Hamilton's high hopes for Glenavon upturn

Hamilton finished frustrated at the loss of leads to both Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts but was quick to highlight the improvement in form compared to the earlier defeat by Ballinamallard United.

His frustration extended to the match officials and decisions not to award what the Glenavon boss considered strong penalty claims against the Glens and in last weekend’s derby date at Dungannon.

“We cannot control the penalty situations but feel strongly that both games featured incidents which should have gone in our favour and offered the potential to turn draws into wins,” said Hamilton. “In terms of the players, I cannot fault the effort and am pleased to see the game-on-game improvement from Ballinamallard to Glentoran to Dungannon.

“We cannot ignore a return of three games without a league win but, also, feel our luck will change and the players should gain some confidence from the performance levels against Glentoran and Dungannon.”

Hamilton has also confirmed the club’s decision to appeal a red card issued to the Glenavon player/manager following his introduction on Saturday as a substitute - one of three dismissals on the day.

“There are discrepancies between the verbal explanation given to me for my red card by the referee after the Dungannon game compared to the description used in his written report,” said Hamilton. “Therefore, we will certainly lodge an appeal.”

Kick-off in Coleraine will be 3 o’clock.