Saturday 27 April 2019, Kick off 3.00pm.
On Saturday we play what can fairly be described as our most important game of the season so far. If we avoid defeat, we are in the Europa League play offs next month. Institute are two points behind us but although they have no UEFA license for next season, the play off place will not go below seventh place. So, it’s all or nothing
We are unbeaten by Institute this season. Last time out, in January, a wonder goal by none other than Elliott Morris and a great first senior goal from Paul O’Neill saw us comfortably home 2-0 at the Brandywell. In December we criminally threw away an away lead on three different occasions as John Herron and Robbie McDaid (2) goals were cancelled out by equalisers. Yet again a late, late goal cost us dearly. We won our home meeting in September 2-1 through goals from Ross Redman and Willie Garrett.
With no new injuries or suspensions, we have a full squad available for Saturday barring our two long term injuries to Ross Redman and Joe Crowe.
Head Coach Mick McDermott said on Thursday night: “We’re one big performance away from making the Europa League playoffs today so it’s fair to say this is a massive opportunity for our Club. Qualification for this Europa League play off would be the fulfilment of our first short-term goal as we strive to move into a new and exciting era. Saturday should be a great spectacle – the final game of the season at home with plenty to play for. Every player, Coach and supporter should enjoy that! That’s why we play this game of football - to test ourselves at moments like this. Today represents another step on our ‘climb’ and everyone on the playing and coaching staff knows what needs to be done.
Against Warrenpoint on Tuesday we changed the line-up slightly, with Marcus moving into midfield and Calum getting his first game back in the defensive line. Warrenpoint matched us in every department in the first half and probably had better moments of football, but after half time I thought we showed a lot more urgency and did well to come back twice from being behind. I also felt we were unfortunate to have the penalty given against us because I didn’t think there was any contact. We showed character to get the two equalisers and towards the end if anyone was going to win the match it was us.
I know Glentoran has had three positive results against Institute so far this season, so we need to go into this game with belief, purpose and a drive to succeed. There are clearly goals in our forwards and with a big, supportive home crowd behind us I know we have the ability to get the job done and extend our season.
Thank you to everyone at the club who has put so much work into securing both our domestic and European licenses for next season. Since I’ve been here, I have been very impressed by the commitment and dedication of so many of our volunteers in all areas of the club. From Directors, Finance Committee to the Academy coaches, Women’s section coaches and players, the Media team through to the Superstore, Milk Bar and of course the programme team and sellers. All these people give up countless hours free of charge out of love for Glentoran. They deserve a successful team on the pitch and that’s what we’re determined to deliver for everyone next season and the seasons to come”.
Saturday's matchball sponsor is Box-It Ireland
The Board of Directors at Glentoran Football Club would again request that all supporters travelling to the Oval by private car consider the residents when deciding where and how to park. Local parking is freely available at the Arches Health Centre.
