A hat trick from Johnny Frazer on his first Glentoran start and goals from Elvio van Overbeek and Steven Gordon saw Glentoran comfortably through to the 3rd round of the Bet McLean League Cup.
Match Report by Jack Campbell
There was a great turnout for this midweek match, but a repeat of our last victory was not to be taken for granted as both teams come onto the pitch.
The first half saw plenty of action, mainly dominated by the Glens. We were putting pressure on the away side from the start causing Ballyclare’s defence to crumble.
Even though there was some good passing within the Comrades, Elvio Van Overbeek was leaving no room to take any opportunity on the wings.
After some clever and neat passing by the Glens side, up stepped Jonny Frazer who calmly sent the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 1-0 Glentoran.
After a quick restart, Ballyclare were left dazed when Van Overbeek scored within a minute. 2-0 Glentoran. Thomas Byrne limped of the pitch injured and was replaced by Joe Crowe who provided support to the midfield.
A beautiful pass from Paul O’Neill set Jonny Frazer up for his 2nd goal of the night. 3-0 Glentoran.
Jonny Frazer didn’t have to wait long for his hat-trick, as three minutes later a spectacular cross from Connor Pepper gave Jonny the opportunity to head straight over Hagan and into the net. 4-0 Glentoran.
The remainder of the first half saw both teams attack and defend well, with no further goals
HALF TIME: GLENTORAN 4-0 BALLYCLARE COMRADES
The second half started well for the Glens, however a silly challenge from McIlveen on Connor Pepper led to the No 4 receiving a yellow card. A good build up from the Comrades saw the Glens lose focus as Joe Tully scored what was surely a consolation goal. 4-1
The Comrades defence was once again broken down as Van Overbeek won the ball but unfortunately couldn’t hit the target.
Van Overbeek was involved again as his corner fell to Stevie Gordon who slotted it home easily. 5-1
Hat trick hero Frazer then came off to make way for Cameron Stewart who made his first team debut.
There was then a penalty shout from the Sydenham end, when Cameron Stewart went down. Only for referee Keith Kennedy to wave play on.
At the other end another shout from the Comrades was dismissed by Kennedy as a dive and a free kick was given to the Glens and yellow for simulation for the Comrades forward.
Overall a very entertaining game at the Oval.
FULL TIME GLENTORAN 5 BALLYCLARE 1
Photographs by PACEMAKER
Glentoran: Morris, Pepper (Garrett 74), McCarthy, Gordon, Birney (c), Gallagher, Byrne (Crowe 15), van Overbeek, Frazer (Stewart 70), Smith & O'Neill.