Shermanez

Wed 26.01.05
Bangor Vs Glentoran – Clandeboye Park, Bangor
Northern Irish Premier Division #18.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Sean Ward, Mark Glendinning, Chris Walker – Paul Leeman, Scott Young, Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Darren Armour, Rick Adair.

Weather: Breezy, Wet, 3°C

Chris Walker was back in the side to face Bangor on Wednesday evening. Stephen Gourley had performed well against lower league opposition but with the league campaign heading towards the crucial stage of the season, we couldn’t afford to slip up. I knew the run-in like the back of my hand, but I paid little attention to the league table. We knew all we had to do was keep on winning, that’s all we could do. With Coleraine opening a nine point gap, we had to hope they slipped up before we did.

It wasn’t the best conditions for football at Bangor’s dark, dank Clandeboye Park. A good few hundred Glenmen had made the trip, praying for three points and they were housed behind Elliott Morris’ goal to my left. They were making good noise and I felt we had to win this one for them. I certainly wouldn’t pay to stand in the open air in weather like this, that’s for sure.

A couple of early chances came our way, though the blustery wind wasn’t making things easy for the lads. Darren Armour’s shot came back off the post and Andy Smith tested Ryan Brown but it was that man Adair that opened the scoring, turning Andy Smith’s cross in at the near post for his sixth goal in four games. We looked to build on the lead and despite losing Gavin Melaugh through injury, Andy Smith made it 2-0 six minutes before half-time. We’d been well in control and looked good for our lead, so it was a pain when Kris Watson’s cross-cum-shot eluded Elliott Morris and nestled in the top corner.

Bangor’s late first-half goal gave them some much needed hope and they showed they were willing to fight as the second half got underway. Morris made a couple of stops but was beaten in the 56th minute when Wayne Patterson beat the offside trap and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to tie the game up at 2-2. Despite our strong start we were beginning to struggle and it was no surprise when Watson scored his second of the evening to give the home side a 3-2 lead.

I was furious as it was a simply case of lack of concentration. The frustrations were beginning to show on the field and after being penalised for a foul on Mark Crean, midfielder Scott Young kicked the ball away earning a second booking and his first red card of the season. I turned round in anger and sent six Lucozade bottles spinning back into the Dugout, just missing assistant manager Jimmy Brown who was making his way down the touchline to meet with Young who was on his way down the tunnel.

I’d given up all hope of taking anything from the game but the phrase “oh ye of little faith” rang true as just two minutes later Rick Adair had conjured up an unlikely equaliser. Michael Halliday broke down the right and his hopeful ball into the area was controlled by Adair, defender Lennox slipped and Adair dispatched the ball past Brown for his second of the evening. 3-3 with a quarter-hour left on the clock!

Suddenly the Glentoran found their voice and began to gave their side the support they needed. Straight from the centre a hopefully pump forward provided us with a throw-in on the edge of our area. Mark Glendinning took it, giving it to Chris Walker who fairly whacked the ball back up field. Adair gave chase, more out of hope than anything and he was rewarded when the slippery surface caught Lennox’s trailing leg and sent him spinning over onto the slick turf. Adair gathered the ball and sent a great ball into the box, right onto the head of Darren Armour. We had the lead, 4-3!!!!

Bangor threw everything at us as the minutes ticked by and we looked to have survived until Stuart MacPherson lashed a shot past Morris in the third minute of stoppage time. It was a cruel, cruel end to the game though having been behind with ten men, I was pleased to take the point. It made the table difficult reading as Coleraine’s 5-1 win over Ards saw the gap open up to 11 points.

Bangor 4 – Glentoran 4
Goals: Adair 0-1, Smith 0-2, Watson 1-2, Patterson 2-2, Watson 3-2, Adair 3-3, Armour 3-4, MacPherson 4-4.
Attendance: 3,511
MoM: Rick Adair (Glentoran) – Who else.

Shermanez

Sat 29.01.05
Bangor Vs Glentoran – Clandeboye Park, Bangor
Northern Irish Premier Division #19.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Sean Ward, Mark Glendinning, Chris Walker – Paul Leeman, Michael Halliday, Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Darren Armour, Rick Adair.

