Glenavon can not afford to rest on their laurels going into Saturday’s game against Carrick Rangers, according to Gary Hamilton.
The Lurgan Blues go into the game off the back of their first win of the season on Tuesday night against Ballymena – a win which pleased the boss to no end.
“It was the first time that both parts of our game have come together,” Gary told the club website.
“It was a good performance – defensively we were sound. I think Ballymena really only had one shot on goal.
“It was a bit like the Dungannon and the Glentoran game in that we were good defensively, but in the game against Dungannon we didn’t do it attacking-wise, whereas against Coleraine and Portadown we played well going forward but we didn’t defend well. It was nice to get both parts of the game together.
“It was a good result, we played well, and we put a good performance in but there’s no point in playing like that if we don’t take it into Saturday’s game and get another result.”
Keeping up that level of performance is crucial with memories of our two previous outings against Carrick still fresh in the manager’s memory.
“Carrick last year gave us an awful tanking down there last year and at home we beat them 1-0 but they had a lot more chances than us,” he said.
“It’s always been difficult because of the way they play – they’re physical, they’re big, they’re strong and they’re well set up.
“Set pieces are a big thing with them as well so the key thing is not to concede too many set pieces in dangerous areas and hopefully defend as well as we did the other night. In attack we need to play as well as we did on Tuesday night with the quality that we have.
“We can’t rest on our laurels because we beat Ballymena the other night. It was only one result and we have to make sure that we are ready for it, that we put in a good performance and cut out the set pieces in dangerous areas.”
There are no injury concerns to report while Andrew Doyle is back from suspension so, for the first time this season, the manager has a full squad to pick from.
Saturday’s game against Carrick Rangers is being live streamed for just £5 (replays available after the game for £3). This week’s coverage features highlights from the Coleraine and Ballymena games. We have co-commentary from former Glenavon and Carrick Rangers player Colin Crawford, interviews with Gary Hamilton and Colin Coates, plus at half time we will have a special interview with Paddy Burns as he tells us about how he is getting on in the United States… it’s one you won’t want to miss. To buy the stream visit 247.tv/niprem and for further help and advice on how to watch the game click here.
LAST TIME OUT – December 10, 2019 – Glenavon 1-0 Carrick Rangers: Glenavon earned a much-needed win against Carrick Rangers on Tuesday night as Daniel Larmour scored the only goal of the game against his former club on the half-hour mark.
OFFICIALS: To be confirmed
SPONSORS:
MATCH SPONSOR: Ex-Directors
BALL SPONSORS: City of Armagh Glenavon Supporters Club
MAN OF THE MATCH SPONSOR: Ken Cardwell
