Glentoran forward David Fisher is determined to make up for lost time as the Glens begin the defence of their ToalsBet.Com County Antrim Shield crown with a Round One tie against Ards at the BetMcLean Oval on Tuesday 2nd September (Kick-off: 7.45pm).

Declan Devine’s side lifted the trophy last season after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Larne at Seaview, ending a five-year wait for silverware and securing a first Shield success since 2010.

Having gone unbeaten in their opening five Premiership fixtures this season, the Glens are determined to build on that momentum and make a strong start to their title defence.

Fisher made his first appearance of the season in Saturday’s 1–1 draw with Carrick Rangers, catching the eye with a series of dangerous deliveries from wide areas.

After suffering an injury late in pre-season against Chester, Fisher worked his way back to feature in the opening league game at Portadown.

But his return was short-lived as he picked up a separate injury just 20 minutes into that match, forcing him back onto the sidelines.

The 23-year-old admits it has been a frustrating spell personally but says he is delighted to be back in contention.

David Fisher said: “It’s been really tough being sidelined. First, I picked up an injury in pre-season against Chester and then just as I thought I was back on track I had another setback at Portadown on the opening day.

“That was difficult to take because I’d worked extremely hard over the summer, both in England and the Czech Republic, to make sure I reported back in the best possible condition.

“I felt I was in a great place physically, getting into my groove and ready to hit the ground running, so to suffer two setbacks in quick succession was very frustrating.

“Getting minutes against Carrick at the weekend was a big personal boost and felt like the real start of my season. Just being back out there, feeling sharp and delivering a few dangerous crosses was something I’d been working towards for weeks.

“Now my focus is on building sharpness and doing everything I can to help the team. The lads have made a brilliant start, the mood in the dressing room is outstanding and I just want to play my part in keeping that momentum going.”

Picture by Adam Harwood

Fisher played through the pain barrier for much of the second of the season, determined to contribute despite carrying an injury and was rewarded when he played an important part in Glentoran’s County Antrim Shield victory.

He admits the memory of that night remains a huge source of motivation as the Glens begin their defence of the trophy.

Fisher added: “Winning the Shield last season was an amazing experience. It had been five years since this club had lifted a trophy and to finally bring silverware back to the BetMcLean Oval was a massive moment for everyone connected with Glentoran.

“To play my part in the final is something I’ll never forget. The celebrations with the fans afterwards were incredible. You could see in their faces and hear in their voices just how much it meant to them. That connection between the players and supporters is what makes this club so special.

“Nights like that give you a taste for success and make you hungry for more. Declan and his coaching staff have been clear from day one that we approach every competition with the ambition to win it, and that mentality drives us all.

“We know the standards expected at Glentoran and with the quality and depth we have in this squad, every player has a responsibility to contribute. Last season’s Shield victory has to be the starting point and as a group we are determined it will be the first of many trophies we bring back to this club.”

Looking ahead to Tuesday night, Fisher says the players are eager to respond following Saturday’s draw with Carrick Rangers.

Ards make the short trip to the BetMcLean Oval in confident mood after a strong start to their Championship campaign and will view the Shield as an opportunity to test themselves against Premiership opposition.

Glentoran, however, are determined to begin the defence of their trophy in style, knowing the importance of setting the tone early and making home advantage count in the push for a place in the next round.

David added: “We had most of the play against Carrick and created the better chances, but credit to them for making it difficult for us. We know we need to be more clinical in front of goal and that’s the challenge we’ve set ourselves, starting against Ards.

“They’ve started their Championship campaign strongly and will see this as a chance to test themselves, but our focus is on showing our quality and making sure we begin the defence of our title in the right way.

“Playing at the BetMcLean Oval in front of our supporters is always special. The lads are determined to put in a performance, set the tone for this and every knockout competition and book our place in the next round.”

*Please note: Season Tickets aren’t valid for Cup competitions.

Picture by Adam Harwood