Saturday 18th September 2021
3pm Kick Off
Milltown has proved a happy hunting ground for Glentoran since Warrenpoint were first promoted to the IPL in 2013, recording 9 wins from 11 and enduring just 1 defeat - even managing to score 5 goals in 3 of those fixtures and 4 on 2 occasions. In contrast, 'Point have managed just 8 goals in total across the 11 fixtures.
In last season’s games - played just 10 days apart in March due to postponements - Glentoran were to take the points on both occasions. In the first fixture, a second half Robbie McDaid brace secured a comfortable 2-0 victory. The second fixture was much more closely contested, however, with on loan Linfield striker Adam Carroll giving Warrenpoint a shock 54th minute lead. That lead was to last for only 2 minutes before Connor McMenamin restored parity from the penalty spot, but it took until the final 10 minutes before Jay Donnelly scored from a deft header to secure a 2-1 win.
Despite opening the season win a home win over Ballymena United, Warrenpoint have gone on to lose their last 3 games - going down 1-0 to Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue before a heavy 1-6 reverse against Glenavon at Milltown and 3-0 at Inver Park against Larne. This week’s League Cup games did offer boss Barry Gray some encouragement, though, with a morale boosting 2-1 win away to Mourne rivals Newry City.
Gray made minimal changes over the summer to the squad that finished in a comfortable ninth place last season. Only 2 players left - but the loss of Captain Danny Wallace to Glenavon has left a gap in defence that has yet to be filled. Of the 5 new signings, goalkeeper Conor Mitchell and forward Luke Wade-Slater from Larne and ex Glenavon striker Greg Moorhouse - who netted his first goal for the club at Newry Showgrounds on Tuesday - the highest profile.
Mick McDermott: “Tuesday night’s win over Banbridge Town was really useful and pleasing for us on a number of levels. Obviously the most important was that we got through to the next round. But also, we played some excellent, high-quality football and it gave an opportunity to some very good players who have had very little first team football so far this season. Everyone who came in did exceptionally well and demonstrated how well they have kept themselves fit while waiting for their chance.
Warrenpoint have had an inconsistent start to the season so its not easy to predict what we’ll be facing on Saturday. They’ve had a very good win over Ballymena and a couple of defeats, and they’ll be up for this one. But we know how big every league game is for us this season, so first three points to play for and we’ll be all out to take them”.
Remember this is an all-ticket match and no payment will be taken at the gate.
