Ballymena United v Glentoran
Looking at results over the past 3 seasons in games between the teams in the Danske Bank Premiership, Glentoran have had the better of things with 6 wins, 2 draws and just 1 defeat in the 9 meetings.
The 2013-14 season sat the opening game at the Oval finish scoreless with Glentoran winning the other two; 4-3 at the Showgrounds in November 2013 and 3-0 at the Oval in March 2014.
The following season again saw the spoils shared in the initial encounter, a 2-2 draw at the Showgrounds. Glentoran, thanks to goals from Jordan Stewart (2), Jim O’Hanlon and Curtis Allen recorded an emphatic 4-0 home win on 1st November whilst the final contest, in mid-February resulted in a 3-1 victory for the Glens at Ballymena. Steven Gordon, Stephen McAlorum and Curtis Allen were the East Belfast side’s marksmen on that occasion.
In September 2015, United took the points at the Oval with a 3-1 victory but the Glens got revenge in early November when Ciaran Caldwell’s goal decided the second meeting of the season. In late February goals from Jonathan Smith and Ciaran Caldwell gave Glentoran a 2-nil win at the Oval; a game which saw Elliott Morris receive a presentation to mark 600 appearances for Glentoran.
Glentoran travel to the Ballymena Showgrounds on Saturday hoping to build on their Co Antrim Shield victory over Ballyclare Comrades in midweek. Jonathan Smith netted the all important goal and it was his 3rd in 3 games, Smith having also scored against Glenavon and Crusaders in the Danske Bank Premiership.
Jay Magee picked up a first half injury last weekend against Crusaders and is very doubtful for the game. James Ferrin, who deputised on Tuesday night may once again replace Magee and Jonny Addis will also be available. Calum Birney picked up a knock against Ballyclare Comrades and will face a late fitness test. Stephen O'Flynn, Stephen McAlorum and Willie Garrett all remain unavailable due to injury however Elliott Morris, Marcus Kane and Nacho Novo are in the squad and available for selection.
