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Steven Crawford

Only two players escape Gary Hamilton's wrath as defeat leaves him 'disgusted'

Gary Hamilton pulled no punches saying he was "absolutely disgusted" by Glenavon's performance in the defeat at derby rivals Portadown on Saturday evening.

The Lurgan Blues' hopes of securing a European play-off spot were dented as the Ports ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Stephen Teggart and Alan O'Sullivan (2).

Hamilton was scathing in his assessment of his side with only Rory Brown, who saved a first half penalty from Cathair Friel, and teenage midfielder Jamie Doran escaping criticism.

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"I'm actually disgusted,” he told Glenavon TV.

“I hold my hands up - I'm the manager who picks the team and we've let supporters and the club down massively today. I'm absolutely disgusted with the performance.

"It's so frustrating because you see us against Crusaders the other night and the same team take the pitch today and we're a goal down after five minutes.

"Only for Rory Brown in the first half - we looked like we had never defended before and that's the reality of it.

"They've had three or four chances, gave them a penalty and Rory makes a great save and you're saying to yourself that hopefully that gives them the lift. We had a great support here today and you're looking to send them home happy.

"I also have to excuse Jamie Doran from that because he was absolutely outstanding. The worrying thing for us as a coaching staff is a 19-year-old kid today we were relying on.

"From minute one we looked all over the shop. The third goal for me was unbelievable. We threw the ball up the pitch, they've cleared it and I turn around and Sean Ward is 10/15 yards up the pitch and O'Sullivan is in the middle of the pitch running through on goal.

"That's criminal and you're not going to get results defending like that. That's just the pinnacle of it because it was like that throughout. From the first minute to the 90th we looked nervous defensively.

"It's nowhere near good enough and I want better for this club. It wasn't acceptable and it's demoralising - there's no point saying any different.

"Everybody is hurting and so they should be. The players didn't do their jobs on the pitch today and I can only apologise to the supporters as manager for the performance. We had a great crowd out today and they deserved better than that.

"Seventh is our chance of getting at least a semi-final of a European play-off - that's our only opportunity and they've wasted another opportunity to get three points today and move into seventh spot."

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