Glenavon travel to league leaders Linfield this Saturday, keen to get back on track following their less than impressive performance against Carrick Rangers last week.

Gary Hamilton conceded himself that the only positive he could take from the game was the manner of their recovery. 2-0 down with 90 minutes on the clock, late goals by Matthew Snoddy and Matthew Fitzpatrick rescued a point for the travelling Lurgan Blues.

“We probably shaded the play and possession of the ball and the chances, but the manner of their two goals was criminal,” said Gary after last week’s game.

“It was a strange game of football but I was just happy that we just kept digging into the end.”

Glenavon have won just won of their last six meetings against the Premiership pacesetters, losing their last meeting at Mourneview Park in November.

They have also lost their last three visits to Windsor Park, with our last victory at the National Stadium coming in a 4-0 trouncing in April 2019.

Those stats might not make for pleasant reading, but tomorrow’s squad will see the return of a couple of familiar faces.

“We’ll have Peter and Ribsy back so that will give us a boost in our numbers,” added Gary.

“Linfield is always a difficult game no matter when you play them and this week will be no different.

“Hopefully we can take confidence from the couple of late goals we got last week against Carrick Rangers and try and get a result at Windsor Park.”

Glenavon will be without club captain James Singleton, who is suspended, while Jamie Doran remains injured.

LAST TIME OUT: Gary Hamilton felt Linfield were simply too good for his Glenavon side during their 3-0 defeat on November 28.

Christy Manzinga put the visitors ahead on 12 minutes, scoring at the second attempt after getting onto Kirk Millar’s long pass.

The same player scored just before the half hour mark, again from a Millar pass which this time came across the box, with Manzinga finding the net from close range.

Ahmed Salam put the game beyond doubt on 39 minutes, volleying past Taylor.

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Lee Tavinder

ASSISTANT REFEREES: Ken Ross, John Doherty

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Barry Monaghan