For our penultimate home game of the season, we welcome Portadown to the Oval on saturday.
We are undefeated against the newly relegated Ports this season. In our third game of the season we had a 1- 0 win at Shamrock Park through a solo goal by Kym Nelson, while in November we played out a very drab goalless draw at the Oval.
Our most recent clash - at Shamrock Park in our first game of 2017 - was something of a false dawn for Glens supporters as we had a comfortable 0 - 5 away win through goals from Curtis Allen (2), Nacho Novo, Chris Lavery and Jonathan Smith.
Manager Gary Haveron said: "I was pleased with our win on Easter Tuesday at Carrick. Both Salou Jallow and Karl Hamill did very well which was very encouraging. I was delighted to see young Jonathan Smith score a good goal to cap a very decent display. "Bobo" recently became a father for the first time so congratulations to he and his partner on the birth of their son!
We have 2 home games to play and I will do everything to ensure we build on the midweek win and try to end the season as positively as possible. Nacho is available on saturday after suspension but we will be without Karl Hamill this weekend.
Unfortunately, as was feared, both Aaron Harmon and Tiernan McAuley have damaged their cruciate ligaments. Tiernan has ruptured the cruciate and will require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Unfortunately Harmo is a bit more serious as he's not only completely torn his cruciate but has also damaged his medial and cartilage so he's looking at a very long road to recovery. Knowing both lads' attitude and work ethic they will do everything the right way to aid their recovery and to come back stronger for these terrible setbacks. Both lads will get all the support we can give them on what is a very difficult time for them."
While Portadown will not be playing in the Danske Bank Premiership next season we look forward to welcoming them back to the Oval and renewing our rivalry in the top division before too long.
The Board of Directors of Glentoran would again suggest that all supporters travelling to the Oval by private car consider the local residents when deciding where and how to park.