Aaron McEneff believes Glentoran are hitting form at a key stage of the season with Carrick Rangers next up for Declan Devine’s men at the BetMcLean Oval on Tuesday evening (Kick-off 7.45pm).

The Glens have shown what they are made of in their last two outings scoring nine and conceding only one in reply as they dispatched north Belfast duo Cliftonville and Crusaders in quick succession.

The BetMcLean Oval outfit not only hit the goal trail but also produced two impressive performances and McEneff says that momentum will be key going into the final two months of the season.

“I know everyone says that it’s all about results at this stage of the season, and that’s true, but if you’re playing well into the bargain that can only be a good thing too,” said McEneff.

“I think we’ve been playing well for a while now but we obviously suffered that defeat against Linfield, overall though I think we played well on the night.

“That helped us bounce back as we had confidence in our own ability and performances and were determined to put it right in the next game.

“That was plain to see against Cliftonville, we took the game to them from the first whistle and probably could have scored a lot more on the night but for an excellent display by their keeper.

“We followed that up again on Saturday against Crusaders. Again we started well and were patient, just like we were against Cliftonville and the goals followed.

“You can see in our play that we have confidence in what we do, and that along will working hard and doing our jobs will stand us in good stead.

“We are determined to keep that going for the rest of the season as we have the quality to go on and do something.”

Ace marksman Pat Hoban has been a key player for Glentoran all season as he followed up his brace against the Reds with a hat-trick at home to the Crues on Saturday.

That took Hoban onto 22 league goals for the campaign and McEneff is not surprised to see his team-mate leading the goal scoring charts.

“It’s no surprise really as it’s what he has done for years, he’s a proper striker who knows where the net is,” said the former Shamrock Rovers man.

“If you give Pat a chance in front of goal nine times out of ten he will take it, he is just a natural finisher.

“He scores all sorts of goals but he has the ability to be in the right place at the right time. That’s not by chance, that’s instinct.

“When you play with someone like that you know that if you put the ball into a certain area he will be there, and more often than not he is going to put it away.

“When you have someone like Pat in your team it gives you such a boost as you are going to score goals, and if you do that you are going to win games.

“Pat is obviously leading the way in terms of goals scored but we have also been able to share the goals amongst the squad which is important too.

“We can’t leave it all to one player, we all have to do our bit and chip in with goals.. Thankfully we have been able to do that well with the goals being shared out.

“MJ and Liam also scored on Saturday and Jordan came off the bench on Tuesday night to score two. That’s a very good sign and that will be so beneficial for us going forward.

“I have managed to get a few goals since I signed but I’m hoping I can do my bit and score a few more in the last few games of this season.”

Glentoran will chalk off another of their games in hand on Tuesday evening when Carrick Rangers visit the BetMcLean Oval.

Stephen Baxter’s men are on a great run of form with Saturday’s draw against Bangor making it nine-games unbeaten.

You have to go back to January 3rd for their last defeat in the league, ironically it was the 7-0 defeat by the Glens at Taylors Avenue, but McEneff is expecting a different game this time around.

“I would love it if we could hit that score again obviously but we are expecting a very different game this time around,” said the 30-year-old.

“Not only are Carrick on a great run of results, they are one of the league’s in-form teams, but I’m sure they will want to put the record straight after that heavy defeat back in January.

“Since then they have had some big results including beating Larne at Inver Park, so that shows you exactly what they are capable of.

“I think that was Larne’s first defeat at home in a year so that tells you everything you need to know about Carrick.

“You look through their squad and it is packed with experienced Irish League players who have been there and done it, and they also have players at the top end who can punish you if you give them a chance.

“They also have a manager who has won everything there is to win and I’m sure he would love to come to the Oval and get a result.

“We certainly won’t be taking them for granted as we will end up on the wrong side of a result. We will be well prepared and focused on what we need to do.

“We know we have a chance to make up more ground on the teams above us and that is what we will be setting out to do.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Tuesday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Carrick Rangers, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/

*Supporters are advised that any tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for this rearranged date.