It has been a week to remember for Glentoran after booking our place in the Irish Cup Final for the first time in 7 years. Although the countdown begins now for supporters to the big day out on 4th May, for Eddie Patterson, they must first focus on finishing the leage campaign on a high in our remaining four fixtures. The first of these is tomorrow afternoon away to Ballinamallard Utd. Glentoran have lost 3 league games in a row, against Dungannon, Crusaders then Linfield on Easter Tuesday which has all but ended Glentoran's hopes of making the top 3 in the table. The top 3 had added importance as it holds the last remaining European spot but for Glentoran, victory last week has wrapped up our place with Europe's elite next year too.
Glentoran's team news sees Stephen McAlorum miss the game due to suspension. Richard Clarke was substituted with an injury in last week's semi-final and missed Tuesday night's training. He did however make a return to first team training on Thursday although it is likely that Eddie Patterson will rest him for tomorrow's game. Jim O'Hanlon missed last week's game through injury and remains a doubt tomorrow as well.
Our visitors Ballinamallard Utd defied the odds the finish in the top 6 of the Danske Bank Premiership on their first ever experience of the top division. It has been a memorable campaign for The Mallards, most famously beating Linfield at Windsor Park and a rare defeat for Cliftonville at Solitude. They will undoubtedly be looking to enjoy their last few games with no pressure, enabling them to play some of the attractive football in which they have brought to the top division this season.
Against Ballinamallard this season Glentoran have won all 3 meetings, the only side in the current top 6 in which we have managed to defeat. The most recent 3-0 victory at The Oval was one of Eddie Patterson's team's best performances of the season and the last time The Glens won in the league. Glentoran will be hoping they can bring the performance of last Saturday back to the league in the hope of completing 4 wins out of 4 against The Mallards and consolidate 4th place.