Tuesday 8 October
Kick Off 7.45pm
Tomorrow evening we face Carrick Rangers for the first game of the new Stephen Baxter era when we meet at the Bet McLean Oval in the Quarter Final of the Toal’s County Antrim Shield.
Until this weekend’s much needed league win over Cliftonville, a resounding 4-0 win against Championship leaders Bangor at Clandeboye Park in the previous round of the Shield had been the sole bright spot of Carrick’s season since an opening day win over Glenavon.
Manager Stuart King paid for that poor run of results with his job, with two experienced players taking interim charge: defender Michael Surgenor and our former striker Curtis Allen.
Carrick have only recorded one County Antrim Shield win in their history, but it did come via a triumph over Glentoran.
In January 1993, the two sides met in what was Rangers’ maiden CAS Final appearance, with David Montgomery scoring a second half equaliser that took it to a replay. The following month, it was another Montgomery goal that proved decisive, as Carrick edged out the Glens 2-1 to bring the trophy back to Taylor’s Avenue for the first and, so far, only time.
The last meeting between the sides in the competition came last November at the semi final stage of last season’s tournament. At that point of the campaign, Carrick had already taken six league points off Glentoran (and would go on to take another point at The Oval a couple of months later) but this match proved surprisingly straightforward for Warren Feeney’s side with goals from Shay McCartan, Junior, Rory Donnelly and Paddy McClean saw the Glens progress to the Final with a comfortable 4-0 win.

Declan Devine: “Our second half performance and ultimate win over Linfield on Friday night was a great show of skill and character from the players and needs to be the benchmark of how we need to face any game we play.
“Friday night showed the level of commitment, character and ability that exists within the squad. Coming off a challenging run in the Premiership we showed Linfield a bit too much respect in the first half and were maybe rocked a bit by the early goal. That’s why Daniel’s first half performance in goal was so valuable to us.
“At half time we agreed what we needed to do and we went out in a much more positive manner, not giving Linfield players the time to settle and taking control of things. The three lads who scored each took their goal superbly. Three very different goals which is good to see. So it was a great performance and result, but that’s the standard set for future games, starting tonight.
“I want to thank our supporters for the way they got behind us on Friday night. You stayed with us even when we were a goal down and were fantastic as we came into it more in the second half. It’s about when we’re playing well, the fans staying with us, whenever we’re playing poorly, the fans staying with us, and you’ve done that. When everyone is pulling in the one direction, this is an amazing football club.
“Tonight is a cup tie and everyone in the club understands that it’s been too long since Glentoran won a senior trophy. Far too long for a club of this magnitude. I understand Carrick have been going through a tough period that culminated in a managerial change. But they had a great win over Cliftonville at the weekend and we are all fully aware of the depth of experience they have in their squad. So we respect them as opponents and will approach this one in the way all games should be approached – positively and with absolute commitment.”
Remaining tickets for this game can be purchased HERE. Season tickets are not valid for this County Antrim Shield game.

IMPORTANT SUPPORTER NOTICES

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.
The Railway Stand will unfortunately be closed for this game due to some essential maintenance work currently being undertaken by the club with the support of NIFL.