Glentoran midfielder Joe Thomson says the squad must stand up, respond and “put things right” as the Glens look to get back to winning ways ahead of a crucial Sports Direct Premiership trip to Clandeboye Park to face Bangor on Friday 28th November 2025 (Kick-off: 7.45pm).

Declan Devine’s side travel to North Down determined to respond after consecutive league defeats, having fallen 3–1 to Glenavon at Mourneview Park before suffering a frustrating 1–0 loss at home to Dungannon Swifts last Friday night.

The defeat to Dungannon was Glentoran’s first home loss of the season, settled by an unfortunate second-half own goal from James Singleton. Despite dominating long spells, the Glens couldn’t find a breakthrough before Jonny Russell’s late dismissal compounded a frustrating night at the BetMcLean Oval.

Thomson came on at half-time against Dungannon Swifts but couldn’t influence the game as Glentoran pushed for a response. After a stop–start beginning to the season caused by injuries, the midfielder feels fully ready to make a decisive impact as he returns to full fitness.

Joe Thomson, said: “The last two games have not been anywhere near good enough. Glenavon away hurt because we dominated the ball and still came away beaten. Then last week against Dungannon was just as frustrating.

“We never hit our levels and we know it. When you’re at Glentoran you can’t put in two performances like that. It’s not acceptable. We let the fans down, we let Declan and the staff down and we let ourselves down. That’s the truth.”

“I’ve had a stop-start season with injuries and it’s been annoying because I want to be out there every week helping the boys. But I’m feeling good now and I’m ready to make a proper impact. I want to drive the team on and help us get back to winning ways.”

“Training’s been sharp all week. Nobody’s hid from anything. The lads have been honest, straight with each other and the sessions have had real bite. That’s exactly what you want after a tough couple of games, because we can’t let this slip into a bad run. We need to work hard, stick together and get back to showing who we really are. We owe that to the supporters and we owe it to ourselves.”

As the Glens prepare for Friday night’s trip to Clandeboye Park, the squad is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. Bangor have already shown this season that they are more than capable of competing in the Sports Direct Premiership during their first campaign back in the topflight.

The Seasiders’ 3–1 Irish Cup win over Glentoran at Clandeboye Park last season remains a stark reminder of the threat they pose on home soil, while August’s narrow 1–0 victory for the Glens at the BetMcLean Oval, settled by a Ryan Cooney strike, underlined just how tight Friday night’s game is likely to be.

Joe said: “We know Bangor are a tough side. They’ve got top players, a good mix of experience and youth, and they’ve shown all season that they can compete at this level.

“They turned us over in the Cup last year and they pushed us all the way at the BetMcLean Oval earlier in the season. Going there will not be easy, as team like Coleraine and Cliftonville have already found out.

“But at the same time, it has to be about us. We have real quality in this squad and we have shown that for most of the season. We need to get back to pressing properly, playing with intensity, winning our battles and being clinical when the chances come.

“If we do that, we give ourselves every chance of coming away with three points. If we don’t, Bangor will punish us. It is on us to go there, be aggressive and put in a big performance.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Friday night’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Bangor, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://bangorfc.com/away-tickets.php