All systems go tomorrow evening as we make the trip across town for the season’s first “Big Two” game at the National Stadium.
Glentoran are unbeaten in our last four league visits to The National Stadium, with both of last season’s fixtures ending in 1-1 draws where our equalisers were scored by Jay Donnelly and Conor McMenamin, respectively. It was that man McMenamin who also secured our last victory there. Just weeks after re-joining from Cliftonville in the January 2021 transfer window, Conor’s driven injury time cross into the Linfield box (and with the aid of Rory Donnelly’s glancing head) deceived Blues goalkeeper Chris Johns and found the back of the net to secure a 1-0 victory.
While Cup competitions have proved productive for David Healy’s side so far (reaching the Quarter Finals of the League Cup, Semi Final of the County Antrim Shield and 4th round of the Scottish Challenge Cup) their league form in the early part of the campaign has been decidedly mixed; while there have been comfortable wins over Portadown, Newry and Ballymena United there was also a hugely disappointing 2-1 defeat at Carrick Rangers last month along with a loss to Crusaders at Seaview by the same margin. For a number of different reasons, six of their first seven games have been played away from home and tonight will be their first home league game since defeating Portadown 4-0 in mid-August.
Manager Healy shuffled his pack for Tuesday’s penalty shootout win in the CAS at Solitude but may have to do without left back Niall Quinn after the experienced defender was withdrawn in the first half of that game. Healy will also be hoping key midfielder Chris Shields, who has missed the last two games, will be fit to return. Despite a solid performance in the Cliftonville game, it is likely that young goalkeeper David Walsh will be replaced by regular No 1 Chris Johns.
Mick McDermott: “Derby Day is always a special day, no matter what league or country you may be in. This one is as special and intense as any.
It’s always a special occasion for the fans and no doubt they will show up in massive numbers. Our players will be looking forward to the electric atmosphere and the cauldron of competition that derbies bring.
We will arrive at the National Stadium with a full panel to choose from and, as always, we aim to give our fans a performance to be proud of. We look forward to hearing the Red, Green and Black army in full voice! Be Loud & Do Us Proud!”
