory since 1996.

However, the boss says Glenavon will have one eye on Monday’s Irish Cup tie at Ballinamallard.

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“There are different things to be considered,” he told the ‘MAIL.’

“We’re not going to win the Irish League so is it better to concentrate on the cup game and getting through to the next round or is it better to concentrate on finishing sixth?

“That’s the question we have to ask and where it becomes a big decision for us.

“We’d have loved to have played the Cup game last week, saw where it took us and solely concentrate on Portadown.

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“Unfortunately, our part-time footballers have a derby on Saturday and a big cup game on Monday night. They have two important games in three days.”

Therefore, Hamilton hinted at widespread changes to the team between the two matches.

“We have to take the squad into account,” he said.

Related topics:PortadownBluesGlenavonPorts