Tuesday 12 November
Kick Off 7.45pm
Declan Devine has challenged his players to build on Saturday’s commanding 3-0 victory over Glenavon as they prepare to face Ballymena United in the ToalsBet.Com County Antrim Shield semi-final tomorrow night at the BetMcLean Oval.
Reflecting on Saturday’s performance, Devine praised his squad’s attitude and determination, highlighting noting how their relentless work rate finally produced the goals that had been missing in recent weeks.
“I’m very pleased to be going into tomorrow night’s game on the back of a very good performance and win at Mourneview on Saturday. The difference between Saturday and some of our other recent matches is that we got the second goal immediately after half time and that allowed us to play with a confidence that matched our attitude and our work rate. It was very positive to see the three goals coming from three different players from different areas of the team. They were all great finishes and it was great for Finley and Dylan to get their first goals in the Irish League. They deserved them for the work they put in. Overall the way the lads approached the game—with energy, hunger, and focus—was exactly what we’ve been working towards. Now, it’s about taking that into Tuesday night.”
The manager was particularly impressed by the collective effort of the squad, especially in the absence of a number of key players through suspension or injury: “It’s never easy missing key players like Singleton, Sule and McClean, but the squad rose to the occasion on Saturday. It was a real squad effort, and that’s the level we need again in the semi-final. James Douglas and Aaron Wightman came in because of suspensions and I thought they were both excellent contributed well to our win. It was Aaron’s first game with the first team since March and he grew in confidence as the game went on, both defensively and going forward.
Looking ahead, Devine underlined the significance of the semi-final as a chance to build momentum and reward the fans: “People have different attitudes to the County Antrim Shield but in my first season as a player at Glentoran there were seven trophies played for by senior clubs in Northern Ireland. Now there are four and the Shield is one of them. Glentoran is a club that should always be competing at the later stages. The club hasn’t been in too many semi-finals in recent years and even fewer finals so we will be taking this game very seriously and showing the Shield proper respect.
James Singleton is still suspended but we have Fuad Sule available after his one game suspension. United have had a tough few weeks in the league lately, but we know they are a good side so we’ll treat them and the game with respect. But the objective is a win and a place in the final so we’ll approach the game positively and with intent.
Visitors Ballymena United have won the Shield seven times in their history and are seeking to increase that tally by reaching what would be their first Final appearance since 2020. Their last win came in the 2015/16 season with a 3-2 victory over Linfield and they have been beaten Finalists on two occasions since. Having lost their last four league matches, striker Ethan Devine could return after being ineligible to face parent club Linfield on Saturday, while defender Stephen O’Donnell was dismissed during that game for picking up two yellow cards.
Declan Devine had a message for Glentoran supporters: “Our fans were fantastic at Mourneview as they have been all season. A big, loud Glens crowd tonight will really spur the boys on. So let’s be hearing you again.”
Tickets for this match can be purchased HERE
IMPORTANT SUPPORTER NOTICES
- Remedial repair work on the Railway Stand has now been completed and the stand will be open to accommodate away supporters at this game.
- The Board of Directors remind supporters that under no circumstance is anyone permitted to bring flares, fireworks or any other sort of pyrotechnic equipment into the Bet McLean Oval at any time. These are highly dangerous to other supporters and potentially to players. Any breach of this rule will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Persons breaking this rule will receive a lifetime ban from the Bet McLean Oval and will be reported to the police.
- We strongly request that supporters respect the rights of the local residents by parking well away from housefronts in the immediate locality. There is plenty of available parking at the Holywood Arches Heath Centre.