‘lET’S WIN HOME LEG’

It may be a mountain to climb, but Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton wants his team to aim for a win tonight (Thursday) at Mourneview Park.

To turn around a 3-0 deficit would really be too much to expect, but if the Lurgan Blues can score the first goal early on then it does exert a little pressure on opponents Hafnarfjordur.

“They are a full-time outfit and really we cannot afford to go gung-ho because they have quality and players who can hit us on the break,” said Gary.

“I can see them scoring an away goal, so that would mean us scoring five and that just does not happen at this level of football.

“Without going on an all out attack we will pick an offensive team and that means we will bring in Ciaran Martyn who can always chip in with a goal from midfield. It’s a massive ask, but if we can go into the break 1-0 ahead then we can have a real go in the second half and see what unfolds.

“Our biggest worry is getting the players mentally prepared. The tie is all but dead and when you go in 3-0 down it can be hard to focus the same as if we had all to play for if the tie was still 0-0.

“However, we have a good bunch of lads here and I’m sure they will want to go out and make a point by winning the home leg, no matter what the scoreline.

“I could not fault the team in the first leg. In fact, it was the most complete performance I have seen since I came here in that first 80 minutes. We were solid at the back, assured and confident in midfield and up front. Then the legs went and with the players both physically and mentally drained we just could not hold out for the result our performance deserved.”

Ticket prices for the second leg tonight are £10 and £7 concession.