The Glens started off playing into a strong wind and in the early stages the game was a midfield battle with both teams working hard to gain control. 

The breakthrough finally came midway through the first half with a goal which has been referred to the dubious goals panel. Gareth McGrattan turned in the box and produced a shot which crashed against the under side of the crossbar and down (did it cross the line or not?), Conor McGrattan followed Gareth’s shot in at the back post and made sure it was over the line to put the Glens one goal to the good. 

Shortly after this Thomas Floyd thought he too had scored with a powerful header from a corner, only to have his effort ruled out for pushing in the box. 

The Glens pushed forward in search of further goals but the hard working Plunkett defence, and in particular their central defender Conor McIlvenny ensured that half time arrived with the score at 1-0. 

A number of changes were made at half time and the second half started with The Glens continuing to press forward and a number of chances were created but brave goalkeeping by the Plunkett Keeper Conor Hamill kept the Glens at bay. 

Eventually an excellent pass out of defence picked out Luke Wilson who marked his return to the club by calmly picking his spot to make it 2-0 and secure the victory. 

This was a satisfactory performance after a week off, but the level will have to be raised considerably for the games still to come.

Man of the Match.

Given the all round performance of the team no man of the match was named. 

Teams

Glentoran: Neal Edgar, Chris Maginnes, Lee Carser, Colin Smith, Scott Kane, Thomas Floyd, Darrian Shaw, Lewis Adair, Gareth McGrattan, Craig Spiers, Conor McGrattan ©
Subs: Luke Wilson, Adam Wilson, Kyle Armstrong, Patrick Davidson, Kyle Cherry

 Thanks are due to St Oliver Plunkett for their hospitality and in particular for providing warm refreshments at the end of the match. These were well received by all on what was a very cold day.