It's been a rollercoaster of a season so far for Glentoran. With the problems off the pitch constantly grabbing the media headlines, the last week has finally seen Glentoran making the headlines for the right reasons: for football reasons. As the build up hits fever point for tomorrow's Irish Cup Semi-Final at Windsor Park, East Belfast prepares to decorate the national stadium in red, green and black. The support received throughout such a difficult season has been fantastic and tomorrow is an incredible opportunity to make it a season to remember on the pitch as well.
Glentoran face Portadown in tomorrow's crucial semi-final with a place against Irish football's high-flyers Cliftonville or Crusaders awaiting the victor in the final. Glentoran defeated Killymoon Rangers, Bangor and Knockbreda to reach this stage whilst Portadown defeated Dungannon Swifts, Ards and Coleraine to book their place at Windsor Park.
Glentoran's team news sees Jason Hill expected to return having played the second half on Easter Tuesday against Linfield following a return from his hamstring injury. Mark Clarke who was suspended for Tuesday's game is expected to return to the squad. Stephen McAlorum went off injured at half-time against Linfield on Tuesday and is going to be a doubt for tomorrow's game.
Our visitors Portadown, like us, have their season riding on tomorrow's game. Having suffered a big disappointment in not qualifying for the top 6 in the Danske Bank Premiership, their hopes for success this season lie in the Irish Cup. Their Quarter-Final victory over Coleraine was a particular highlight in their season and one thing Glentoran will know for sure is that Portadown are always up for a game against Glentoran.
Glentoran haven't been to an Irish Cup Final since we were defeated by Linfield in 2006. Portadown were last there the year before when they won the competition for a 3rd time following victory over Larne by 5-1. The last time Glentoran won the famous competition was in 2004, defeating Coleraine with Michael Halliday grabbing the winner that day. Glentoran and Portadown have had a semi-final victory each against one another since the turn of the century, Portadown on the way to their 2005 glory defeated Glentoran 1-0 in a replay. Glentoran's semi-final success is one that will live long in fan's memories with both sides gunning down the 2003 league title as well Glentoran stormed to a famous 6-1 victory at Mourneview Park.
Glentoran would like to ask all fans to come out tomorrow afternoon and show the same level of support that has been received all season. Tomorrow is such a huge day for the club, it would be fantastic to see the North Stand filled with Glenmen. It has been such a long time since we've had a cup final to cheer about, tomorrow is a fantastic opportunity to make it happen.