Glentoran FC

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Match Preview: Glentoran v Institute

Mon, 12/09/2022 - 21:34

Tuesday 13th September 2022

Kick Off 8.00pm

Bet McLean League Cup

On Tuesday evening we are delighted to welcome Institute back to the Bet McLean Oval in the opening round of the Bet McLean League Cup,

Since their controversial relegation from the Danske Bank Premiership at the end of the 2019/20 season, it’s fair to say that Institute have found life on the pitch difficult. Last season they needed a strong finish to avoid the relegation play-offs and they currently find themselves in 11th place after the first five games of this campaign: recording two draws and three defeats so far.

Still without a permanent home ground (the demolition of their former Riverside Stadium - where Glentoran secured the Premiership title in 2003 - was approved by council in June) the club have turned to former Cliftonville Brian Donaghey this summer to take over as Head Coach. The clubs most notable signing of the summer is ex Ballymena United and Coleraine striker Cathair Friel, while midfielder Cormac Burke has extensive IPL experience with Dungannon Swifts and ex Coleraine Centre Back Dylan King has arrived on loan from the Swifts until January.

This will be Institute’s first visit to the Oval since September 2019, when the Glens ran out 4-0 winners in an early season IPL match in front of the TV cameras. An early Caoimhin Bonner own goal and a Hrvoje Plum strike put Mick McDermott’s side in control after 20 minutes before second half goals from Robbie McDaid and debutant sub Antonio Đurić rounded off a comfortable win.

Mick McDermott: I would like to take this opportunity to add to the club’s statement and to offer my personal condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

In our game with Distillery last week I was absolutely delighted with the performance of the seven young players who made their first team debut. The four who started – Ollie, Harry, Jonny and Terry – all looked very comfortable and their performances gave us the opportunity to introduce Josh, Kirk and Conor. Also it was very pleasing to see Mal Smith make his first team return after loan and a recent injury. Mal was excellent after such a time away.

I believe we have the best group of young players at Glentoran for some time and the progress of these lads bodes very well for the future of the club.

I’m very pleased to see Institute back at the Oval. I have always felt that Institute were treated unfairly with their relegation during the COVID curtailed season. They should have been treated better and are a club that will no doubt strive to get back to the Premiership one day. I wish them all the very best in their efforts.”

This game is pay at the gate, with prices set at £10 (£5 for concessions).

Skipper Marcus Kane scores v Institute in April 2019