Irish Premiership: Hamilton praises Glenavon team after securing play-off spot
- Published
Danny Purkis gives Glenavon an early lead at Mourneview Park.
Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton says making the European play-offs is a credit to his players after "horrendous decisions" against them this season.
A 1-1 draw against Dungannon Swifts was enough to pip Ballymena United, who beat Portadown, to seventh place.
"We wasted clear-cut chances but we needed a draw to get into the play-offs and thankfully we got it," he said.
"But for the refereeing decisions we would have finished in the top six and that's fact."
He added: "The players have been a credit - if we didn't make the play-offs it would have been a disaster and not fair on them given the horrendous decisions we've had this season."
Lurgan Blues striker Daniel Purkis took advantage of some poor Dungannon defending to slide past Roy Carroll in the first minute at Mourneview Park.
Wasteful hosts
Ben Gallagher levelled before half-time and the hosts spurned a number of chances to secure a comfortable win.
Glenavon one point clear of Ballymena, who defeated Portadown 4-2 at the Showgrounds.
The Ports took the lead in the second minute when Conor Keeley's attempted clearance came off the back of Ruairi Croskery.
Shay McCartan equalised on 14 with his 20th goal of the season - a free header from Ryan Waide's left-wing cross.
The visitors regained their lead as Sam Warde drilled a low free-kick through a crowded penalty area and into the bottom corner in the 20th minute.
Six minutes before the interval Trai Hume restored parity with a well-struck left-foot effort, then midway into the second half Keeley edged Ballymena in front with a stunning 25-yard drive.
Ryan Harpur ensured the three points with a header from another Waide left-wing delivery.
Watch the goals from Saturday's final round of Irish Premiership fixtures here