Ballinamallard United v Glentoran
Saturday 12th August, 3pm.
For our season opener we make the journey to Ferney Park on Saturday to face Ballinamallard United (KO 3pm) in the Danske Bank Premiership.
Despite finishing a place ahead of the Mallards last season, our record against them was abysmal with only one point secured from a possible 12.
For this game the Glens will be glad that Ryan Mayse has left Ballinamallard for Dungannon Swifts as he scored in each of our last 3 meetings. Also gone is Adam Leckey, always effective in these matches, who has emigrated to Australia. Also gone is former Glentoran Player of the Year Shane McCabe (retired) while full back Liam McMenamin has also moved to Dungannon Swifts. Johnny Lafferty, often a thorn in the side of the Glens midfield, is not with Mallards this season. Into the home side’s midfield have come former Glens players Richard Clarke and Ciaran Martyn.
Stephen Gordon will not be part of the squad due to a back injury picked up in training but apart from long term absentees Willie Garrett, Aaron Harmon and Tiernan McAuley, manager Gary Haveron has a full, new look squad to pick from.
Marcus Kane will be captain this season with Elliott Morris, Curtis Allen and Ross Redman all designated as vice captains in a new squad structure designed to bring leadership to the squad and offer guidance and positive role models to the younger players. GlensTV caught up with Marcus on Thursday evening to get his thoughts on being appointed captain.
