The official Glentoran FC Internet Site. - Football in Northern Ireland (Belfast)

Match Report

Photographs

Glentoran were today held to a scoreless draw, as Lisburn Distillery managed to shut out the Glens for the first time this season, at the fifth time of asking.

Alan McDonald's men were unable to find a way past a resolute and stubborn Distillery rear-guard, and the result means that the two teams will do it all again this coming Wednesday (7:45pm), as the Irish Cup 5th round tie is replayed at Distillery's New Grosvenor stadium.

Unfortunately, for most of the match, it was clear that these teams were facing each other for the 5th time in just 149 days. And it was obvious that Distillery were simply looking to avoid the same result as the first four contests, as they set out their stall to earn a replay.

Alan McDonald welcomed Daryl Fordyce back from injury, and back into the first team, while BJ McMenamin, returning from a loan spell at Bangor, claimed a spot on the substitutes bench beside McDonald's latest signing, Darren Boyce.

In terms of goal-mouth action, the first half was uninspiring. The Glens were restricted to shots from outside the penalty box, and although Fitzgerald, Fordyce (twice), and Kyle Neill went close, none tested the visiting goalkeeper.

But on 36 minutes there was the first moment of controversy of the afternoon. Gary Hamilton latched onto a through ball, and raced towards goal, only to be hauled down by Paul Muir. Hamilton felt this was a blatant penalty, but referee Courtney waved his appeals away, and booked Hamilton for his protests.

Moments later would see the introduction of Darren Boyce in place of the injured Dean Fitzgerald.

Michael Halliday would head just over from a Hamilton cross, before Boyce was welcomed to the game by a crude challenge from Whites defender, Stuart Thompson. Thompson's challenge rightly earned him a yellow card, as it was late and dangerous. It was just the start of an intriguing contest between the two.

As the second half started, it looked like the Glens were going to need something special to break through the stoic Whites back-line. Boyce and Hamilton linked up well to almost get that chance, but a well timed challenge from Muir cleared the danger.

At the other end, Distillery sent a timely reminder that the Glens could be punished if the home team didn't find a way through. Stephen Shaw saw his shot come off the outside of Elliot
Morris' post, as the Whites continued to try and play on the break.

It was one of a very few times that McDonald's men got stretched at the back. Gary Browne and Andy Waterworth put in a lot of effort for the visitors, but their end product was rarely threatening and they were caught offside on numerous occasions and Leeman marshaled his charges well at the back.

The Glens retained their composure, and tried to find a way through, with Fordyce again shooting off target, and Boyce having his header well saved by Matthews.

Controversy reigned again just moments later, as Thompson again came in with a very late, very heavy, and two footed challenge on Boyce. There was no question that this challenge should be punished by the official, and the majority of on-lookers thought it would just be a matter for the ref to decide if it was a second yellow card, or a straight red card offence.

But amazingly, the referee's assistant and the man in the middle decided that no free-kick should be given, and no punishment dished out to the over-zealous, and incredibly fortunate Thompson.

Boyce did not let this throw him from his game, and kept focused to remain influential on his debut. He played a measured through-pass to Hamilton, and as the forward tried to find space in the box he found that Muir had wrapped two arms around him, and positioned his body in an obstructing position. Hamilton was given no opportunity to play the ball, move towards the ball, or move anywhere, as he was completely restricted by the grip of the defender. Yet Courtney again waved away the loud shouts for a penalty for what seemed like a blatantly illegal challenge.

Glentoran's best chance of the half came to Michael Halliday on 75 minutes, as the striker found the ball at his feet 16 yards from goal. His shot was headed for the bottom corner of the net, but again Matthews was equal to it, and smothered the effort well.

Paul Leeman would blaze a shot over just a few minutes later, and the game would seem to be petering out until injury time.

In the dying moments, both teams had a chance to grasp the victory. Firstly, Michael Ferguson saw a stinging drive beaten away by Elliot Morris, while at the other end, timely defending was needed to cut out a dangerous Hamilton cross, before the lurking Boyce could apply the finishing touch.

The result means that the teams meet again on Wednesday, and Distillery will need to show more positivity if they hope to progress any further in the competition. McDonald's men may need to brace themselves for more of the same, and continue the probing search for a crack in the armour of Distillery.

Courtesy of
Russell Pritchard/
PRESSEYE