Glenavon numbers game starting to add up

The Lurgan Blues tackle league leaders Linfield today aiming to build on a first win of the campaign that also served up a welcome clean sheet.

Hamilton’s men now sit unbeaten since derby defeat on the opening weekend of the Danske Bank Premiership and the Glenavon boss counts increased options as central to that improved form - most notably, league minutes for summer signings Matthew Fitzpatrick and Michael O’Connor.

“Matthew had been doing well in pre-season then picked up an injury the week before the start of the season but has come back in and done really well,” said Hamilton. “He has scored against Coleraine and Ballymena in recent weeks so is sitting on two goals from two starts.

“Greg Moorhouse also came off the bench and scored, so we have positive options now along the frontline when you add in Danny Purkis and Jordan Jenkins.

“Matthew links well with any of the other three forwards and they tend to play on the shoulder but he provides that foil.

“Similar to Eoin Bradley, Matthew wins his headers and has the strength to turn defenders so that makes opponents wary.

“Michael’s return is also a big plus as he offers our midfield something different and I felt he was one of the best on the pitch against Coleraine and added real experience when used as a sub in the Ballymena match.

“Michael has the experience from his career to know where to be and when, plus he can organise others around him.

“He may not bring the energy of a Robert Garrett or Matthew Snoddy but can weigh in with more assists and goals from the middle of the park.

“I encourage Robbie and Matthew to shoot more and even in the minutes Michael’s played you can see him try his luck from distance as you never know what can happen.

“That increased competition for places is a real bonus, you never want players in a comfort zone, plus it gives us options tactically.

“It has been disrupted so far but now things are getting closer to what we want.”

Glenavon return to Windsor Park this weekend aiming to exorcise the ghosts of past pain - having slumped to defeats at Linfield last season by, respectively, 7-0 and 8-1.

“We stepped up, dominated from start to finish and restricted the Ballymena threat for a really good win,” said Hamilton. “It felt like both parts of our game really came together - we created lots of chances and looked strong at the back.

“It was great to get that first win of the Premiership season and first clean sheet.

“We showed a lack of belief last season and fear at Windsor Park.

“We cannot allow that to happen this time so as much as we obviously face any game with the aim of a win, it’s also important we give a much better account and put things right.

“If we lose to a better side on the day we can only hold our hands up but last season was embarrassing.

“Over the January and summer transfer windows we’ve added to the squad so have the players and experience capable of handling the situation much better.”

q A Northern Ireland Football League Board meeting has been planned for Monday in the aftermath of the fresh NI Executive lockdown from November 27 that includes a ban on spectators at all elite sports.

It is understood the first-phase distribution of the COVID-19 financial sports package for member clubs will feature on the agenda - alongside fresh start dates for the Championship and other non-elite competitions.