On the back of three well earned points against Lisburn Distillery last weekend, Glentoran will hope to build on that result with victory on our travels tonight at 7.45p.m against Ballymena Utd at the Showgrounds. With Both Coleraine and Cliftonville winning last weekend as well, The Glens remain in 3rd position in the table with 16 points from 8 games. We remain unbeaten with four wins and four draws so far.
For tonight's game, Mark Clarke could return having served his one match suspension last week against Lisburn Distillery. On the injury front, Colin Nixon made his return to the bench in last week's game and may make a full return tonight. It is also understood that Calum Birney may also be back in contention tonight.
Our opponents Ballymena Utd have started a new era this season after a first full pre-season with a man Glentoran fans know only too well, Glenn Ferguson. Ferguson is one of the all-time top Irish League scorers, most famously for our cross-city rivals Linfield. Ferguson has now emarked on his first managerial challenge and has certaintly got off to a reasonable start. Ballymena Utd defeated Linfield on the opening day and more encouraging performances since will make tonight's fixture a tricky one. They currently lie 7th with 10 points from 8 games.
Amazingly, the last five games between Glentoran and Ballymena have resulted in the away team winning and the last four encouters have produced 17 goals. Ballymena Utd will need to keep a close eye on our on form striker Andy Waterworth who not only has scored 8 goals this season, but 8 goals in his career against Ballymena, more than against any other club. Glentoran will be hoping that recent history will continue with three points on the road tonight.