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Glentoran
bounced back from Tuesday’s disappointing defeat
to claim a well-earned victory over Coleraine at the
Showgrounds today, whilst being cheered to victory
by a spirited travelling support.
A
dogged opening 60 minutes gave way to an enthralling
final half hour, as the Glens romped home 4-1
victors, thanks to goals from Gary Hamilton, Tim
McCann, Colin Nixon and the returning Kyle Neill.
The
first half was a tight affair, with chances few and
far between for either side. McDonald’s men looked
to be keeping things tight, taking few chances yet
maintaining their shape as the sought to return to
winning ways.
Half
chances fell to David Scullion and Philip Carson,
with neither able to direct their right-footed
efforts on target. At the other end, Elliott Morris
went untested for the duration of the first half,
only having to get involved to claim a few crossed
balls.
The
first half was blustery simply because of the
weather conditions, but as he second half kicked
off, it was clear the Glens were ready to raise a
storm and get back to winning ways.
Scullion
carved open the home defence early, and his
dangerous cross to the back post was met by the head
of the on-rushing McCann. The winger was
disappointed to see his effort miss the target.
Glentoran
were playing with a purpose, tempo and a
determination that perhaps was lacking in the first
45 minutes, and the break-through goal was soon to
come.
Coleraine
had defended stoutly throughout the match until that
point, but when he ever-dangerous McCann provided
the service from the right wing, Michael Halliday
wisely left the ball for Hamilton, who swivelled to
connect with the ball and send it into the bottom
left hand corner.
Hamilton
wheeled away to celebrate his 50th
Glentoran goal.
The
in-form striker went close a few minutes later after
good work from Philip Carson created an opening, but
his left-footed effort fired wide of the goal.
On
65 minutes it was 2-0, as Tim McCann capitalised on
poor defensive play to magnificently lob home his
second goal of the league campaign, and all but seal
the win as the home side now looked deflated.
Cheered
on by a sizable and vocal support, Glentoran took
the game by the throat and added third goal from the
penalty spot.
Another
attack down the right wing saw Jamie McGovern
deliver a ball to the middle, which was cut out by
the hand of a Coleraine defender, and referee
Stephen Weatherall had no hesitation in pointing to
the spot.
Colin
Nixon stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong
way, and score his second goal in a week.
The
confidence was now oozing from the Glens players,
with everyone wanting the ball and seeking to get
involved in play. This was epitomised by the
ever-lively Hamilton, when he attempted to replicate
McCann’s effort on 78 minutes.
After
collecting a throw-in, Hamilton noticed the
‘keeper off his line and lofted an audacious
effort from 30 yards which almost resulted in
another goal to the Glens’ tally.
With
just 9 minutes left Coleraine got a consolation
goal, with Boyce tapping home after Morris had done
well to palm away a long range effort.
But
Glentoran were not to be disheartened at this, and
continued to press for more goals. Kyle Neill had
come off the bench to replace Scullion, and his
dangerous corner-kicks seemed the most likely source
of a forth goal.
As
it turned out, Neill was to get that goal himself.
An excellent move built up from the Glens’ defence,
cutting right through the home team. The number of
passes in the move must surely have reached double
figures, before the ball came to Neill on the edge
of the penalty box, and his inch perfect shot capped
a great return to the team.
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