Shermanez

The players were exhausted on the bus ride home, both mentally and physically and the £1,000 cash reward from the Northern Irish Football Association did little to raise their spirits. Things were a little easier for Portadown in the second semi final played on Wednesday evening. They ran out comfortable 6-1 winners over Cliftonville.

Sat 18.10.03
Omagh Town Vs Glentoran – St. Julian’s Road.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #4

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon (c), Tim McCann, Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield (Tommy McCallion), Scott Young - Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Dry, 14°C

We’re back in league action at mid-table Omagh and unsurprisingly, we’re not at the races in the first half. Omagh have much of the early running though Elliott Morris between the posts is once again in inspired form.

System changes are again made at the interval, with McCallion coming on to create the pronged-three attack. The move certainly brings a change in the over running of the game though McCallion can only find the Omagh goalkeeper when following up a saved effort from Andy Smith.

Smith himself had a late chance to snatch all three points, firing over when a loose ball dropped to him inside the area. Still, our unbeaten run in the league stretched to four games.

Omagh Town 0 - Glentoran 0
Goals: None.
Attendance: 1,531
MoM: Gavin Cullen (Omagh) – Called upon late in the game to save, Cullen kept his side in the contest throughout.

League Table – 4 Games: Limavady Utd, Portadown (9pts); Glentoran (8pts); Ards, Dungannon, Cliftonville, Distillery, Linfield (7pts); Coleraine, Crusaders, Omagh (5pts); Ballymena Utd, Newry, Larne (3pts); Glenavon (2pts); Institute (1pt).

Shermanez

Darren Armour picked up a knock during the game at Omagh, and whilst he may not train all week, he will more than likely have recovered in time for next week’s home clash with Crusaders. Another player who takes a knock midweek is striker Andy Smith, again he’ll start, but whether he completes the game is another matter.

Sat 25.10.03
Glentoran Vs Crusaders – The Oval.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #5

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Gavin Melaugh - Andy Smith (Tommy McCallion), Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Dry, 8°C

A win, two draws and a defeat comprise Crusaders’ league record so far this year, as well as finishing bottom of the League Cup Group 4. It’s a game we should win, and an early goal from Damien McLoughlin sets us on our way after just twenty-one seconds. Smith is involved, showing no signs of his earlier injury, and McLoughlin is left to nod the ball over the advancing ‘keeper for his ninth of the season.

The first half is one we dominate and when Andy Smith is clattered from behind from Jason Smith, McLaughlin tucks away the resulting penalty to make it 2-0. Smith himself gets in on the act five minutes before the break and when Smith again goes in hard on a Glentoran player, McLaughlin gratefully accepts the penalty, tucking the first hat-trick of his professional career.

Amazingly, this all happened before half-time. It’s proving to be an afternoon where everything goes our way. Richard Stansfield finally gets one right and hits a perfect free-kick past Michael Dougherty in the Crusaders goal. Smith is replaced, giving McCallion an appearance and the domination continues, though only a Darren Lockhart chance with just seconds left on the clock provides any chance of a sixth. A superb performance to get us back to winning ways.

Glentoran 5 – Crusaders 0
[b]Goals: McLaughlin 1-0, McLaughlin pen 2-0, Smith 3-0, McLaughlin pen 4-0, Stansfield 5-0.
Attendance: 3,270
MoM: Damien McLoughlan (Glentoran) – There’s only man who can take the award with McLoughlan’s first.

League Table – 5 Games: Portadown, Limavady Utd, (12pts); Glentoran (11pts); Dungannon, Ards (10pts); Coleraine (8pts); Cliftonville, Distillery, Linfield (7pts); Newry (6pts); Crusaders, Omagh (5pts); Ballymena Utd, Larne (4pts); Glenavon (2pts); Institute (1pt).

Shermanez

Our Chairman, Mr. Reynolds, it clearly delighted with the victory over one of the club’s oldest rivals. Slowly but surely, I’m beginning to understand Northern Irish football a little more. The passion is evident. No one wants to lose local pride.

Tues 28.10.03
Ballyclare Comrades Vs Glentoran – Dixon Park.
County Antrim Shield 1st Rnd.

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris – Chris Pike, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield (Darren McLaughlin), Scott Young (Paul Kee) – Tommy McCallion, Wille Hull (Andy Smith).

Weather: Dry, 10°C

The County Antrim 1st Round cup clash with First Division side Ballyclare Comrades gives me the chance to rest one or two first-team regulars. Reserve-teamer Chris Pike gets the chance at right-back in place of Colin Nixon and in attack McCallion partners reserve-team striker and recent signing Willie Hull. Andy Smith and Damien McLaughlin both sit out on the bench.

Ballyclare have struggled to get into the groove of the new season, despite being Moyola Park 3-1 on the opening day. Defeats to Lurgan Celtic and Ballinamallard United have followed and manager James Kirk clearly sees the clash as a potential kick-start to his side’s fortunes.

