We would like to advise supporters attending Saturday's Danske Bank Premiership game at the Oval between Glentoran and Coleraine that the normal approach road to the Oval, Parkgate Drive, is closed to traffic due to ongoing road works. Pedestrian access is still possible.
Vehicles using the Oval car park should approach the ground via the street between St Christopher's Church and the building that was formerly Mersey Street Primary School. This area will be subject to parking restrictions however to allow access for emergency service vehicles. Glentoran supporters should enter the ground as normal through the Parkgate Drive turnstiles. Coleraine supporters will access the ground via the Dee Street tunnel.
We would urge supporters NOT to bring any fireworks or similar objects into the stadium. The club have already been fined this season and following the recent game against Linfield at the National Stadium, are facing further financial punishment due to the actions of a few. In the best interests of Glentoran Football Club please refrain from such behaviour on Saturday and at upcoming fixtures.
Match Preview
Glentoran will be looking to extend their winning run as they face in-form Coleraine at the Oval.
The Glens, despite searching for a new manager, climbed above Portadown to sixth place in the Danske Bank Premiership last week following a narrow 1-0 win against Warrenpoint Town.
Director of Football Roy Coyle stepped in as manager and travelled back to East Belfast with all three points after substitute Jim O’Hanlon scored an injury-time winner.
The victory helped the Glens to seal two wins on the bounce for the first time this season, and surge up the table after taking seven points in their last three games.
The Glens can stretch their win-streak to three games but have a difficult task as Coleraine are on the back of an incredible run of six wins and two draws in their last eight games.
Seven points separate the teams before tomorrow’s game. The Bannsiders are high in confidence and are just four points from top-spot. The Glens meanwhile, have the opportunity to overtake Glenavon for fifth with a win, providing Cliftonville beat the Lurgan Blues at Solitude.
In the season opener earlier this year, the East Belfast side slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the Coleraine Showgrounds, with a James McLaughlin debut goal.
Nothing separated the sides during the 2014-15 league campaign, with each team collecting a win and a point each back in February. However, the Glens recorded a 2-0 win at the Oval last September and will be looking to build on home advantage.
Ahead of the game, Ciaran Caldwell is available for selection after serving a lengthy suspension. The summer signing hasn’t featured since Glentoran’s home win against Portadown back in September. Defender Marcus Kane is also in contention to make his 125th appearance for the Glens.
Nathan Webb