Sat 26 Sep 2026, 19:30
Tim McCann believes Glentoran’s growing togetherness was evident in their 2-0 victory over Carrick Rangers at The BetMcLean Oval.
Jordan Jenkins scored twice in the first half to secure a second successive win for the Glens, who also kept a clean sheet despite Carrick creating chances after the break.
McCann was particularly pleased with the work his players put in against a side he knew would test them from long throws and set-pieces.
“Carrick are a very difficult team to play against,” he said. “We knew what to expect and they didn’t disappoint.
“There were long throws, long balls into the box and free-kicks from everywhere. We did a lot of work during the week on defending those situations.
“It’s not always about the first ball. You need players picking up the second ball as well. Our boys were brilliant. They defended when they needed to, cleared their lines and got us on the front foot.”
Jenkins opened the scoring after eight minutes when he turned home Daniel Larmour’s flick-on from Ryan Cooney’s long throw. His second, a curling strike from outside the area, gave Glentoran a two-goal lead at the interval.
“We played forward as quickly as we could into a strong wind and got the two goals at the right time,” McCann said. “They were two smashing goals from JJ.
“We’re probably a little disappointed we didn’t go in three or four up at half-time, but we can’t be too greedy. Carrick had a bit of a go in the second half, but I’m absolutely delighted with the performance.”
For McCann, the result was further evidence of the response he has seen from the squad in recent weeks.
“Their attitude, their work rate, their togetherness in the changing room and on the pitch have been fantastic,” he said.
“I think everybody can see it. The fans can see it and the players know it themselves. When we play forward, we’re a really good team and we cause teams problems.”
Glentoran host Dungannon Swifts next Saturday, with McCann determined to build on the two wins.
“We’re not getting carried away,” he added. “We’ll be ready to go. We’re at home and we’ll be looking to come flying out of the traps, get another three points and start making our way back up the table.”
