Gary’s top tribute
Boss Hamilton dedicates win to partner Faye’s seriously ill dad as Glenavon hit league summit
GLENAVON boss Gary Hamilton dedicated his side’s 2-0 win over Ards last night to his partner’s father, who is seriously ill in hospital.
Hamilton didn’t arrive at the Bangor Fuels Arena until nearly half-time as he was at Altnagelvin Hospital, where Faye’s dad Eugene is in a coma after falling at home.
After goals from Stephen Murray and Andrew Mitchell shot the Lurgan Blues to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership, Hamilton (right) said: “It’s a tough time for Faye and the family. He was a remarkable man and he’s been so supportive to me.”
Glenavon coach Kris Lindsay was, meanwhile, confirmed as the new Dungannon Swifts manager after the Tyrone side recorded a superb 3-2 win at home to Crusaders.
“When the opportunity arose, it was something
I was excited about and I couldn’t turn it down and let it pass me by,” said the former Portadown,
Linfield and Lurgan
Blues defender.
It’s a fourth Premiership defeat of the season for champions Crusaders who are now nine points behind the leaders.
A Stephen O’Donnell header 11 minutes from time earned 10-man Coleraine a 2-2 draw against Ballymena United after Eoin Bradley had earlier been sent off for striking Jim Ervin.
But it’s Glenavon who are leading the standings after eight games and they are now unbeaten in the Danske Bank Premiership since the opening day of the season.
GARY Hamilton last night watched his Glenavon side soar to the top of the Premiership and dedicated the win over Ards to Eugene McFarland who is seriously ill in hospital.
Goals from Stephen Murray and Andrew Mitchell were enough to sink Ards and send the Lurgan Blues above Linfield in the standings.
Glenavon haven’t tasted a league defeat since the opening day of the campaign and, on the evidence of this performance, can certainly be classed as serious title contenders.
Hamilton (below) didn’t arrive at the Bangor Fuels Arena until almost half time as he was at the bedside of Eugene, father of his partner Faye.
“He took a fall down stairs at the weekend and took a blow to the back of the head,” said Gary.
“He’s been in a coma since.
“I was late down to the game because I was at the Altnagelvin Hosa pital. It’s tough time for Faye and the family. He is a remarkable man and is mad into his
sports. He’s been so supportive to me.
“Sometimes other things in life take precedence, so it was important for me to be there for Faye.”
Hamilton also confirmed after the game that coach Kris Lindsay would be leaving the club to take up the manager’s post at Dungannon Swifts.
“I would like to wish Kris every success in his new career,” added Hamilton. “What a tremendous professional he has been at Glenavon, both as player and coach.”
After the early sparring, the Lurgan Blues missed a golden chance to take the lead after only six minutes. Defender
Caolan
Marron’s monster clearance sent Murray hurtling into the box and, with only goalkeeper Sam Johnston to beat, he managed to screw his shot wide.
It was an early wake-up call for Colin Nixon’s Ards. Josh Kelly managed to work a yard of space on the edge of the box, but he totally miscued his shot.
Glenavon forged ahead on nine minutes. Referee Lee Tavinder was perfectly placed to award a penalty kick when Josh Daniels buckled under a challenge from Kelly.
Murray confidently stepped up to send Johnston the wrong way from the spot — the first time the young shot-stopper had been beaten in 475 minutes of action.
Battling Ards attempted to repair the damage with tricky David McAllister whipping in a teasing cross from the left that lanky striker Mark Kelly just failed to convert.
Then young Ryan Strain — on loan from Linfield — displayed his potential by tricking and teasing his way along the 18-yard box before unleashing a vicious left-footed drive that flashed inches past the post, much to the relief of Johnny Tuffey.
The visitors carved out another decent chance just before the half-hour, with Aaron Harmon scything his way into the Ards half but, after his penetrating run, his shot failed to trouble Johnston.
Glenavon asked all the questions after the restart. Murray’s clever reverse pass sent Sykes racing into the box, but he could only loft his shot into the side netting.
Mitchell was then inches away from converting a teasing cross from Daniels before Sykes roared forward, letting fly from the edge of the box — the ball flashing high and wide.
It was all Glenavon. The impressive Sykes turned provider just before the hour, crossing for Daniels, whose spectacular scissors kick inched just over the top.
But it was left to Mitchell to put the icing on the cake by hitting a stunning second 17 minutes from time. He outmuscled Johnny Taylor wide on the right and, after cutting in, unleashed a stunning drive that exploded into the top corner.