The first half is one starved of chances with Ballyclare’s Eddie Hill perhaps having the best, only finding Elliott Morris when released by Stuart McLean. Damien McLaughlin opens the scoring, before Dean Doherty equalises, sending the game to penalties. During extra-time, injury to midfielder Gavin Melaugh forced the young midfielder off and with only Paul Kee left on the bench, the goalkeeper came on for the final minutes of extra-time in midfield. Damien McLaughlin and Tommy McCallion are both on target before misses from Darren Lockhart and Andy Smith see Ballyclare through. Having won the Shield for the last two years, we’re out in the First Round.

Ballyclare Comrades 1 – Glentoran 1 (Ballyclare win 4-2 on penalties)
Goals: McLoughlan 1-0, Doherty 1-1.
Attendance: 1,526
MoM: Alan Huxley (Ballyclare) – The Comrades ‘keeper makes several fine saves to keep his side in the game, before two penalty saves help his side to a famous victory.

Shermanez

Injury to reserve-team midfielder Conor Walsh picked up a thigh strain that would keep him out for up to two weeks. It’s unfortunate for the youngster, who has been a key figure in Jimmy Brown’s side. The same goes for experience centre-half Gary Smyth, who injures his knee in Thursday evening’s session, keeping him sidelined for anything up to a month.

Portadown’s Ronnie McFall collects the Premier Division ‘Manager of the Month’ award after guiding his side to three league victories throughout October. In the month’s ‘Goal of the Month’ award, Damien McLoughlin’s first against Crusaders comes in third behind goals from Glenavon’s Tim Graham and Ards’ Martin Hunter.

Tues 01.11.03
Limavady United Vs Glentoran – Limavady Showgrounds.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #6

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour (Scott Young), Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Gavin Melaugh - Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Wet, 7°C

We’re back in league action with a tricky trip to joint league leaders Limavady United. We’re also back to a full strength side with Colin Nixon, Damien McLoughlin and Andy Smith all recalled in place of Pike, Hull and McCallion. Tommy McCallion is back on the bench. Hosts Limavady have made a particularly strong start to the season, with comprehensive victories over Omagh Town and Crusaders already (5-0 and 4-0 respectively).

A good number of travelling Glentoran ‘ultras’ were in attendance at the Limavady Showgrounds and enjoyed a bright start to the game. An early ball into the box gave Smith a chance which was saved before McLaughlin was upended and referee Stephen Wetherall pointed to the spot. McLaughlin kept his nerve and fired us into an 11th minute lead. Four minutes later, Smith again won a long ball forward from Walker only for United defender Paul Brown to handball. Again McLaughlin grabbed the ball and though his initial shot was saved, he made no mistake with the rebound, firing his second goal of the game.

Limavady are back in the game on the hour mark with slack defending from Chris Walker allowing Gary Simpson the chance to make it 2-1. Changes are made, taking off Darren Armour for Scott Young and moving Gavin Melaugh out onto the right-flank. It seems to work well, and Melaugh’s pace gives us a few extra options. Melaugh in fact weighs in with a time first of the season to extend our lead, and we’re delighted to hold on and collect a vital three points, lifting us above Limavady to the top of the pile.

Limavady United 1 – Glentoran 3
Goals: McLaughlin pen 1-0, McLaughlin pen 2-0, Simpson 2-1, Melaugh 3-1 .
Attendance: 1,712
MoM: Damien McLaughlin (Glentoran) –Two more goals to McLaughlin’s collection take his tally to fourteen in fourteen starts and he was again worth of his Man of the Match award today.

League Table – 6 Games: Glentoran (14pts); Ards (13pts); Portadown, Limavady Utd (12pts); Coleraine (11pts); Dungannon, Linfield (10pts); Cliftonville, Ballymena Utd, Larne, Distillery (7pts); Newry (6pts); Glenavon, Omagh, Crusaders (5pts); Institute (4pts).

Shermanez

With the league table beginning to take shape, I’m delighted to see us take top spot with a one point lead over Ards. With a top of the table clash to come next Saturday, it’ll be a fantastic game at The Oval.

Youngster Gary Spence returns to East Belfast on Thursday having spent the early part of the season on loan at First Division Carrick Rangers were he made five appearances.

Sat 08.11.03
Glentoran Vs Ards – The Oval.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #7

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour (Tommy McCallion), Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Gavin Melaugh - Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Breezy, Wet, 8°C

I’m pleased to have a full squad to choose from for the visit of Ards, in a game vital to both sides as Ards look for their first title win since 1958. The season is only seven games old and there is a lot of football still to be played but Ards have been strong all season and anticipation is building at Clandeboye Park, Bangor.

As expected, it’s a difficult afternoon, with the swirling win not helping the quality of football. Andy Smith caused the Ards defence a few problems inside the opening half hour though striker partner Damien McLaughlin seemed to struggle to match. McLaughlin did win a flick that allowed Darren Armour a clean strike on goal and Elliott Morris was tested when left-back Thomas Heffernan stung the goalkeeper’s hands.

