QUEST FOR SURVIVAL

GLENAVON host Donegal Celtic at Mourneview Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) as they look to pick up three massive points in their quest for survival.

The Blues should have secured victory in both of their last two matches before conceding injury time equalisers in both games. And now Gary Hamilton’s men play in front of their own fans as they look to compensate for those errors with a much needed victory on Saturday.

Fans appeared shell-shocked as they left Seaview after watching their side throw away a three goal lead in the final nine minutes (including injury-time) and are surely owed a big display as DC visit Mourneview Park this weekend.

Manager Gary Hamilton is also hoping for big performances in the final three matches, targeting maximum points as his side bid to stay ahead of Carrick Rangers and Dungannon Swifts to avoid the drop.

“We still feel that another three wins are needed,” he said.

“Seven points out of the three games might be enough but we’re targeting three wins.

“All of the matches are as important as each other now. The good thing about this one is that Donegal Celtic aren’t playing for their lives at the bottom of the table but then they’re sitting safe of relegation so that means they’re a good team compared to the bottom four.

“If we can show the work-rate, effort and commitment that is required at this level then nothing will be a problem for us but if we play like we did in the first half against Distillery on Saturday then we’ll be under pressure.

“In the last five games, we said we’re only going to concentrate on ourselves because our ability is as good as anyone else’s. We need to look after our own performance and if we give the required work rate then we’re good enough to compete with anyone.”

However, the Blues will have to do it all without left-back Mark Turkington who has suffered another injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

“Turk came back and we were hoping to have him in the squad for last week’s games but he did his ankle ligaments in training,” said boss Hamilton.

“It’s a big blow to the club because the stats say that when Turk and Kyle Neill play together on the left, we get a result.

“Kyle has done well at left-back though and he played there earlier in his career before becoming a winger during his time at Glentoran. He’s reverting to his normal position now so you know what to expect from him in there and we’re confident that he can do a job for us.”

Related topics: