Saturday 20th October 2018, Kick Off 3pm
On Saturday we play second placed Glenavon for the second time this season.
Glenavon are currently in a strong run of form and sit ten points ahead of us. However our record in these games have been solid, most recently at Mourneview last month when we took a deserved second half 1-0 lead through Robbie McDaid (his fourth goal in four matches against his former club) only to give away an unnecessary penalty, converted by Stephen Murray.
Ronnie McFall: “I was very disappointed with our performance last week against Crusaders. We were well beaten and didn’t deserve anything from the game. The early goal was a blow and I don’t think we looked like coming back from it until it was far too late. The players worked hard and we had plenty of possession but we never threatened up front. You can’t be like that against the better teams in the league because they’ll punish you and that’s what happened against Crusaders. We’ve had an encouraging start to the season but it’s too easy for people to get carried away with a few decent results. But matches against the likes of Linfield and Crusaders are the ones that separate the men from the boys and show you the amount of hard work and catching up you still have to do. Everyone involved needs to learn from it, starting on Saturday.
On a more positive note I was pleased to have Robbie McDaid back in the starting line up at Seaview after four games out. Robbie is a very important player for us and we definitely missed his hard work and running up front. I thought he gave us a very good 70 minutes last week on his own up front and I know he’ll make a big difference to us when he’s playing with Curtis again.
Saturday gives Today gives us a chance to bounce back and we’re looking forward to the opportunity. Glenavon are obviously a very good side and they’re in good form but I think we should have beaten them at Mourneview last month and we would have done if it hadn’t been for a soft penalty. This one will be another test but the squad has been working hard and they’re all determined to get us back on the right track.
Marcus Kane has a one match suspension so will miss this one. That’s a pity as he’s been playing well. Also we have a doubt about Conor Pepper who’d struggling with his groin. We’ll give Conor every chance to make it and we’ll make the decision on him once he’s rested on Friday. Curtis Allen has recovered from his illness last week so apart from Kane and possibly Pepper we should have a full squad to pick from.”
Saturday's Match Sponsor is the Victoria Glentoran Supporters Club and the Ball Sponsor is the One Stop Mortgage Shop. We thank them for their continued generous support.
The Board of Directors at Glentoran Football Club would again request that all supporters travelling to the Oval by private car consider the local residents when deciding where and how to park. Local parking is freely available at the Arches Health Centre.
