Glentoran's frustrating start to the Danske Bank Premiership continued with more late drama costing Eddie Patterson's side vital points in last week's draw in Ballymena. Despite the hosts being down to 10 men throughout after an early red card Glentoran struggled to see the game out and Ballymena equalised for 2-2 in the dying moments of the game. Following Linfield's late winner at The Oval in August and Ballinamallard's last ditch equaliser a week after, Glentoran have conceded three costly goals in stoppage time already this season. Remarkably, the five points dropped from those games would be the difference between Glentoran's current position of 8th in the table verus, painfully, being top of the league as we only trail the lead by four points.
It is clear that the team have played some decent stuff this season and a little more composure in the latter stages of games could see us start to climb the table quickly.
This weekend we are on the road again against newly promoted Institute in Drumahoe. Stute have one point more than Glentoran and lie in 7th position. Following two defeats they defeated Ballinamallard Utd last week to move ahead of Glentoran in the table.
For tomorrow's game, Kim Nelson remains unlikely to feature after his injury against Coleraine. Jay Magee and Barry Holland will also be doubts. Institute will miss Michael McCrudden through injury.
Good luck to the boys and let's get over the line and return to winning ways! COYG