Saturday 25th September 2021
Kick Off 3pm
On Saturday we welcome Crusaders to the Bet McLean Oval for the first time this season.
Glentoran won both league matches at the Bet McLean Oval last season: firstly a 1-0 win in March thanks to Jay Donnelly's spectacular injury time lob over goalkeeper Sean O'Neill and then, in the Final game of the Season at the end of May, second half Andy Mitchell and Ben Cushnie strikes gave a much changed Glens side a 2-0 victory over a youthful Crusaders one. Crusaders did win the Irish Cup Quarter Final in April, though, with Billy Joe Burns' first half header from a corner taking them through to face Larne in the Semis.
Crusaders have recovered well from their opening day 2-0 defeat away to Linfield, recording 2 wins and a draw to sit comfortably in the middle of the early table. They have also made progress in the early stages of the League Cup and County Antrim Shield - scoring 9 goals without reply against Premier Intermediate League sides Moyola Park and Newington YC.
Striker Brandon Doyle, midfielder Philip Lowry and ex Glentoran winger Johnny Fraser will be hoping that their goal scoring appearances against Newington may be enough to earn a start at the Oval. In defence, manger Stephen Baxter also has plenty of options with Central Defender’s Chris Heggarty and Aidan Wilson now back from long term injury. So far Adam Leckey and summer signing Johnny McMurray have been the first picks in attack but veteran Jordan Owens is still available to be called upon and offering an effective option from the bench.
Mick McDermott: “Obviously, I was disappointed with the result at Larne in the Shield on Tuesday night, but I was very pleased with the performance, particularly in the second half. We made ten changes because it was important to give some of those lads game time, but also because they are all good players. Also we have a run of highly competitive league games ahead of us, starting today, so it was also important to keep some of our players fresh for those. I thought we were by far the better team dominant team in the second half, even when we were down to ten men, and we created significantly more chances than Larne did. The level of effort, intensity, and enthusiasm from the players was excellent. We created five good chances when we were down to ten men, and that was away to a full-strength Larne team. Also we limited them to very few chances. So despite the result and some very contentious decisions, there were plenty of pleasing aspects, including young lads like Ben and Mal who were excellent throughout. Plus JJ got a run and was sharp. So I’m proud of the players.
Its always tough when you play the Crues, and we know what to expect today. I watched their game with Larne back from last Saturday. It was a war and I think there should have been at least three red cards. We expect the Crues to come out and apply themselves the way they always do. They have various ways they can play, and I think people have been very premature in writing them off this year when they still have a very strong, full-time squad. We won’t be taking them lightly and we’re all fully up for this game.
On the 36th minute there will be a minute’s applause in respect of lifelong Glenman Dean Lockhart who sadly passed away in Scotland earlier this week. Dean was aged 36. We encourage all those in attendance from either club to please join in this tribute to this long standing and much missed member of the Glentoran Family.
Saturday’s game will be pay at the gate for non-season ticket holders.
We strongly request that supporters respect the rights of the local residents by parking well away from housefronts in the immediate locality. There is plenty of available parking at the Holywood Arches Health Centre.
