A second minute wonder strike from Jordan Jenkins was the difference on paper between the two teams today at the Bet McLean Oval. But the scoreline didn’t do justice to an overall Glentoran performance of grit, determination and positivity all over the pitch and throughout the team against a strong and previously unbeaten Reds team.
Declan Devine started with the same line-up as last week at Carrick with the welcome addition of the recovered Cameron Palmer and Jay Donnelly to the bench. Also two of this week’s new signings – Kodi Lyons-Foster and Finley Thorndike – made their first time on the bench. Clearance for our other deadline signing Danny Amos was not through in time for this one but is through now so Danny will be available for Tuesday night's visit to H&W Welders. Eighteen-year-old James Douglas held his place in midfield after a great performance at Carrick.
The Glens couldn’t have got off to a better start when in the second match Jordan Jenkins controlled a lobbed pass from Paddy McLean, turned and hit an unstoppable volley past David Odumosu in the Reds’ goal. It was the Braniel man’s second of the month and already a strong early contender for Goal of the Season.
We were well on top in the first twenty minutes but there were few clear-cut chances at either end. Dylan Connolly – who was already torturing the visiting midfield and defence – had a decent penalty claim rejected by referee Shane Andrews and the ever lethal Joe Gormley had a good effort just wide for a goal kick.
James Singleton shot just wide for the Glens but the nearest either side came was a teasing effort from Sean Stewart that was well cleared by Marcus Kane. But Moko collided with Paddy McLean in making the clearance and the skipper had to be replaced on 38 minutes by new signing Kodi Lyons-Foster giving the Englishman a slightly earlier debut than he had anticipated.
Half Time: Glentoran 1-0 Cliftonville
The home side started the second half well when Dylan Connolly – breathtaking throughout this game – made a brilliant run and pass. David Fisher shot straight at the Reds keeper and Jordan Jenkins was ruled offside for the rebound.
Just before the hour Cameron Palmer replaced Johnny Russell with James Singleton making yet another seamless positional change to left wing back. Russell’s strong performance belied the fact he had been unwell prior to kick off. Best wishes to Johnny as he joins up with the Northern Ireland U21 squad on Monday for Friday’s match with England at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
The Reds had two decent efforts on goal. First sub Shea Kearney shot just wide then James Singleton made a goal line clearance. However the Glens weren’t finished as an attacking force as Man of the Match Connolly had his best run of the day with a strong shot well saved by Odumosu. Also David broke through but his shot was saved and there was no one to pick up the rebound. If there was one criticism of this excellent overall performance it was the finishing as a two or three goal lead wouldn’t have flattered the Glens.
Despite some inevitable last gasp pressure from Cliftonville the Glens defence was resolute to the final whistle and Daniel Gyollai very confident in picking up every loose ball. So Glentoran left the pitch to a resounding and thoroughly deserved standing ovation from a bouncing main stand. A recognition of a non-stop 99 minutes of the commitment and determination demanded by the beaming Declan Devine.
Full Time: Glentoran 1-0 Cliftonville
Glentoran: Gyollai, Singleton, Russell (Palmer 57), Hvid, McClean, Kane (c ) (Lyons-Foster 38), Sule, Douglas, Connolly, Fisher, Jenkins (Donnelly 78).
Subs (Not used): Mills, Lindsay, Thorndike, Wassim
Photography by ADAM HARWOOD and PACEMAKER