Weather: Dry, 14°C

Scott Young’s place in the side went to Michael Halliday, slotting into midfield instead of his favoured striking role. Halliday had played in the position previously and had all the right attributes to be a success there so I thought I’d give it a try rather than risk someone from the reserves. Dungannon Swifts were in town, fresh from a draw at Ballymena United. The Swifts sat in 9th position, keen to see off the threat of relegation into the First Division as soon as possible.

Our thoughts remained at the other end of the table for now, and an early injury to Dungannon defender Scott Wilson made things a little easier as we went on the hunt for our thirteenth win of the league season. The game wasn’t quite as open as Wednesday evening at Bangor, but after Andy Smith forced Johnny Pollock into a fine reaction save Darren Armour powered home the rebound and we had the lead yet again. This time we were determined now to throw it away.

However, throw it away we did with former Linfield winger Miguel Chines taking great delight in beating Mark Glendinning to a loose ball and giving Elliott Morris no chance to make a save. He celebrated in arrogant fashion, cupping his hand to his ear and pointing at the name on his back. Police had to be brought in to calm down the Glentoran fans in his immediate vicinity.

The second half saw chance after chance fall our way though we failed to convert any. Rick Adair had arguably the best when played through in the 72nd minute but today he must have left his golden boots at home as he dragged his shot wide of the left-hand upright. The game looked destined for a draw until Mark Glendinning pulled down Chines and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. With four minutes left, I couldn’t think of anything worse.

Jonathan Torpey the ball on the spot and after drying his hands on his blue shirt, turned and hit the ball to Morris’ right. The former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper guessed right, beating the ball away from goal. Conor Devine met the rebound only to hit it high over the bar and into the stand. We’d survived.

Glentoran 1 – Dungannon Swifts 1
Goals: Lockhart 1-0, Chines 1-1.
Attendance: 2,089
MoM: Miguel Chines (Dungannon) – Took great pleasure in scoring and had a fine game throughout.

Shermanez

The training curse continued with winger Kevin Keegan fracturing a jaw and requiring surgery and three weeks rest. Keegan had been pencilled in to replace the suspended in Wednesday’s clash with Ballymena United. Two days later Mark Glendinning broke a toe and would have to sit out at least three games. I was beginning to question my training techniques.

Having managed to go unbeaten all season, Coleraine’s Marty Quinn took the Manager of the Month award yet again, this time for February.

Wed 02.02.05
Ballymena United Vs Glentoran – Ballymena Showgrounds
Northern Irish Premier Division #20.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Sean Ward, Stephen Gourley, Chris Walker – Paul Leeman, Scott Young, Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Darren Armour, Rick Adair.

Weather: Dry, 3°C

With Glendinning missing and Michael Halliday back in the reserves, calls were made to Stephen Gourley and Scott Young and both were back in the side to take on 12th placed Ballymena United at the Showgrounds. With ten games remaining and a 13-point gap to close, this was the start of a series of ‘must win’ encounters.

We made the ideal start as with just three minutes on the clock Darren Armour raced into the Ballymena box before squaring to Andy Smith who lashed a shot past Robert Robinson and the travelling Glenmen erupted. It was just what we needed so early in the game and the perfect tonic for our fraught nerves. Goal two wasn’t far behind with Scott Young finishing off a slick move in the 20th minute for his tenth of the season. We simply had to hold onto it.

Things got even easier when Rick Adair returned to the scoresheet in the 28th minute, heading a Scott Young corner past Robinson and into the United goal. With the half-time news from Newry suggesting that Coleraine were trailing, we suddenly had reason to get a little bit excited. Adair’s second after the break increased the excitement further and with Newry extending their lead to 2-0, this was perhaps the one week where things went our way.

Darren Armour’s 20th of the season completed the win before Andy Smith’s second put the icing on the cake and assistant manager Jimmy Brown raced back into the dressing room to check the incoming scores on the radio. Newry had held on and done us a favour. With nine games remaining and a trip to Coleraine still to come, the game shortened to ten points.

Ballymena United 0 – Glentoran 6
Goals: Smith 1-0, Young 2-0, Adair 3-0, Adair 4-0, Armour 5-0, Smith 6-0.
Attendance: 5,158
MoM: Scott Young (Glentoran) – A goal and a hand in two others in another dominant midfield display.

Shermanez

I was beginning to expect injuries in training now, and Thursday and Friday’s session took care of both Paul Leeman (3 weeks, damaged shoulder) and Tommy McCallion (9 months, cruciate ligament damage).

Sat 05.02.05
Glentoran Vs Newry Town – The Oval, Belfast
Northern Irish Premier Division #21.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Stephen Gourley, Chris Walker – Sean Ward, Scott Young, Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Michael Halliday, Rick Adair.

Weather: Dry, 10°C

“With nine games of this Smirnoff Premier Division season remaining, Glentoran are again hoping a late charge is enough to claim the title. However this season, it might just not be enough, despite this impressive win over Newry Town extending their unbeaten run to eight league games. Coleraine have so far been simply too good and have been beaten just once, drawing twice.

Injuries are beginning to blight Glentoran’s run-in but Stan Ginozola continues to get the best out of his troops. Today’s injury list read like a who’s who of the Glentoran squad photo. Paul Leeman, Mark Glendinning, Kevin Keegan, Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin, Richard Stanfield, Willie Hull and Jason Hill all played their part in last season’s title win as well as a big part this season though all are currently out injured. Somehow, Glentoran are marching on.

Today it was Newry Town’s turn to get turned over, starting in the fifth minute when a Gavin Melaugh cross gave Rick Adair his tenth goal for the club, amazing considering the short time he’s been here. He was soon backed up by striker partner Andy Smith who, keen to show supporters he was still the man, dispossessed Gareth McKeown and hit a low drive into the bottom corner.

The game was won before half-time with Andy Smith grabbing his 21st of the season. A corner from the right was diverted into his path and he made no mistake from twelve yards.

Elsewhere in the Smirnoff Premier, league leaders Coleraine saw off Glentoran’s nearest rivals Linfield with a 2-0 win at the Coleraine Showgrounds. At Ards, the home side climed to 4th with a 2-1 home win over Institute whilst at the other end of the table, Distillery boosted their hopes of survival with a 2-0 home win over Bangor.

Glentoran 3 – Newry Town 0
Goals: Adair 1-0, Smith 2-0, Smith 3-0.
Attendance: 2,147
MoM: Andy Smith (Glentoran) – Back to his best with a fine display and a two-goal game.

League Table – 21 Games: Coleraine (56pts); Glentoran (46pts); Linfield (39pts); Ards (35pts); Portadown (31pts); Limavady Utd (30pts); Cliftonville, Omagh (29pts); Larne, Dungannon (27pts); Bangor (25pts); Institute (24pts); Ballymena Utd (22pts); Newry (18pts); Glenavon (17pts); Distillery (15pts).

Shermanez

Northern Ireland Under21 boss Colin Quinn names his squad for the forthcoming game with Bulgaria and three Glentoran players are named in the twenty-two. Sean Ward will be looking to add to his two caps whilst both Marc Wilson and Jodie Hill will be looking to make their debuts.

In the first of the two County Antrim Shield semi-finals, Crusaders beat Ballymena United 2-0 to go through to the final. We play tomorrow against Cliftonville.

Two days after the Under21 squad is named, Andy Smith and Gavin Melaugh are called into the National squad. Andy Smith already has six caps and two goals to his name but its Gavin Melaugh’s first call-up and its nothing more than the quiet man deserves.

Wed 09.02.05
Cliftonville Vs Glentoran - Windsor Park
County Antrim Shield Semi-Final.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Gary Smyth, Stephen Gourley – Sean Ward, Tim McCann, Conor Walsh, Conor Dawson – Andy Smith, Jason Hill, Rick Adair.

Weather: Dry, 5°C

KL – “Hello and welcome to The Football Show on BBC Radio Belfast, 98.9FM with me Kenny Leeman. Tonight it’s cup semi-final time with Glentoran taking on Cliftonville at Windsor Park for a place in the final of the County Antrim Shield. We’ll keep you bang up to date with all the goings on as Glens boss Stan Ginozola looks to make his third cup final in just two seasons. Our man at Windsor Park is Gary Rogers and we can go live to him now. Gary, Stan Ginozola looks to have named an under-strength side for tonight’s game.

GR – “It’s looking that way Kenny, simply because of the recent injury crisis at The Oval. With so many first-team players out injured, he can’t afford to lose more at this stage of the season. Rick Adair starts however, so I’m sure Stan is confident his side can progress.

KL – “And he’s given debuts to Conor Walsh and Conor Dawson?

