Saturday 20th Match 2021, Kick Off 3.00pm
Tomorrow, we have an immediate opportunity to bounce back after Tuesday night’s unexpected defeat at Mourneview, when Glenavon travel to the Oval for the second time this season.
Glenavon had enjoyed a good recent record at the Oval prior to last season, recording 3 wins and 2 draws since we had beaten them 2-0 in November 2015 - Jonathan Smith and Steven Gordon the scorers on that occasion.
Last season, however, we enjoyed a comprehensive 4-0 win in January 2020. In the 21st minute, Paul O'Neill took advantage of a mix up between 'keeper Johnny Tuffey and defender Andrew Doyle to give the Glens the lead. A Navid Nasseri strike 5 minutes before half time extended that lead before Robbie McDaid netted right on the whistle to give the Glens a virtually unassailable lead at the break. The second half proved little better for Gary Hamilton's men, as O'Neill added his second just after the hour to put the seal on an emphatic win.
Unfortunately the first meeting of the sides this season was much less comfortable - despite having Andrew Doyle dismissed in the first half and winger Peter Campbell also seeing red just after the hour, Hamilton's side snatched a 1-1 draw when ex Glentoran defender Calum Birney powered home an unmarked header from a right ring cross just 2 minutes after Robbie McDaid's penalty had given us a 76th minute lead.
Glenavon have enjoyed a solid run of away form since so far this season, recording 6 wins 2 draws and 4 defeats in 12 games to date. The game on Tuesday saw centre back Andrew Doyle make an earlier than expected return from a recent back injury and he should continue at the heart of defence with Calum Birney a long-term absentee and Lee McNulty carrying a knee injury, but Colin Coates could be in contention to return alongside him after missing the last 2 games with concussion. Young full back Jack O'Mahony has a hamstring injury but striker Matthew Fitzpatrick will be hoping to be given a staring place after coming off the bench to net the winner in Tuesday's game.
Mick McDermott: “Tuesday night’s match at Mourneview was one where the game flipped on its head in a 3-minute spell. For us to go from rom being completely in control to behind 2-1 shows you the crazy nature of football, but it also shows how we need to be fully alert at all times.
We played some really good football and dominated the game for long spells but were heavily disappointed how the result planned out. Poor refereeing decisions also went against us - a non-penalty call on Jay Donnelly, a horrendous ‘leg-breaker’ tackle on Ciaran O’Connor went unpunished and multiple and persistent fouls being missed were all part of a poor night for the men in black.
We are looking forward to Saturday’s game. It’s never usually a great thing to play a team twice in quick succession but after the disappointing result at Mourneview we are excited by this opportunity to put it right. Our players know what is expected. We aim to maintain our positive Home record and we expect a strong reaction from our players after what we all know was a poor result.
I am delighted that the lockdown measures appear to be easing and look forward to having our fans back again in the near future. There are very exciting times ahead as we continue our project of re-establishing our club as the greatest in Northern Ireland. The positive stadium redevelopment news this week is only one part of much bigger plans we have for Glentoran Football Club in the years ahead!
As usual, supporters can access our GlensTV live stream of the match by signing up here. Live match coverage can be purchased for £7 (which includes access to a full replay of the action), while a delayed stream will cost £3. Remember, our stream will commence just after 2.30 with a match preview programme, and our match commentator Aaron Agnew will be accompanied as co-commentator by our legendary, quadruple title winning skipper Paul Leeman. This of course is free of charge to season ticket holders.
