Gary Hamilton has called upon his players to “stand up and be counted” ahead of tonight’s Mid-Ulster derby against old rivals Portadown.

Glenavon are looking for their second league win of the season, with a victory having the potential to lift them up to eighth place in the table.

The Lurgan Blues’ league form of late hasn’t been great, having taken just one point out of their three Premiership games in September. They suffered defeats at the hands of Newry City and Cliftonville and a draw against Carrick Rangers.

They face a Portadown side tonight which has suffered defeat in every game they have played in the Premiership this season.

So what is it going to take to send the travelling support back across Craigavon with a smile on their face?

“It’s a derby game and we need to show the fight and battle that it requires to win these games,” Gary said.

“Sometimes football goes out the window and its all about who wants it more. The players need to stand up and be counted.”

Glenavon will be without Andrew Doyle and Jamie Doran for tonight’s game at Shamrock Park, which has a 7.45pm kick off.

Tickets for the game can still be purchased by clicking here or, if you are unable to make it, the game is being streamed live on the BBC iPlayer.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Christopher Morrison

Assistant referees: Stephen Donaldson, Ryan Kelsey

Fourth Official: Steven Gregg

LAST TIME OUT: Glenavon secured seventh spot and a place in the European play-offs as they defeated Mid-Ulster rivals Portadown 1-0 at Mourneview Park back in April. Danny Wallace scored his first goal for Glenavon as he headed home from Peter Campbell’s 14th-minute corner, and that proved to be the winner.