GR – “He has, both are tenacious midfielders. Conor Dawson has played once before, a late substitute in an end of season game during Roy Coyle’s final season at the club but it’ll be his first start under Ginozola. Dawson has been out on loan at Dergview and Loughall already this season, he’s well thought of at The Oval and he’ll have the chance to shine tonight. There are a good number of Glentoran fans at Windsor Park already.

7.54pm

KL – “There’s been a goal at Windsor Park, and it’s gone Glentoran’s way. Gary Rogers…

GR – “Indeed it has Kenny, and it’s big Gary Smyth who’s scored it. A corner on the right from Conor Dawson was only half-cleared, he got it back and with Smyth still lingering in the middle, whipped in a fine ball and all the big man had to do was nod it past Ben Mohan. A fine start for Stanley Ginozola’s men.”

8:10pm

KL – “Now, last we checked Glentoran were leading 1-0, let’s see how things stand now with Gary Rogers…

GR – “It’s still 1-0 Glentoran and to be honest the goal has been the only high point of the game so far. Cliftonville are struggling to get the ball out of their own half. Rick Adair has come closest to a second goal, though he could only drag the bal wide from the edge of the area. It’s still Glentoran one, Cliftonville nil.”

8:32pm

KL – “It’s half-time at Windsor Park, Gary Rogers…

GR – “The game has opened up slightly since my last report and Cliftonville have come back into the game. Anthony Lagan, always a threat from the right side, showed just why he’s so highly thought of with a neat run and shot that tested Elliott Morris though Conor Dawson did have the chance to double Glentoran’s lead seven before the break. A long ball from Gourley broke to the young midfielder on the edge of the area but again Mohan was equal to the shot. I’ll keep you informed but for now Glentoran still lead by one goal to nil.”

9:15pm

KL – “Goal at Windsor Park, Gary Rogers…

GR – “It’s substitute Andy Smith who’s scored with what was surely his first touch. On to replace Darren Armour, he made his way straight to the back post as Conor Walsh’s corner was floated it. It missed everyone and Smith was on hand to turn the ball back towards goal and Ben Mohan was beaten. It’s surely game over now with just fifteen remaining, Glentoran through to the County Antrim Shield to face Crusaders.”

9:24pm

KL – “News of a sending off at Windsor Park, let’s get over to our man Gary Rogers…

GR – “No one is too sure just what happened but as a long ball came over the top of the Glentoran defence, Gavin Gilmore dropped to the floor like a sack of spuds. Gary Smyth was closest to him and after consulting with his linesman, John Ferry issued a straight card. He was gesturing elbow so that might be the reason but for now Glentoran have thirteen minutes to hang on. It’s still Glentoran one, Cliftonville nil.”

9:38pm

KL – “The final-whistle has gone at Windsor Park, but are Glentoran through?

GR – “They certainly are Kenny, but they made it hard for themselves. The sending off of Gary Smyth changed the game and Cliftonville threw everything at Elliott Morris’ goal. He held strong until deep into injury time when Anthony Lagan pulled a goal back but it wasn’t enough to force extra-time and Stan Ginozola will be pleased to advance through to the County Antrim Shield Final, especially after bowing out in the First Round last season on penalties to Ballyclare Comrades.”

Cliftonville 1 – Glentoran 2
Goals: Smyth 0-1, Smith 0-2, Lagan 1-2.
Attendance: 13,467
MoM: Elliott Morris (Glentoran) – Made some outstanding saves to see us through.

Shermanez

Sat 12.02.05
Glentoran Vs Glenavon – The Oval, Belfast
Northern Irish Premier Division #22.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Stephen Gourley, Chris Walker – Sean Ward, Scott Young, Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Michael Halliday, Rick Adair.

Weather: Breezy, Wet 5°C

Glenavon came to town needing three points to help stave off the threat of relegation, though they had about as much chance of doing that as we had our overturning Coleraine’s ten point lead. We named what I considered our strongest side in recent weeks, with only Paul Leeman out due to injury. In his place came Stephen Gourley, slotting into defence as Ward covered Leeman in midfield.

The Glenmen were once again their in their numbers, praying for the impossible. They saw us get off to the ideal start, with Darren Armour linking well with Darren Lockhart to slot the opening goal past Karl Keating in the Glenavon goal from twelve yards. It was nothing more than we deserved and 1-0 became 2-0 in the 24th minute with Sean Ward latching onto a poor clearance to slam the ball home from twenty-five yards giving Keating no chance.

