Tuesday 7th November 2023
Kick Off 7.45pm
Tomorrow night we face our old rivals Linfield in the second round of the Bet McLean Cup.
Holders Linfield go into this tie in superb form, recording 9 victories in a row in all competitions since losing away to Larne in mid-September while scoring 26 goals and conceding just 4 in the process.
They progressed to this stage with a 3-1 win over Premier Intermediate League side Queens University at The National Stadium and are seeking to retain the trophy they won for the first time in 4 years when they defeated Coleraine 2-0 back in March.
The 2 sides met at the Bet McLean Oval last December at the Quarter Finals stage, with Linfield running out comfortable 3-0 winners. None of the scorers that night are still with Linfield as first half goals from now departed defender Sam Roscoe and loanee forward Eetu Vertainen put the Blues firmly in control, before Cameron Palmer sealed the tie on 75 minutes against the side he is likely to line out for this time out.
Defender Daniel Finlayson is still suspended, while manager Healy may elect to rotate his midfield by restoring Kyle McClean in place of Jamie Mulgrew.
Warren Feeney: “The Carrick game was very frustrating. I thought we controlled the game pretty well but three terrible lapses of concentration cost us our lead twice then cost us all three points. We had a game plan and got a deserved lead. I’ve told the boys that we need to be much better at finishing teams off when we have a lead. We haven’t been playing badly but we’ve thrown away too many leads and given games away when there’s no excuse for that. We missed a very good chance to go 2 up but like at Seaview last week we weren’t clinical enough and that hurt us.
As I’ve said before, this is a work in process and the most important thing we’re trying to do is change the mentality around this club. Saturday was an example of why it’s such a big priority.
I’m delighted that Johnny Russell has signed a full-time contract with the club. He’s a very good player who has done very well any time he’s played for the first team this season and I believe he has everything needed to go on to be a future Glentoran captain. There are a few other young players in the Seconds who I want to get sorted too because there is plenty of potential here.
Tomorrow night we have a perfect opportunity to put things back on track after Saturday. It’s a cup game under lights against Linfield and I know the supporters will be up for that. We sat with the players on Sunday morning to discuss the best way for us to bounce back. We have to make up for our performance at the National Stadium last month so it should be a great game and I hope our big home support will get behind the boys from the start and stick with them right though.”
Remaining tickets for this game can be purchased HERE.
As this is our final home game before Remembrance Sunday, an Act of Remembrance and a minute’s silence will be held before kick-off at this game.
To reiterate the club’s recent statement, 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.