After the interval, we emerged as much the stronger side and Ards’ ‘keeper Stephen Robertson is the busier of the two stoppers. A long ball from substitute McCallion releases McLaughlin on the counter-attack and he was unfortunate not to add to his tally. Chris Walker is a tower of strength at the back and even went close at the other end with a fine header that clipped the Ards crossbar on the way over. Ards are pleased to come away with a point, whilst I’m a little regretful we didn’t make more of the opportunities we had.

Glentoran 0 - Ards 0
Goals: None.
Attendance: 1,559
MoM: Chris Walker (Glentoran) – The inspirational defender is strong throughout and deserved more from his team-mates.

League Table – 7 Games: Glentoran, Portadown (15pts); Coleraine, Ards (14pts); Linfield (13pts); Limavady Utd (12pts); Dungannon, Ballymena Utd, Distillery (10pts); Newry (9pts); Omagh (8pts); Cliftonville, Larne, (7pts); Glenavon, , Crusaders (5pts); Institute (4pts).

Shermanez

Tuesday evening season the culmination of the League Cup, with Linfield taking on Portadown with the game being played at our home ground, The Oval in East Belfast. With the Final being played so close to home, I make the short trip to the ground to watch the game from the safety of the Directors’ Box. There seem to be quite a few Glentoran fans with the same idea and clashes between Glentoran and Linfield fans break out regularly both inside and outside of the ground.

It’s a fine game of which Portadown are deserved victors. They were already 2-0 up thanks to goals from Vinny Arkins and Gary Hamilton before Paul Dalglish scores to bring Linfield back into the game. However, any thoughts of a comeback are dashed when Tony Smith scores a third eight minutes from time.

Winger Kevin Keegan returned to the club on Thursday morning after three-months on loan at Carrick. Keegan played four times for the First Division side, scoring two goals. Carrick had been keen to keep the youngster at the club on a more permanent basis but I have high hopes for Keegan so he’s back at The Oval.

Injury to Mark Glendinning in Tuesday’s training session means he’ll miss at least three weeks football. With no game due to International fixtures, we’re back in action after a fortnights rest with an away trip Newry.

Sat 22.11.03
Newry Town Vs Glentoran – Newry Showgrounds.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #8

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon (c), Chris Pike, Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Gavin Melaugh - Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Wet, 5°C

With skipper Glendinning missing, Chris Pike is in at left-back with the captain’s armband returning to left full-back Colin Nixon. Things have improved for Newry in recent weeks with two victories in three games, including five goals in the 5-3 defeat of Distillery.

The conditions don’t suit flowing football and the opening twenty minutes are bogged down inside the centre area of the field. Darren Lockhart has the game’s first opportunity, shooting wide when played in by Andy Smith and the only other real chance of the first half sees Newry striker John Joe Maguire test Morris from twelve yards.

Changes are made at half-time to give us more of an attacking edge though still chances are hard to come by. Melaugh hits a half chance over the bar from twenty-five yards before McLaughlin goes close with a near-post header. We’re restricted to long-range efforts for much of the second half with Chris Walker just inches wide and Gavin Melaugh again going close. In the end, despite dominating, we’re limited to just a point on the road. Still, it maintains our unbeaten start to the season and we’re now the only side in the Premier Division with an unbeaten league record.

Newry Town 0 – Glentoran 0
Goals: None.
Attendance: 1,539
MoM: Darren Lockhart (Glentoran) – In difficult conditions, winger Darren Lockhart was strong throughout and created several fine chances for his team-mates.

League Table – 8 Games: Portadown (18pts); Glentoran, Linfield (16pts); Coleraine, Ards (15pts); Dungannon (13pts); Limavady Utd (12pts); Ballymena Utd, Newry, Cliftonville, Larne, Distillery (10pts); Omagh (8pts); Institute (7pts); Glenavon, Crusaders (5pts).

retired_brinker317

Isn't cancelling a weekends' worth of games for Internationals a bit optimistic in Northern Ireland?

Great stuff though Gino :thup: - I had an entertaining game with Wakefield, in the Second Division, when I first got CM03/04. Some of the players were abysmal, but we seemed to do pretty well. Might have to return one day.

Shermanez

I don't know d_s, I've heard Limavady United are planning a swoop for Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy! Prehaps it's just preparation. This is the first time I've given management in Ireland a go, and I'm really enjoying it! :thup:

The point, coupled with Portadown’s 6-1 win at Omagh Town means we drop to second place. Elsewhere, Linfield continue to exert pressure with a 3-0 victory over Ballymena United at Windsor Park.

Prior to the meeting with Coleraine the players are put through a light training session where Andy Smith falls awkwardly and tears his groin. It’s the one thing we don’t and with Tommy McCallion not 100% fit on the bench, reserve-team striker John McCauley, still just seventeen, is plucked for his first-team debut. Already having sixteen goals for both the reserves and Under 18 sides, I’m convinced he’ll have enough to get through the game.

Sat 29.11.03
Coleraine Vs Glentoran – Coleraine Showgrounds.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #9

Glentoran 4-3-3: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon (c), Chris Pike, Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Gavin Melaugh – John McAuley, