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Glens face Crues at Seaview

Fri, 29/08/2014 - 16:24

It has been a frustrating start to the season for Glentoran. Performances have been decent despite the squad being limited and we have played some very encouraging football. An excellent display to draw at the defending champions Cliftonville on the opening day and a solid victory over Warrenpoint made for an encouraging start. However it was our other two fixtures that have caused such frustration. The devastating 3-2 defeat at home to Linfield having been 2-0 up early in the second half and a late equaliser last weekend against Ballinamallard are costly points dropped even at these early stages. The most frustrating aspect for Eddie Patterson will be the manner of the two last kick goals with both coming from poor defending from set pieces.

Tomorrow's game is huge for momentum against another tough opponent in Crusaders. In recent years Glentoran's form on Crusaders 3G pitch has been very poor, the only noticeable victory coming through a late Darren Boyce winner on the opening game of the season a number of years ago. Crusaders have made home a fortress in recent seasons and are always tough to beat. 

Following the mixed start to the season, Glentoran lie in 5th position on 5 points, already 5 points behind early pace-setters Ballymena Utd. It has been a similar story for Crusaders as well. They also have 5 points but in 7th place due to goal difference. After two draws to start against Glenavon and Ballymena, The Crues got their first win at home to Ballinamallard before their first defeat last weekend against Portadown with Paul Heatley seeing red. 

Team news for Glentoran this weekend sees Elliott Morris remain out injured with Aaron Hogg not expected to be fit either so Chris Keenan may remain in goals. Following Jay Magee's return last weekend and Calum Birney's return in mid-week's league cup encounter with Moyola Park, Glentoran have finally got a few more options in defence. They will however miss Barry Holland who will be on holiday and miss the game. Danny McKee may be included after returning from his holiday which will be a boost to Glentoran's attack having both McKee and Allen available together for the first time this season.

For Crusaders, they will be happy to see the return of experienced midfielder Chris Morrow who returns from holiday. 

The pain of late goals against Linfield and Ballinamallard could be put right tomorrow with victory at Seaview. Come down and support the team and hopefully see our season get back on track! COYG

Footnote: The PSNI have requested that Glentoran supporters buses approach Seaview from Fortwilliam. Supporters can be dropped off at the ground and the PSNI will be in attendance to assist with parking.