Glentoran will be looking to avenge last week’s bitter home defeat to Ballinamallard United as they prepare battle with fierce rivals Linfield tomorrow.
On the back of an insipid 0-2 loss which the Ducks recorded their first league win against the Glens, Eddie Patterson’s men travel to the National Stadium where nothing but a win would prove to be a perfect antidote.
The Blues were rocked by the news this week of manager Warren Feeney’s resignation. Feeney has landed a job as Newport County’s assistant manager. Linfield assistant manager, Andy Todd, and first team coach, Alfie Wylie, will now take place in charge for tomorrow’s showdown.
Derby-delight for the Glens in ‘Belclassico’ could spark their season back to life and tarnish Linfield’s unbeaten streak at home in the process.
The current league leaders have only lost one game so far this season and have no problem finding the net as they top the goal-scoring charts in the Danske Bank Premier league. The Glens will need to be weary of former striker, Andrew Waterworth, who is the league’s top goal-scorer with 12 this campaign.
Despite a daunting task, confident supporters may find solace in Glentoran having not lost two games in a row in their last 20 games in all domestic competitions.
Linfield boast a strong record against the Glens last year, as the East-Belfast side slumped to three defeats and a draw in the four league meetings. Glentoran fans will not need reminding of the 2-3 loss at the Oval last August, as they watched their side throw away a two-goal lead for the Blues to snatch a win late into stoppage time in a game where Feeney made his playing debut.
Ahead of the game, the Glens are looking to have a few players return to the squad who missed the defeat to Ballinamallard. Ciaran Caldwell still remains ineligible through suspension. The hosts will also be without ex-Glentoran defender, Sean Ward, who saw red in Linfield’s 3-3 draw with Cliftonville at Solitude last week. Nathan Webb.
Supporters are reminded that this is an ALL TICKET match. Glentoran suporters will enter the stadium as normal via Boucher Road and walkway excess will be made available behind the South Stand to the Railway Stand.