'This is the proudest moment in my career' : Hamilton on a huge win for Glenavon in Europa League

Lurgan Blues see off Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Molde at Mourneview

Rhys Marshall
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 12th Jul 2018

Glenavon sealed one of the biggest wins in their history last night after beating Molde 2-1 in the home leg of their Europa League first-round qualifier.

The Lurgan Blues fought from a goal down to beat the Norwegian top-flight side with strikes from Rhys Marshall (pictured) and Josh Daniels.

Mourneview boss Gary Hamilton said the victory was up there with the finest moments of his career.

“I said to the boys I have been involved in football since I was 9 or 10 – I am now 37 and this is the most proud I have ever been in my career,” he said.

“There have been a lot of good wins – I won the Irish Cup, the Irish league but in terms of a one-off performance that is the top of the list for me

“It is a sense of pride for the players – there were 17 scouts watching Molde – we are talking Arsenal, Southampton, Feyenoord, we are talking top, top teams watching and they are obviously top, top players.

“For our boys to go out and put in such a performance like they did hopefully the scouts are going away and looking at our players

“Every one of them was outstanding.”

In the away dug-out was Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Molde boss, who had seen his side win their last three domestic games on the bounce, accused his players of naivety and said his and their pride was hurt.

Glenavon travel to Norway on July 19 for the return leg.