Hamilton: 'We owe the Glenavon fans'

Last weekend’s Belfast blues left Glenavon nursing a 4-0 defeat from the date with Linfield.

Lurgan boss Gary Hamilton is backing his players to produce a positive response in front of the home support - but admits the target extends beyond the reward of three points.

“We owe the fans,” said Hamilton. “Our away backing was excellent last weekend but we produced an uncharacteristic performance, lacking in the expected hunger and work-rate.

“There is never a right time to produce such a flat display but we have all been around the game long enough to realise it can happen.

“The important point now is to respond in the right way and Friday’s game against Ards gives us a chance, although we know only too well what can happen if the attitude is not correct.

“We do not want to make excuses and must accept those supporters who, quite rightly, had a go last weekend.

“Our away support is always impressive but you also look to your home crowd to give you something extra and that has been the case at Mourneview Park.

“We need that extra man but cannot expect the fans to give us the best backing if we do not perform.

“It is up to us to start off on the right foot with a bright performance that can help the fans get behind us.”

Glenavon face high-flying Ards tomorrow then play host to Tobermore United next Tuesday in the NIFL League Cup, with kick-off 7.45 in both games.

“Ards are full of confidence and will provide a real test, especially after such a great start,” said Hamilton. “We will also look at the Tobermore match down the line and review the squad to handle both games in the best way possible for the group.

“It does not matter who you play and in what competition, we cannot expect to get anything from a game if the commitment levels do not meet the right standards.”

Glenavon chairman Adrian Teer has confirmed the issue of supporters’ logistics at Windsor Park will be discussed tonight (Thursday) during a Board of Directors meeting.

Fans have highlighted a number of problems encountered by sections of the fanbase who made the trip to Windsor Park, including entry delays and ticket concerns.

“It is our scheduled meeting but we will discuss the Linfield match,” said Teer. “We are gathering information at present.”