Derby tonic the target for Blues

A Boxing Day victory would be the perfect tonic for the beleaguered Lurgan Blues and a great way to end their dismal December.
Gary Hamilton - suspended for derby.Gary Hamilton - suspended for derby.
Gary Hamilton - suspended for derby.

Easier said than done. Portadown are desperate to get their title challenge back on track after two defeats in a row and will see the visit of Glenavon as a chance to bounce back quickly.

“At this minute in time we are going through a sticky patch, but the important thing is for us to stick together,” says manager Gary Hamilton who is suspended for this encounter.

“Because of our recent bad results you can see our confidence is down but we will continue to work hard behind the scenes to try and turn it around as soon as we can.

“Because it is a derby the boys will not need any motivation. We need to battle, work hard and hopefully we can get a little bit of good luck this time out.”

Portadown won the last two meetings this season but the 600 strong band of Glenavon fans, perhaps going more in hope, can perhaps be the extra man for Gary Hamilton’s side.

Going on results it looks a home banker, but putting those aside Glenavon are creating chances and it is only a matter of time before they get that much needed confidence boosting victory.

After suffering concussion on Saturday, Paddy McNally is not allowed to play because of the ten day rule covering a head injury, but the good news for Glenavon fans is the return of Mark Patton.

Hamilton wanted to ‘ease’ his winger back gently, but after his excellent 90 minutes at Ballinamallard and if he suffers no reaction, he could start on Boxing Day.

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