THIS IS A HAM FISTED DEMAND

Glenavon v Dungannon Mourneview Park, 7.45pm

GLENAVON boss Gary Hamilton has branded a decision to stage rescheduled Tennent’s Irish Cup ties on a Monday night “absolutely ridiculous”.

Four sixth round ties, postponed 10 days ago, will be completed this evening and not midweek as they cannot be played on the same night as UEFA Champions League ties.

Hamilton understands the UEFA ruling, but believes the staging of these fixtures 48 hours after weekend league games is unfair.

Ahead of tonight’s last-16 clash with Dungannon, he said: “It’s abysmal and the powers that be should take a long look at themselves for asking part-time players to play two games in three days.

“You wouldn’t ask any full-time league in England or Spain to play two games in three days, so the lack of consideration is obvious.

“The Irish Cup is the biggest cup competition here with a big sponsor and they need to be rewarded with quality ties, so everyone is being let down.

“I know there are Champions League ties on Tuesday and Wednesday night, but why didn’t we play last Tuesday night and move last week’s midweek league games to later in the season?”

Ballymena United, who lie second in the league, host Championship outfit Portadown with a League Cup final looming large with Linfield on Saturday.

“Our next game is Portadown and that’s where our full focus lies,” said boss David Jeffrey.

Elsewhere, Warrenpoint Town host Premier Intermediate outfit Queen’s University, while Championship clubs Ballinamallard United and Carrick Rangers clash at Ferney Park.

TONIGHT’S TIES (7.45pm): Ballinamallard United v Carrick Ballymena United v Portadown Glenavon v Dungannon Swifts Warrenpoint Town v Queen’s

ANGRY Gary Hamilton feels players are getting a raw deal