Pattisson reflects on Shield win as Glens prepare for Loughgall clash

Fri 24 Jan 2025, 11:06

Glentoran winger Christie Pattisson is relishing the opportunity to build on his impressive start at the club as the Glens prepare to face Loughgall in the Sports Direct Premiership at Lakeview Park on Saturday 25th January (kick-off: 3pm).
Fresh from their dramatic County Antrim Shield triumph – a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Larne earlier this week – Glentoran will look to extend their 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions. The victory marked Glentoran’s first trophy in five years and delivered Declan Devine his first piece of silverware as manager since taking charge in March 2024.
Pattisson, a 27-year-old January signing from Waterford in the League of Ireland, played a decisive role in Tuesday night’s final. His composed penalty sealed victory in the shootout, capping off a gripping contest in which Charlie Lindsay opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike before Larne’s Andy Ryan equalised from the spot.
Reflecting on his remarkable start to life at Glentoran, Pattisson is eager to build on the Shield success and help drive the team to further achievements this season.
Christie Pattisson said: “Winning my first trophy at Glentoran so quickly is an amazing feeling. Seeing what it meant to the fans, staff, and everyone connected to the club was unforgettable.
“But as the manager has said, this is just the beginning. The Shield win is something to celebrate, but now we have to use it as motivation to push on for the rest of the season. We’ve set high standards with this unbeaten run and the Shield victory, but the challenge is to maintain that consistency and keep building.
“We’re competing at the top end of the table, and with the BetMcLean Cup Final in March and a massive Irish Cup tie against Linfield later this month, every match is crucial. Our aim is to challenge for trophies, secure European qualification and give our supporters even more to cheer about.
“Personally, I’m enjoying my football here, but I know there’s more to come. As I improve my fitness, settle into the team, and get to know how everyone plays, I’m confident I can contribute even more.”
“The league is demanding, and every game brings a tough test, but I’m loving the intensity and the passion that come with playing for Glentoran. The fans have been incredible and you can see just how much this club means to them.”
Glentoran remain focused on maintaining their momentum in the Sports Direct Premiership as they aim to extend their unbeaten run, close the gap on league leaders Linfield and push for a return to European football.
With some big cup fixtures on the horizon, including the mouth-watering Clearer Water Irish Cup clash against Linfield later this month and the BetMcLean Cup Final against Cliftonville in March, Declan Devine’s side know that consistency in the league remains vital to achieving their ambitions this season.
Pattisson, the former Maidstone United, Welling United, and Braintree Town winger, believes the County Antrim Shield success has strengthened the team’s belief and determination to maintain their strong form.
Christie said: “The manager has been clear – there’s no room for complacency. At a club like Glentoran, winning should be the minimum expectation. We’ve set high standards with our unbeaten run and the Shield victory, but now it’s about carrying that momentum into every game.
“But there’s still so much more to fight for. We’re competing at the top end of the table, and with the BetMcLean Cup Final and a massive Irish Cup tie against Linfield on the horizon, every match is crucial.
“This squad has an incredible mentality. We push each other every day to keep raising our standards, and the support from the fans drives us on. There’s so much to fight for this season and we’re determined to keep building on the progress we’ve made.”
Saturday’s fixture marks the third meeting between Glentoran and Loughgall this season. In their last visit to Lakeview Park in November, the Glens battled to a hard-fought 2-2 draw. Dylan Connolly opened the scoring early with Charlie Lindsay’s composed second-half equaliser ensuring Glentoran left with a point.
Earlier in the season, the Glens produced a commanding performance at the BetMcLean Oval, claiming a 2-0 victory in September, with goals from Jay Donnelly and Danny Amos sealing the win. Declan Devine’s side will be eager to replicate that performance as they aim to extend their strong form and close the gap at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership.
Pattison added: “After a well-earned day off on Wednesday, we’ve returned to training yesterday fully focused. We’ve worked hard to prepare for Saturday, analysing Loughgall’s strengths and weaknesses and identifying areas where we can improve from our last visit to Lakeview Park.
“Loughgall might be bottom of the table, but they’re a tough side who won’t make it easy for us. To get the result we want, we’ll need to outwork and outplay them, stay disciplined and take our chances when they come.
For Glentoran fans planning to attend the Sports Direct Premiership Fixture against Loughall at Lakeview Park on Saturday 25th January (kick-off: 3pm) tickets are available for purchase at https://eventlist.store/loughgallfootballclub/tickets
Ticket prices are as follows: