Hamilton calling on his Lurgan Blues to leave their woes in past

GLENAVON boss Gary Hamilton has admitted he can’t wait to see the end of March.

It has been a dire month for the Lurgan Blues, who have failed to win a match and been dumped out of the Irish Cup.

And it has undone what had been a fine start to 2018, when they embarked on a 10-game unbeaten run. Now, as the season enters its final weeks, Hamilton is hoping for an upturn in fortunes.

“March has been a bad month for us, but hopefully now that it’s almost gone we can pick up again,” he said. “Hopefully that was our blip for the season.”

Glenavon had been in impressive form going into March, winning 2-0 at Linfield to take a firm grip on third. But it all went wrong, starting with a shock 2-1 home loss to Championship side Loughgall in the Irish Cup.

That was followed by a 6-1 de- feat by Crusaders. After draws against Glentoran and Ballinamallard, they slumped to a stoppage-time defeat at Dungannon last Friday night.

Hamilton (below) was unhappy with their first-half display, and believes they need to improve in the post-split run-in.

He added: “If we get the second-half performance from Friday night we stand a chance against anybody. But if we get the same as we got in the first half, it will be a long April.

“We have five difficult games, they are big games. If you can’t get yourself up for them and get the energy levels and commitment that’s required, there is something wrong.”

Having looked certain to finish third, Glenavon could be overtaken by Linfield if they lose when the sides meet on Tuesday.

“You keep working hard — that’s what you do in life,” he added. “When things are going against you, you work harder to get out of it.”