Glenavon’s chances for a comeback took a further denting in the second period with Wayne Ruddy pulling down Rick Adair when the young striker was sent clear by Armour. Referee Leslie Irvine had little option but to issue a straight red card. The visitors were making their game plan clear and a crude challenge on Darren Armour from player/manager Jim Magilton should really have been the game’s second dismissal. Only a yellow was shown and Armour was forced off the field on a stretcher.

Though I insisted we keep calm, Rick Adair couldn’t resist his own little dig and a late challenge caught Magilton late. A fifteen man brawl ensued though thankfully Irvine chose only to issue Adair with a yellow card. We finished the game by far the stronger side, fully deserving the late goals from Andy Smith and Scott Young that wrapped the game up at 4-0.

Back in the dressing room I flicked on BBC Belfast’s ‘Sports Report’ and listened in disbelief as Kenny Leeman read out the afternoon’s results. Portadown had thrashed Coleraine 6-0, giving the league leaders only their second defeat of the season.

Glentoran 4 – Glenavon 0
Goals: Armour 1-0, Ward 2-0, Smith 3-0, Young 4-0.
Attendance: 3,352
MoM: Stephen Gourley (Glentoran) – The young defender is taking to first-team football like a duck to water and making the place his own by right.

League Table – 22 Games: Coleraine (56pts); Glentoran (49pts); Linfield (42pts); Ards (36pts); Portadown (34pts); Omagh (32pts); Limavady Utd (31pts); Cliftonville, Dungannon (30pts); Larne (27pts); Bangor (26pts); Ballymena Utd (25pts); Institute (24pts); Newry (18pts); Glenavon (17pts); Distillery (15pts).

Shermanez

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph after the game, I told chief Sports reporter Scott Davies that I was delighted with the way we had performed in recent weeks but wouldn’t be drawn into a prediction about who’d finish the season on top of the pile. In true Alex Ferguson-esqe mind games, I insisted I believed Coleraine were big enough and strong enough to maintain their lead, despite still having to come to The Oval before the season came to a close.

During the week, Darren Lockhart was added to the Northern Ireland squad for their forthcoming World Cup Qualification game with Romania. Lockhart’s addition meant we now had three players in Colin Quinn’s squad, the biggest percentage of any other club and most for an Irish league side in over thirty years.

Sat 19.02.05
Glentoran Vs Portadown – The Oval, Belfast
Irish Cup 6th Round.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Stephen Gourley, Mark Glendinning – Sean Ward, Scott Young, Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Michael Halliday, Rick Adair.

Weather: Breezy, Wet 4°C

The Irish Cup came around at the wrong time, giving both us and Coleraine a break from league action. Coleraine would be glad of the break, with the game against Cliftonville one that they would surely see as the chance to get back to winning ways. Meanwhile, our recent league form had been so impressive that the pressure was beginning to tell on the leaders and a defeat against Portadown could scupper our plans of another late assault on the title.

Portadown were in supreme form having beaten Coleraine so comfortably a week previous and it simply added to the spice already generated of a Glentoran Portadown clash. We last met in January a month earlier, where two late goals from Scott Young had given us a comfortable 5-2 victory. A similar result today would be tremendous. It wouldn’t be easy though, with Mark Glendinning in to replace Chris Walker who sat the game out with a thigh strain.

We had the better of the opening exchanges and deservedly took the lead after just eight minutes with a cross from Gavin Melaugh finished off by Rick Adair. It was a lead we were in no mood to give up and a twenty-five yard strike from Andy Smith, a change from his trademark poacher’s goal, sent us in at the break two goals to the good.

I made a couple of changes as the hour mark approached with Andy Smith giving way to Michael Halliday and Paul Leeman returning to action in place of Stephen Gourley. We continued to impress and a late penalty from Sean Ward following a foul on Melaugh saw us progress to the Quarter Finals with an impressive 3-0 win.

Glentoran 3 – Portadown 0
Goals: Adair 1-0, Smith 2-0, Young pen 3-0.
Attendance: 6,741
MoM: Rick Adair (Glentoran) – Another good performance backed up by his first Irish Cup goal as a Glentoran player.

Shermanez

The Irish FA faxed the results of the Quarter Finals draw to my office on Monday afternoon and we were drawn to face fellow Premier Division side Dungannon Swifts, fresh from beating Institute 1-0 in the 6th Round. Elsewhere, Distillery would meet with Coleraine, Limavady United played Larne and the winners of the Newry Vs Ballymena United would play the only remaining team outside the top flight still in the competition, Lurgan Celtic.

