Glentoran's Danske Bank Premiership game against Ballymena United at the Oval was abandoned after 15 minutes due to the severe weather.
The overnight and morning rain had meant there was surface water on the pitch when the rain finally eased at lunchtime but with improving conditions and the efforts of groundsman, Sammy Glover, we were good to go.
However shortly before kick-off the heavy rain returned. Prior to procedings getting underway supporters of both clubs joined the players and staff in a minute's applause to mark the recent passings of former Ballymena United vice-Chairman and secretary, Don Stirling, former Glentoran Director, Billy Stephens and Glentoran fan and volunteer, Michael Fee.
Glentoran were without the services of Ally Roy and Terry Devlin who picked up injuries in the last week. James Singleton was also still out.
The Glens started very brightly with Rhys Marshall having a chance in the opening minute however the ball just ran away from him on the slippery surface. On 4 minutes Conor McMenamin was almost through on goal but his progress was halted by Ross Redman who picked up a yellow card for his hand ball. Hrvoje Plum too the free kick and his 25-yard effort had to be tipped over the bar by Sean O'Neill.
On 8 minutes Jay Donnelly did superbly well on the left before picking out Conor McMenamin in the area. The Northern Ireland international really should have scored but dragged his shot just wide of the post. McMenamin had another opportunity 4 minutes later when the conditions prevented Ross Redman from clearing the ball and left the Glentoran number 24 in the clear. This time McMenamin went across the keeper but unfortunately the ball went just wide of the far post.
With just over 15 minutes played referee, Lee Tavinder decided the pitch was becoming unplayable and took the players off the field. He returned after 10 minutes but with the rain still pouring down there was no desision to be made other than to abandon the game.
Photographs by PACEMAKER
Glentoran: McCarey, Marshall, Kane (c), Wilson, McClean, Burns, Plum, McCartan, R. Donnelly, J. Donnelly & McMenamin.
