Tuesday 2nd February 2021, Kick off 7.45pm
Again the strange nature of this year’s fixture setting confront us in the most tangible manner tomorrow night when Glentoran return to Seaview for the second time in 2 months seeking a first league win at Seaview since August 2011. Our December encounter ended in a frustrating 2-0 defeat after an evenly contested game - when an 82nd minute Jordan Forsythe penalty and a goal from winger Ross Clarke two minutes later sealed the points for Stephen Baxter's side.
The Crues currently sit third in the table, but have endured a frustrating run of recent results. Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Coleraine was preceded by three consecutive draws. It has been away day form that has held them back so far, losing four of their eight fixtures so far and winning just two. At Seaview, however, their form remains typically impressive - only Larne have managed to leave with a point so far and they boast six wins from the other seven games.
The last visiting team to win a league game at Seaview was Cliftonville on Boxing Day 2019 - the scorer of both goals that day in their 2-1 victory was our new signing Conor McMenamin.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey may be in line to make his debut after signing from Glenavon last week. Defender Daniel Larmour, also a recent arrival from Mourneview Park, could also make his debut in the back fourafter being an unused sub against Coleraine at the weekend. Striker Jordan Owens will vie with Adam Leckey for a place up front, while Ben Kennedy and Robbie Weir will be looking for starts in midfield after having to contend with places on the substitute bench at Ballycastle Road.
Mick McDermott: “I’m very much looking forward to game, while knowing full well that it is a tough place to visit! Our performance against Larne on Friday last was really positive - a really high intensity game with high quality football from both sides. We aim to build on that performance.
The Crues will be looking for a reaction after their late loss to Coleraine at the weekend. But we have a healthy squad and look forward to a good game”.
