Gary Hamilton has called for his Glenavon team to show a reaction following their Irish Cup exit to Dungannon Swifts.

Today they go to the Showgrounds to take on eighth placed Ballymena United. Win and they can increase the gap on their opponents for that final European play-off spot.

Hamilton was scathingly honest in his post-match interview which you can see by clicking here.

With reference to Saturday’s game, he said, “It’s up to the players now. I’m sick, sore and tired of backing them up.

“It’s up to them to do it for the club and for the supporters. The least they can do is giving them a crack at European football.

“The only way they can do that is by finishing seventh. It’s in their hands, it’s up to them to produce it now.

“It’s going to be a tough game. It’ll not be easy and they will be going into the game with confidence after beating Portadown in the cup.

“We have to make sure that we are ready for it and ensure that we bounce back from the defeat to Dungannon.”

Matthew Snoddy is suspended following his red card, while Andy Hall, Aaron Harmon and Colin Coates are all out injured.

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Keith Kennedy

ASSISTANT REFEREES: Gareth Eakin, Gavin Hegarty

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Glenn Buchanan

LAST TIME OUT: Glenavon edged out Ballymena United in a five-goal thriller at Mourneview Park on Saturday afternoon, the Lurgan Blues triumphing 3-2 to move level on points with the Sky Blues.

The home side led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from captain James Singleton and Greg Moorhouse.

Ballymena were much improved in the second half, and they hauled themselves level through a Jonathan Addis header and a glaring error from Glenavon goalkeeper Craig Hyland.

However, the Lurgan Blues responded, and they were awarded a penalty on 78 minutes when Ryan Harpur upended Peter Campbell following a superb run from Danny Purkis. Purkis stepped up to convert the spot-kick.