Wed 23.02.05
Glentoran Vs Lisburn Distillery – The Oval, Belfast
Northern Irish Premier Division #23.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Stephen Gourley, Chris Walker – Sean Ward, Michael Halliday, Kevin Keegan, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Darren Armour, Rick Adair.

Weather: Breezy, Wet 3°C

Both Scott Young and Gavin Melaugh sat out the midweek league clash with Distillery, though Chris Walker was back in the side in place of Mark Glendinning having shaken off a thigh strain. Kevin Keegan and Michael Halliday lined up in midfield with Darren Armour back in attack. Distillery’s miserable run of form showed little sign of improvement and relegation to the First Division seemed inevitable.

We needed an early goal to kill off Distillery and we were fortunate to find one when a mistake from Distillery ‘keeper Phillip Matthews gifted Darren Armour with perhaps the easiest finish of his 22 goals scored this season. The second goal four minutes later was no fluke however, with Michael Halliday skilfully lobbing Matthews from the edge of the area. Both goals were greeted as though they were cup final winning strikes with the home supporters knowing just how crucial they could turn out to be.

Those in the home ends with radios would know that Coleraine were still drawing 0-0 away at Limavady United, as a disastrous own goal from Tony Bell increased our lead to 3-0. Only two or three fine stops from Matthews made sure things didn’t get embarrassing before the half-time whistle arrived. During the fifteen minutes interval, the PA announcer made everyone in the ground aware that Limavady had taken the lead.

The second half saw another impressive display. I chose to give Andy Smith the rest of the game off, bringing on John McAuley for a rare first-team appearance. The youngster had a hand in our fourth of the afternoon, flicking on into space for Rick Adair to chase, round Matthews and slot the ball into the unguarded net to put the icing on our cake.

Paul Leeman replaced Sean Ward, off in a purely precautionary substitution as we saw out the game with ease. McAuley added a fifth with his first senior league goal of the season (though he already had 3 in the County Antrim Shield) and the game was won. Over at Limavady, a late fight back saw Coleraine come from behind to secure a vital 3-2 victory with Gary Woods scoring the winning goal three minutes into injury time. We’d have to wait to make further ground on the league leaders.

Glentoran 5 – Lisburn Distillery 0
Goals: Armour 1-0, Halliday 2-0 Bell og 3-0, Adair 4-0, McAuley 5-0.
Attendance: 2,735
MoM: Michael Halliday (Glentoran) – A superb performance from midfield.

League Table – 23 Games: Coleraine (59pts); Glentoran (52pts); Linfield (45pts); Ards (36pts); Portadown (34pts); Omagh, Dungannon (33pts); Limavady Utd (31pts); Cliftonville (30pts); Bangor, Larne (27pts); Ballymena Utd (25pts); Institute (24pts); Glenavon (20pts); Newry (18pts); Distillery (15pts).

Shermanez

I was delighted with the win, and my feelings were backed up by Chairman Stafford Reynolds who went on record in the Belfast Telegraph signing the players’ praises. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses as Stephen Gourley’s booking meant he’d miss the next fixture, an away trip to Cliftonville, through suspension.

The defeat was bad news for Distillery boss Paul Kirk, with the Distillery board thought to be losing patience with their man. The Belfast Telegraph speculated that a poor result in the next game may well seal his fate. Elsewhere around the country, Ballymena’s replay win over Newry Town saw them through to face Lurgan Celtic in the Quarter Finals of the Irish Cup.

Sat 26.02.05
Cliftonville Vs Glentoran – Solitude, Belfast
Northern Irish Premier Division #24.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Gary Smyth, Chris Walker – Sean Ward, Scott Young, Gavin Melaugh, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Darren Armour, Rick Adair.

Weather: Dry, 14°C

The pleasant weather makes a welcomed return as we cross town to Solitude, home of Cliftonville. Changes are again the order of the day with Gary Smyth coming in in place of Stephen Gourley, Scott Young replacing Michael Halliday and Gavin Melaugh back in the side instead of Kevin Keegan.

Early goals have occurred often in recent matches but there was no of that today with Cliftonville fighting for every inch of possession. We have the chances, particularly Scott Young who balloons over the bar on two occasions when released by Melaugh and Darren Lockhart. Half-time arrives with the game deadlocked at 0-0.

