Pat Hoban has set his sights on an immediate response as Glentoran look to bounce back from their disappointment against Larne on the road at Glenavon (Kick-off 3pm).

The Glens’ four-game winning streak came to an end on Tuesday night as the league leaders ran out 4-1 winners at the BetMcLean Oval.

After a tight opening 30 minutes, with Daniel Larmour’s header cancelling out Paul O’Neill’s early penalty for the visitors, the game turned before the break when the hosts where reduced to 10-men after Ryan Cooney was sent off for a challenge on Sean Graham.

Glentoran were left frustrated further refereeing decisions as a Ryan Nolan handball went unpunished before Chris Gallagher, who put the Invermen back in front before half-time, escaped a second yellow for a mistimed tackle.

Hoban though insists the Glens have to learn from the defeat and move onto the next game as they look to get back to winning ways again.

Pat Hoban said: “It was a frustrating night for us on Tuesday night but we can’t afford to dwell on it.

“It’s over and done with now so we have to move on, take our learnings and focus on the next game.

“There were plenty of positives for us to take away from the match. Even after going down to 10-men I felt we still tried to play our own game and put the pressure on Larne.

“Unfortunately, we were undone a couple of times, but I think the score line was a bit harsh in the end.

“Ultimately though we have lost the match and our winning run is over, but it’s important that we start another one.

“We’ve come far in the last few weeks, we have worked hard for those results, and hard work will help us get back to winning ways again.”

After coming up against the Irish Premiership leaders during the week it’s a trip to bottom-of-table Glenavon up next for Glentoran.

Despite their lowly position the Lurgan Blues have shown their quality with wins over Linfield and Ballymena United in their recent league games.

Hoban knows the Glens cannot afford to take their opponents lightly as they look to get back to winning ways again. 

Hoban said: “I know it’s a cliché, but there are no easy games in this league that’s for sure.

“It doesn’t matter where any team are in the table anyone is capable of getting a result.

“Glenavon may be at the foot of the table, but they have shown with some of their recent performances that they have plenty of quality in the squad.

“They have players who can produce and punish you and we have to make sure that we are ready for that.

“We certainly won’t be taking anything for granted. We have to go there and go about our business in the right manner with hard work and effort.”

Hoban has settled into life in east Belfast with consummate ease since his summer move to The BetMcLean Oval following a prolific career in the League of Ireland.

He continues to be a real threat in front of goal in the Irish League with 16 goals to his name already this term, including eight in his last five games.

Hoban boosted his tally with that double hat-trick at Carrick Rangers over the festive period and while he is pleased to be amongst the goals the former Dundalk frontman says results are the most important thing.

Pat said: “I’m pleased with how things have gone so far but as a striker you’re probably always eyeing up more goals.

“To be sitting on 14 league goals at this stage is good but ultimately it’s all about the results for the team.

“The best thing is to be scoring goals to help the team win games, thankfully I have been able to do that in recent weeks.

“The game against Carrick was a special day, but it was a great performance by the whole team. 

“I was able to score the goals because of the team and the chances they helped create.

“That’s something we have been doing well over recent performances and we have also had a lot of players chip in with goals as well. 

“If you’re going to be successful you need the goals to be shared out, and thankfully we have a number of players who are a real threat in the opposition box.”

It’s a busy week for Glentoran with Saturday’s game at Glenavon being quickly followed by their third game in seven days with their rearranged Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round tie against Strabane Athletic next Tuesday night.

The 34-year-old though is relishing the busy schedule and is hoping it continues over the next few weeks.

Hoban concluded: “You want to be playing plenty of games over the next weeks as it will mean we are winning matches and progressing in the cup,” said the experienced striker.

“As a player you’d rather be playing games than training so I don’t think you’ll have to many complaints from the squad about the schedule.

“This is the business end of the season we are coming into and every game carries that bit more weight in terms of the league and cup.

“We want to win as many games between now and the end of the season and see where that takes us.

“Our most important game now is the next one, especially after the result against Larne the other night. 

“We will need the support of the fans now more than ever. They have been excellent for us all season and I know they will be right behind us again come Saturday. 

“It’s up to us now to produce a performance and result to send them back up the road again happy.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Glenavon, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glenavonfc.com/away-ticket-sales/