It's been 5 years since our last European fixture and almost a decade since we made it past the first hurdle but we rectified that tonight.
Scott Young was the manager when Glentoran defeated FK Renova back in 2011 and it was fitting that he was there tonight, albeit in a sumarising capacity for BBC Sport NI.
For those who like their history and their stats, it was exactly 71 years ago tonight that Glentoran finally returned to the Oval following the rebuilding of the ground after it was severely damaged during the Blitz on Belfast in 1941.
On 5 previous occasions Glentoran have progressed past the first round in European competition; 1973-74 saw us defeat Chimia and Brann before losing out to West German side Borussia Moenchengladbach in the now defunct Cup Winners Cup.
A win against Valur set up a glamour tie against Juventus in the autumn of 1978 and just 3 years later we defeated the Luxembourg side, Progres Neidercorn before losing in extra-time to CSKA Sofia. 2004 saw our first ever away win in Europe against Allianssi before a narrow defeat to Elfsborg of Sweden and finally we had that win, mentioned above, over Renova before losing in the next round to Vorskla Poltova.
So tonight the current squad created their own little bit of history; their win setting up a game against Scottish Premiership outfit, Motherwell next week.
The UEFA 'Return to Play' protocol meant a significant amount of work behind the scenes to put the game on and the weather conditions, not just tonight but over the past few days, put extra pressure on our groundsman. A massive thank you is due to all who worked so hard to ensure we met all the UEFA requirements and got the game on. Well done all.
Recent arrivals Dayle Coleing and Gael Bigirimana were making their competitive debuts as manager, Mick McDermott stuck with his usual 4-3-3 formation. Caolan Marron was the only change to the Irish Cup winning back line whilst Seanan Clucas came into the midfield.
The game itself had few highlights. It the opening quarter hour both sides had set piece opportunities but neither goalkeeper was tested. Midway through the opening period the first real opportunity fell to the visitors. A cross from the left presented a chance for Jakobson but his overhead kick went narrowly wide. On 30 minutes a break from HB Torshavn was halted by a superb tackle from Paddy McClean. The official didn't see it that way though and awarded the visitors a free kick and showing McClean a harsh yellow card. Fortunately though the set piece came to nothing. 2 minutes later Glentoran had their first real attempt on goal when Ruaidhri Donnelly nodded down for Seanan Clucas but his drive from just outside the area went wide.
3 minutes from the break the Glens went in front; a goal which would ultimately prove decisive. Gael Bigirimana headed the ball forward but a poor defensive clearance from HB Torshavn's skipper, Davidsen fell to Donnelly. His clever clip over the defence set up the opportunity for Robbie McDaid and he duly buried it in the back of the City End net. The celebrations may have been muted in the almost empty Oval but all around East Belfast fans were celebrating in front of screens.
Half-time: Glentoran 1-0 HB Torshavn
On 50 minutes a foul by Clucas gave the team from the Faroe Islands the chance to equalise. Justinussen hit the 25-yard free kick but was denied by a great save from Coleing. Jakobson then had a shot deflected wide for a corner whilst at the other end a corner from Bigirimana caused panic in the visitors' defence before the ball was cleared off the goalline. Probably the closest HB Torshavn came to an equaliser was in the 58th minute but Dohl's shot hit the side netting.
Both sides made changes in the final quarter but Glentoran held firm and booked their place in the next round.
Photographs by PACEMAKER:
Glentoran: Coleing, Marron, Cowan, McClean, Kane (c), Gallagher, Bigirimana, Clucas (McCullough 67), Donnelly Stewart 83), O'Neill (McDonagh 71) & McDaid.
