New Grosvenor has been a happy hunting ground for Glentoran in recent seasons and today they put in another decent performance to claim all 3 points and move up to 3rd in the Carling Premiership table.

The first half was a dull affair with both teams struggling to play flowing football on what appeared to be a difficult surface. The Glens’ first effort on goal came from Gary Hamilton on 7 minutes; his speculative lob almost catching out the Lisburn Distillery keeper, Brennan. Jimmy Callacher, who had another good game in central defence, did well to win the ball in midfield (13) and found Jason Hill. Hill’s pass put Carson away down the left but his cross was easily claimed by the keeper. Midway through the first half Kyle Cherry found Carson on the edge of the area. He beat a couple of defenders but then blazed hi shot over the crossbar. Ciaran Martyn latched onto a loose ball in the Distillery penalty area (25) but fired wide of the post. A minute later Jordan Hughes had an effort on target for the Whites and Elliott Morris had to be at his best to keep it out. Stephen Carson put in another great cross on 27 minutes; the ball just eluding Gary Hamilton in the 6-yard area. Former Glentoran player, Andy Hall did well down the right flank 10 minutes from the interval but despite creating a decent opportunity he failed with the final ball into the area. Right on half time Glentoran got their noses in front. Richard Clarke’s speculative shot was blocked in the area but the ball fell to Ciaran Martyn and he calmly side-stepped the keeper before slotting the ball home.

Sean Ward and Darren Boyce were introduced for the second half; Ward replacing Taylor (who’d been cautioned for a foul on Grant Gardiner) and Boyce replacing O’Hanlon. It was a much more purposeful Glentoran side in the second period. On 53 minutes Hamilton fed Boyce who found Carson on the left; his cross almost leading to a second goal. A minute later Boyce played a one-two with Clarke but he just failed to connect with the return pass. Ten minutes into the second half the Glens extended their advantage. Carson’s right wing corner was returned to him and his superb cross was headed home by Colin Nixon. Whites’ full back, Pat McShane tried his luck from long range (56) but his dipping effort was just over. On 58 minutes the points were sealed following another corner on the right and another great cross from Carson. This time Gary Hamilton got in front of the keeper to nod in. The Glens really were on top now with Lisburn Distillery restricted to a few long range attempts on goal. With 15 minutes remaining Hamilton scored the 4th. A harmless looking long ball out of defence was misjudged by two Distillery defenders leaving Hamilton with a clear run through on goal. As Billy Brennan came out to meet him, Hamilton coolly stroked the ball past him into the unguarded net. Gary was having an excellent game and 5 minutes from the end his stunning pass put Jason Hill clear on the left. Hill’s cross was met by Darren Boyce but the header went over the bar. In the final minute of stoppage time Richard Clarke did well to intercept the ball in central midfield. He found Boyce on the right and his excellent cross to the back post was finished off by David Howland.   

Glentoran: Morris, Taylor, Hill, Nixon (capt), Callacher, Clarke, Martyn, O’Hanlon, Carson, Cherry & Hamilton.
Subs: Ward & Boyce for O’Hanlon & Taylor (46) and Howland for Cherry (64).

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