Alan Kernaghan’s first taste of the ‘Big Two’ derby will be played in front of a sell-out Boxing Day crowd tomorrow.
Glentoran host this year’s eagerly anticipated annual fixture, and will hoping for Boxing Day delight at a packed house at the Oval.
Tomorrow’s showdown will be both managers first experience of the derby, and it doesn’t get much bigger than the festive clash.
In a titanic matchup, both sets of fans will be expecting a big performance to claim seasonal bragging rights.
The Blues head into the game boasting a strong run of three successive Boxing Day wins, but Kernaghan will be looking to stop the rot and bring festive cheer back to East Belfast.
Last year, former Northern Ireland winger, Ivan Sproule, snatched the winner for Warren Feeney’s men at the National Stadium, but was subsequently sent off for taking his shirt off while celebrating his strike.
Goals from Ex-Glens frontman, Andy Waterworth, and an Aaron Burns penalty gave Linfield victory over 10-man Glentoran the last time the rivals clashed at the Oval on Boxing Day in the 13/14 season.
The honours were even when both sides met back in October, with Curtis Allen equalising late with virtually the last kick of the game. However, the result was overshadowed after the news of the sad passing of a Linfield supporter at the match.
From this game, new faces have been brought into both dugouts. David Healy replaced Feeney following his shock resignation, while the Glens parted way with Eddie Patterson.
After suffering four defeats in a row, Healy’s men seem to have turned the corner after an away 3-1 win to Ballymena last week. Meanwhile, Kernaghan has enjoyed a steady start at the helm and has guided the East Belfast side to three league wins in six games. The latest victory came last week following an impressive 2-0 home win against title-chasers Cliftonville.
Although the East Belfast side will be upbeat after last week’s win, form - as always, will be count for nothing tomorrow, in a game which promises to be a tight but pulsating affair.
As far as Glenmen, women and children are concerned, there will be no better belated present from Santa than three points tomorrow.
Enjoy the game,
Nathan Webb
Glentoran FC would request that supporters refrain from throwing ANY objects onto the playing area and DO NOT bring flares or smoke dispensers into the stadium.
This is an ALL TICKET fixture and is SOLD OUT.
NO TICKETS will be available at the ground.
We would also request that supporters follow the advice and instructions of the Stewards and Safety personnel at all times.