Glentoran v Ards
Friday 16th February 2018, Kick Off 7.45pm
On Friday evening we welcome our County Down neighbours Ards to the Oval for the second time this season.
Ards arrive in tenth place in the Danske Bank Premiership and on the back of four consecutive defeats in all competitions. In their past 2 games they have conceded ten goals between Carrick Rangers and Glenavon. However we need to be alive to the fact that our last meeting, in November at the Oval, resulted in a 2-0 win for Ards through goals from Michael McLellan and Jonny Frazer. That was Ards’ first victory here since 1987 and a repetition would have a catastrophic impact on our push for the top six. In October we defeated Ards 1-0 at the Bangor Fuels Arena through an early goal from Curtis Allen.
Manager Colin Nixon had a busy transfer window with a number of signings including Cameron Stewart and Ross Clarke (both on loan from Linfield). He has a few selection headaches this weekend with Clarke and Matthew Ruddy both suspended and other first teamers Dave Elebert, Jonny Frazer and Callum Byers all likely to miss out through injury.
Gary Haveron said after training on Thursday night: “ John McGuigan is still a risk for tomorrow night. He's still feeling the occasional twinge so Physio Jonny and I will make a call on him. Nathan was ill during the week. We gave him right up to the last minute on Tuesday night but he didn't make it so James Ferrin came in at very short notice after a few weeks out of the team. He did very well and his attitude was great as it always is.
Alex missed Carrick because the pitch was so heavy and that match was never going to suit his style. Same with Peter McMahon but they're both likely to get a chance against Ards”.
The Board of Directors at Glentoran Football Club would again request that all supporters travelling to the Oval by private car consider the local residents when deciding where and how to park.