Cliftonville’s season appears to be heading towards acceptable mid-table obscurity so there is little reaction to Scott Young’s goal four minutes after the break, as he finally gets it right and drives low past goalkeeper Ben Mohan to give us the lead. It’s just what we require and we soon build on it with Rick Adair meeting a Lockhart cross to double our lead. Minutes later, Chris Walker is again replaced with Paul Leeman coming onto the field. The captain’s armband is passed back to Elliott Morris.

Another change is required when Gavin Melaugh comes off worst in a challenge with sixteen year-old Neil McFarland. John McAuley comes onto the field with Darren Armour moving back into Melaugh’s role on the right of midfield. We continue to show our dominance with Smith and McAuley both having opportunities to extend our lead though neither are taken. The late sending off for defender Tom McKenna kills off Cliftonville’s fight and we see out the game with a 2-0 scoreline. It’s a terrific win over our arch-rivals.

Over at Coleraine, Bangor have held the league leaders to a 0-0 draw so we claw back two points closer to the title.

Cliftonville 0 Vs Glentoran 2
Goals: Young 1-0, Adair 2-0.
Attendance: 2,978
MoM: Rick Adair (Glentoran) – Another goal, another fine performance, another £10,000 on his asking price.

League Table – 24 Games: Coleraine (60pts); Glentoran (55pts); Linfield (48pts); Portadown (37pts); Ards, Omagh (36pts); Dungannon (33pts); Limavady Utd (31pts); Cliftonville, Larne (30pts); Bangor, Ballymena Utd (28pts); Institute (24pts); Glenavon (23pts); Newry (18pts); Distillery (15pts).

Shermanez

Paul Kirk’s spell as Distillery boss unsurprisingly came to an end, with a 2-0 home defeat to Glenavon enough to bring the axe down from the board of directors. I immediately extend a welcomed hand, approaching him with a deal to see him help coach the first-team until the end of the season.

The end of February brings the dreaded ‘Manager of the Month’ award to my door. Hopefully the infamous curse won’t strike as we enter the most crucial month of the season so far.

There are games in midweek but they mostly concern the lower end of the table with Ballymena Utd sharing a 1-1 draw with Cliftonville and Newry and Portadown ending goalless. The games bring everyone level at 24 games played.

Sat 05.03.05
Larne Vs Glentoran – Inver Park, Larne
Northern Irish Premier Division #25.

Glentoran 3-5-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Gary Smyth, Chris Walker – Sean Ward, Scott Young, Kevin Keegan, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Darren Armour, Rick Adair.

Weather: Wet, 14°C

With five games to play, and meetings with Portadown, Linfield and Coleraine still to come, we travel to Inver Park to take on mid-table Larne. Gavin Melaugh misses the game, with Kevin Keegan back in the side on the right side of midfield.

We start well, with Scott Young and Darren Lockhart combining through the middle and Rick Adair looking sharp up front. Larne held strong, goalkeeper Paul Wilson made three good stops and the defence in general came up big. Half-time edged every closer and we looked to be heading for a 0-0 scoreline until Andy Smith laid on a delightful ball for Young who lashed the ball hard and low past Wilson to give us the lead at just the right time.

Injury to Rick Adair forces him off the field of play during the second period with John McAuley on as replacement. It gives us a little extra height up front and allows a couple more long balls to be pinged forward. We were still looking for a second but Paul Wilson had been equal to everything we could throw at him.

Larne equalised with six minutes remaining through Robbie Quinn, but we only had ourselves to blame as Coleraine stretched their lead to six points with five to play. We’d had the better of the play but chances had been missed and we stumbled over the line, lucky to hang onto a point.

Larne 1 - Glentoran 1
Goals: Young 1-0, Quinn 1-1.
Attendance: 4,332
MoM: Robbie Quinn (Larne) – Equalising goal earns his side a point.

League Table – 25 Games: Coleraine (63pts); Glentoran (56pts); Linfield (48pts); Portadown (41pts); Ards, Omagh (39pts); Cliftonville (34pts), Dungannon (33pts); Ballymena Utd (32pts); Limavady Utd, Larne (31pts); Bangor (28pts); Glenavon (26pts); Institute (24pts); Newry (19pts); Distillery (15pts).