Joe Thomson says Glentoran must take the positives from their last meeting with Larne as they prepare to face the league leaders at Inver Park on Tuesday evening (Kick-off 7.45pm).

The Glens went down 4-1 to Gary Haveron at the BetMcLean Oval last month but Thomson says the score doesn’t tell the whole story.

With the game finely balanced at 1-1 the hosts were reduced to 10 men 11 minutes before the break with the visitors restoring their lead in the 41st minute through Chris Gallagher.

Further goals from Paul O’Neill and Tomas Cosgrove in the second half made it a comfortable looking score line for the Invermen, but Thomson believes there was plenty for Glentoran to take heart from.

Joe Thomson said: “Obviously if you look at the score line it doesn’t make pretty reading for us, but that wasn’t the full story on the night from our perspective.

“We had got ourselves back into the game when Daniel Larmour equalised for us and I felt we were getting the upper hand.

“Unfortunately, the game was to swing back in their favour when Ryan was sent off and they got themselves back in front again before half-time.

“We felt they possibly should have had a man sent off before the break as well, but we didn’t get the decision.

“The message from the boss at half-time was positive and we were determined to keep pushing to try and get back into the game.

“I think we gave a good account of ourselves, especially as we were able man down, and on another night, we might have got something out of the game.

“Larne obviously scored a couple more goal but I think the circumstances played their part. That gives us a lot of heart going into Tuesday night.

“We know we have to work hard and put in another big performance, but it’s also important that we manage the game as we are away from home.

“When you play the teams around you it’s important you take something from it and we will be doing all we can to do that.”

Confidence is high in the Glens squad as Tuesday night’s BetMcLean Cup semi-final win over Coleraine made it four wins in a row following their defeat to Larne.

A date with Linfield in next month’s showpiece final awaits as momentum builds towards a big end to the season and Thomson says Glentoran need to harness the positivity of their recent results.

Thomson said: “Bar the Larne game we have had some big results and performances over the last couple of months.

“The was our only defeat in the last nine games with eight wins in that time, which is a good run for any team.

“Confidence is high amongst the squad because of that and I think you can see that in our performance levels.

“Not only have we produced some impressive performances over the last few weeks but we have also shown a lot of character.

“The times where we have had to dig in to get results we have done it and that says a lot about us as a squad.

“Last Tuesday night against Coleraine showed that. It was a very tough game against a quality side.

“There were times when we were under a lot of pressure but we dug in and defended as a team.

“We also showed our quality by taking our chances when they come along to make sure we won the game.

“That’s the qualities we have to show from now until the end of the season. Every game is massive now and we have to try and come out on the right side of the result as many times as we can.

“Having momentum is key in football and we are feeling good, especially after progressing to the BetMcLean Cup final.

“But we’re not done just yet, we wanted more as players and staff, and we know the fans want more as well.

“We just have to continue to keep doing the things we have been doing well so far this season and see where it takes us. It’s certainly building towards an exciting end to the campaign for us all.”

Giving the fans plenty to cheer about is key for Thomson and the rest of the squad as they look to keep their current winning streak going for as long as possible.

Saturday’s Irish Cup postponement at home to Drumaness Mills means another fixture will have to be slotted into a busy month but former Derry City man Thomson is relishing the challenge.

Joe said: “It’s not ideal when a game is called off but unfortunately it’s out of our control as players.

“When you’re on a good run of form, you’re counting down the days until the next game as you want to keep that momentum going.

“Unfortunately Saturday was another disappointment with no game, but it has served to give us a few extra days ahead of the game against Larne.

“Hopefully that might stand us in good stead come Tueaday night, but we cannot rely on anything, we have to do what we need out on the pitch.

“It’s going to be a busy period for us over the next few weeks as we get these games cleared up, but honestly as players you want to be playing games.

“We’ve always big squad here and the boss will be utilising the players as best he can over the coming weeks to get the best out of us.

“The more games we have the better it is as it means we are winning matches and that’s what we all want, we want to be competing at the business end of every competition we’re in.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Tuesday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Larne, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Dashboard?clubId=255