Glentoran manager Eddie Patterson has encouraged his players to maintain their attitude ahead of tomorrow’s away clash at Cliftonville. After questioning his side’s mentality following a home defeat to Ballymena United a fortnight ago, the players responded by clinching a 1-0 victory against Portadown last week at the Oval. Marcus Kane’s superb finish before half-time was enough to secure the win, but Patterson put it down to the approach and mentality of his players.
Speaking last week, he said: “It was all about attitude and the work rate. We knew the abilities in that squad but what’s been missing over the last few weeks has been the work rate and the attitude that befits a Glentoran squad.” The Glens boss now wants to carry momentum into tomorrow’s fixture at Solitude by replicating the same determination against Portadown. If they fail to do so, Patterson revealed last week’s win would “mean nothing if the attitude is not there against Cliftonville.”
Cliftonville have been rocked this week by the shock resignation of manager Tommy Breslin after the Reds were hit for six at Ballymena United. Breslin took the helm in 2011 and resigned as one of Cliftonville’s most successful managers, as he guided the club to eight trophies, including back-to-back Premiership titles. First team coach Gerard Lytte will now take the reins during the interim period, and will be supported by former Northern Ireland defender Mal Donaghy.
January was the last time both clubs met at Solitude in the league. Jordan Stewart scored a dramatic late equaliser to secure a point for the Glens after Joe Gormley put the hosts in front. Since that game, both goalscorers have left their clubs with summer moves to England. Despite their thumping defeat last week, Cliftonville sit in third place, five points behind leaders Linfield. They will be hoping to put behind a nightmare week behind them with a big performance at Solitude. The Glens meanwhile are hoping to make it two wins on the bounce.
Glentoran midfielder Kym Nelson will be unavailable after suffering a fracture to a bone in his foot against Portadown. Summer signing Ciaran Caldwell will also be out of action as he begins a six game suspension.
Nathan Webb
Supporters’ Buses:
The PSNI will meet supporters’ buses at the Fortwilliam roundabout from 2pm and escort them to the ground.