Glentoran and Ballymena Utd played out a scoreless draw at the Oval back on 21st September. Glentoran went into that game on the back of defeats to both Crusaders and Cliftonville and the week later suffered a 2-1 loss at Portadown. Since then though the Glens have had 3 wins (Dungannon Swifts, Warrenpoint Town & Coleraine)and a draw (v Cliftonvile) to push them to within a couple of points off second place in the Danske Bank Premiership.
Following their point at the Oval, the Sky Blues suffered two single goal defeats to Warrenpoint Town and Ballinamallard Utd. They then fought back from a 2-0 half-time scoreline against Coleraine for a share of the points before recording a 3-2 away win against Dungannon Swifts. The past week has brought another two defeats though. A 1-4 reverse at the Showgrounds last weekend against Linfield was followed on Wednesday night by a 1-0 loss to Crusaders in the semi-final of the Co. Antrim Shield; a trophy Ballymena Utd won last season.
Calum Birney returns to the squad following suspension however Stephen McAlorum, who made his 50th appearance for the club against Cliftonville, misses out following his harsh red card last weekend. David Howland remains a long term absentee but Johnny Addis, David Scullion and Aaron Boyd may be back in contention.
Last week's game was Richard Clarke's 200th for Glentoran whilst Jimmy Callacher is closing in on 150 (147 so far).