Pat Hoban praised Glentoran’s mettle following Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over Cliftonville but added they have to go again when Coleraine visit the BetMcLean Oval on Saturday (Kick-off 3pm).

The Glens got their BetMcLean Cup final disappointment out of their system thanks to a convincing performance and victory over the Reds which closed the gap on Sports Direct Premiership leaders Larne to two points.

With only six games left to go and with the Bannsiders only four points behind in the table Hoban knows the BetMcLean Oval outfit have to keep their focus and pick up as many points as possible.

“Wednesday night was such an important game for us as it’s always tough the next fixture after losing a big match like a final,” said Hoban.

“We were obviously gutted to lose on Sunday, nobody enjoys losing finals, and it was a particularly sore one for us as it was such a close encounter.

“But despite all that as a footballer you cannot dwell on the disappointment especially when there are more big games to play.

“It was a good thing that we had another game three days later as the focus immediately switched to that. We had no time to feel sorry for ourselves.

“I think anyone who watched the game on Wednesday night would have seen where our focus was and how determined we are as a squad along with the manager and the coaching staff to keep going.

“We took the game to Cliftonville and ran out convincing winners in the end. We created so many chances on the night again and but for their keeper we probably would have won by more.

“That was very pleasing especially given the magnitude of the game. Not only was it our first game back after the final but it was also our chance to close the gap on Larne again.

“There was a lot of pressure on us from outside, but we don’t worry about that. We only focus on what we can control and that comes down to our performance level and workrate.

“We know we will suffer disappointments along the way, but it’s how you react to them is what says a lot about you as a team. I think Wednesday night said everything you need to know about us.”

The battle for the Gibson Cup looks set to be an intriguing one over the last six weeks of the season with the top four all still in with a shout of lifting the trophy at the end of April.

Glentoran are set to face Coleraine twice as well as a game apiece against Larne and Linfield in the last six games.

Hoban knows every team is capable of taking points off each other and he is wary of the threat the Bannsiders pose.

“These last six games are going to be very tough indeed with Larne, Linfield, Cliftonville, Dungannon Swifts and Coleraine twice in our run of games,” said the 34-year-old.

“The teams are in the top six on merit and it is going to be very tough to call indeed. You can’t afford to look too far down the line though.

“We’ve Coleraine up next and that’s where our focus is. We’ve played them three times so far this season already and we’ve been fortunate enough to win all three.

“But I don’t think the results really tell the full story of those games as they were on top for parts of those games and we were on top in the other parts.

“I think it will be much of the same come Saturday as they are a very good side packed with not only quality players but some real experience as well.

“They have players who can cause you problems and we know we will have to be at our best to make sure we come away with the three points.

“We are a side that’s full of confidence at the minute and rightly so. We have won our last five in the league scoring 17 and conceding only once.

“We definitely have built up a lot of momentum in the league but we cannot afford to switch off now, we have to keep pushing.”

It’s not a surprise that Hoban has played a major role in Glentoran’s recent goal scoring run with the experienced frontman netting eight times in the last five league outings including four against Cliftonville.

Wednesday night’s double over the Reds moved him onto 30 for the season, and while he is pleased to hit that milestone Hoban wants to add a few more to his tally between now and the end of the season.

“As a striker you always want to score goals so it’s nice to have reached that total in my debut season for the club, but hopefully I can chip in with a few more before the end of the season,” said the former Dundalk striker.

“It’s not just me though, look around the team and we have scored a lot of goals all over the pitch, and you need that if you are going to be successful.

“We are a team which creates a lot of chances, and as a striker that is great because you know you’re always going to get opportunities when you play.

“The three goals on Wednesday night took us on to 62 goals in the league, I think we’re the top goal scorers now, which is another big plus for us.

“But we have also been pretty tight at the back as well. When you don’t concede easily and create a lot of chances at the other end it’s a very good mix to have. We just have to carry that on now in our remaining games.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Coleraine, match tickets are available to purchase at:  https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/