Tuesday 26 February 2019. Kick off 7.45pm
On Tuesday night we welcome Warrenpoint Town to the Oval, just over a fortnight after our 5-0 win at the Q Radio Arena.
We clearly need a win after two consecutive defeats. If we do so we will move above Dungannon Swifts into eighth place, one behind Institute. However a defeat and ‘Point will move level with us on points. So no slip ups can be afforded.
Gary Smyth: “Saturday at Coleraine was very disappointing. In the first half the boys did what I asked them to and I thought we shaded it. Our shape was good, we defended well and we created a few decent chances. People keep saying we need to start learning and clearly something significant has to change. The mentality has to change. Players need to listen to what they’re being told. Learn from it and to obey orders when they’re on the pitch. At half time we emphasised the importance of riding out whatever pressure they put on us in the first 10 minutes or so of the second half and staying in the game to give ourselves the chance to go for it and win it. So I told the boys to stay on their feet on a heavy pitch and not to dive into anything. But straight away players dived, didn’t stay on their feet so three minutes in we’re a man down and we’re chasing the game. These are obvious things for players to listen to and there’s no excuse for not doing them.
The first two penalties were the correct decisions and we got away with them. But I thought the third was a disgrace. If anything I thought it should have been a free kick to us. Referees need to be very sure of their ground if they’re considering awarding a third penalty to the same team and both at the match then watching the highlights back a few times he clearly got that one badly wrong and it cost us dearly.
We had a great 5-0 win at their ground a couple of weeks ago and they’re on a poor run of form. But we won’t underestimate them or take anything for granted as in our first game against them this season – like Glenavon last week – we were well in control but again gave away the lead late in the second half. So we’ll go out there against them from the start to win the match and to win it as well as we possibly can.
For this one we’re without eight of our twenty professional players due to injuries or suspension We still have Ross Redman and Joe Crowe injured and Elliott isn’t ready yet and we now have Calum Birney suspended so we’re definitely stretched for resources at the back. Paul O’Neill will still be out until the U20s play two more matches and now Cricky is suspended for one, Stevie Gordon can't get time off work and Peter McMahon has had a close family bereavet. Darren Murray will be available after missing Coleraine due to a sudden family illness so that will be a boost. I’m also hopeful Willie Garrett will be available for selection. We'll have an inexperienced bench as we've now registered U20 player Jamie Glover (who's just turned 18) and nineteen year old forward Sean Wallace for the first team squad. They've both been playing very well for the U20s and Sean has been well among the goals so hopefully one or more of the young players will take their chance when it comes."
Our match sponsor on Tuesday evening is Eastpoint Church Belfast. Launched in September 2017., Eastpoint is a contemporary church of ordinary people from all walks of life, who love God and want to see people connect with Him and find their purpose in life. The church meet each Sunday at 11am in Tullycarnet Community Centre with Kids and Youth programmes available. Everyone is welcome.
There are a number of Glens supporters at Eastpoint and the congregation is delighted to have the privilege to support the club.
To keep up to date with what’s happening, you can find Eastpoint Church on
Facebook: Eastpoint Church Belfast
Instagram: @eastpointchurchbelfast
Or make contact at info@eastpoint.co.uk
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.
