Be the extra man inclub’s biggest game

Saturday’s head to head clash with the Irish Cup finalists is another key game in the race for the Europa League.

A win for Glenavon could seal a 200,000 euro windfall for finishing third. It’s the biggest game for the club in decades and manager Gary Hamilton is calling on the fans to be the extra man.

“The fans have really got behind us and were magnificent on Saturday against Linfield. It was great to see and hear them, however, given how well we have been doing I thought we might have had more,” said Gary.

“It would be great to see a big home support on Saturday. They came out in force for the cup semi-final and final last year and it was a great help. This is not a cup final but it is a massive game and I hope they get behind the team from start to finish.

“It has been a great run since the win at Ballinamallard and now we sit third and potentially just a win away from getting the big prize.

“However, amid all the optimism we have to be cautious too and only our best efforts will get us a result against Portadown who are also keen to clinch third place. I’m not thinking about what team they will put out. I know they will not want to lose to their rivals and whatever team they play it will be tough.

“Our focus is on winning a match. That is the target and hopefully we can achieve it.”

Glenavon’s run of six straight wins is perhaps the best they have had when you consider the opposition they have not just beaten, but taken apart.

By all accounts it is the best run since they won the City Cup in 1966. After losing the first game they went on to win ten in a row to clinch the trophy.

Just one more win on Saturday and it will be a magnificent seven for the Lurgan Blues.