chance to go top

Glenavon take on Ballinamallard United at Mourneview Park on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Despite Portadown beating Whitey Anderson’s side 11-0 earlier in the season, Hamilton isn’t expecting such an easy ride and has warned his players not to ease up after Monday’s 4-2 victory.

“Ballinamallard are a strong team and we need to be on our game and be consistent in terms of our work-rate and attitude,” he said.

“We can beat anybody on our day but we need to have those things right. It would be great to follow up Monday night’s victory with a win but anybody can beat anybody in this league.

“If we keep the same levels as we put in against Portadown then there’s no reason why we can’t get a result. Even a point would be an improvement on last year when they beat us twice at Mourneview Park.”

Hamilton started his first league game of the season on Monday evening and is in line for his second against the Mallards, having lasted 83 minutes at Shamrock Park. The boss is delighted with his striking options with himself, Guy Bates, David Rainey and Mark Farren all available for selection.

“It’ll more than likely be the same starting eleven on Friday night,” he said.

“I felt good although near the end of the match I decided to come off because, when you have players like Mark Farren on the bench, there’s no sense in staying on when you’re tiring. Mark looked good when he came on. It’s great to have him back in contention. He’s a player who was a big part of our team last season. When he was in, David Rainey and I found it difficult to get into the team. Then David got in and now I’ve got my chance. Hopefully I can make it hard for them to get in.”