Saturday 19 October
Kick Off 3.00pm
On Saturday we look to continue our current run of good performances when we play Carrick Rangers for the third time so far this season and their second visit to the Bet McLean Oval in twelve days.
After a disastrous start to the campaign - which ultimately cost manager Stuart King his job - Carrick Rangers have arrested a run of eight consecutive defeats by recording successive league victories since his departure. The second of these, a 2-1 win against Coleraine at Taylors Avenue, was a first game in charge for new manager Stephen Baxter. Rangers have established a four point gap between themselves and bottom side Loughgall and Baxter will now hope to close in on the sides immediately above them; Glenavon and Coleraine.
While Glentoran have already won in the league at Taylors Avenue and knocked Carrick out of the County Antrim Shield this season, the memory of last season’s league encounters at The Oval will invoke less pleasant memories.
In the first game last November, the Glens twice lead through goals from Marcus Kane and Jay Donnelly, but Rangers capitalised on Paddy McClean’s 72nd minute sending off as a brace from Danny Gibson and a late strike by Glentoran legend Curtis Allen grabbed a 3-2 away win. In February, Rangers came away with a 2-2 draw from a game that Glentoran had led 2-0 at the interval thanks to Bobby Burns and David Fisher. Midfielder Andrew Mitchell fired in after 67 minutes before that man Allen would again pop up with another late goal to secure a surprise point.
Seven of the side who started against Coleraine are former Glentoran players; goalkeeper Ross Glendinning, defenders Cameron Stewart and Luke McCullough, midfielders Seanan Clucas, Joe Crowe and Kyle Cherry and striker Danny Gibson. However, another former Glenman, Stephen Gordon, has not featured since a 1-0 defeat at Linfield last month and full back Ben Tilney was not part of the squad that defeated the Bannsiders. Veteran Albert Watson has not featured since an injury picked up late in the game between the sides at Carrick back in August.
Declan Devine: “Last week against Dungannon was a very good win in very difficult conditions. It was a slow start but in the second half in particular we worked exceptionally hard all over the pitch. I couldn’t single anyone out as it was a hard working and highly committed all over the pitch, including the subs who came on. A seventh consecutive home clean sheet was also very pleasing.
"That’s how it needs to be in this league. As we’ve seen in the first round of games, there have been so many so-called surprise results that they aren’t a surprise any longer. All the teams have good players and they’re all hard to beat. Our players know that and their level of intensity over the past few weeks needs to be maintained no matter who we’re playing.
"I don’t think we are anywhere near the finished article, there is a massive amount of work still be done. But I would like to acknowledge all the squad in regard to last few weeks. The work they are putting in during the games and day in day out behind the scenes in training is an absolute credit to themselves and to Glentoran. The same applies to all the coaching and backroom staff who are also working very hard and have helped create a very professional dynamic around the club. This is the mentality a successful club needs, one of hard work allied to a desire to constantly get better. All I can ask for is the commitment the players are giving. They are working really hard.
"Aaron Wightman is now back in full training with the rest of the squad and will be a boost to us when he’s available to play in the very near future. Moko and Johnny are being assessed for knocks over the next few days so we’ll have a better picture of where they are. Casey Smyth is also very near to a return to the squad and it will be great to have him back also.
"On Saturday’s match, I know we’ve beaten Carrick twice so far this season, but their last two league games have been good home wins over Cliftonville and Coleraine. Those are both good teams so clearly they have got past the poor form of early season and will need to be treated with respect at the Oval. But our recent performances mean we should be able to go into any game in a positive frame of mind."
Remaining tickets for this game can be purchased HERE.
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.