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Colin
Nixon celebrated his 555th appearance in
the famous Glentoran colours today, as the team
stormed back to the top of the table with a
comfortable 4 goal victory at The Oval.
Nixon
completed a memorable day by scoring in the 55th
minute, following up on Gary Hamilton’s opener.
Tim McCann and Chris Morgan rounded off the scoring
for Alan McDonald’s team.
The
Glens started off with a head of steam, and David
Scullion threatened in the first minute. His right
footed effort was well saved by the Institute
goalkeeper, who also snuffed out the follow-up.
Buoyed
by Tuesday night’s County Antrim Shield final
success, Glentoran bright from the first whistle,
and the visitors held out for just 3 minutes, before
Gary Hamilton controlled a right wing cross on his
chest, and executed a superb swivel and shot to give
the ‘keeper no chance.
After
the opening goal, the Glens took their foot off the
pedal and the game settled into a midfield battle,
with few chances coming to either side.
As
the half progressed, chances feel to Paul Leeman and
David Scullion, as Institute retaliated with
distance efforts threatening the goal of the
returning Elliott Morris.
But
neither goalkeeper had to work especially hard,
until the 41st minute when Morris
produced a magnificent right-handed save as the
striker shot right footed to the top corner of the
net. The ball looked destined for the back of the
net, but Morris proved that his instincts were sharp
as ever on his return to league competition.
Institute
built on this, applying pressure to the Glens
defence in the closing moments of the half,
attempting to capitalise on an injury to Sean Ward.
But
the Glens got to half time with their lead intact,
and Ward was replaced with his namesake, Michael,
for the second half.
The
second half started in similar vein to the first
half – with the ball ending up in the Institute
net.
Man
of the moment, Colin Nixon, supplied a well measured
through ball to Tim McCann on the right wing. The
visiting goalkeeper was quick to commit himself to
challenge McCann, but the winger was sharp to take
his chance early and beat the ‘keeper from an
angle to open his account for the season.
Nixon
was next to get in on the act, notching up a goal on
what will be one of the most memorable occasions of
his career. A dangerous Gary Hamilton corner caused
havoc in the visiting defence, and it was Nixon who
showed predatory instincts to put the ball into the
net.
Glentoran
were now looking comfortable as it began to look
like the game was beyond the visitors. Only one
further goal was to follow, but they would have to
wait until the dying seconds of the game.
A
good move down the wing saw the ball come to the
impressive Tim McCann. McCann found Michael Halliday
in the penalty box, and he centred the ball for
Morgan to score with a simple finish.
Glentoran
now move to the top of the table on goal difference,
and look forward to their second semi-final of the
season, with Crusaders at Windsor Park this Tuesday
evening.
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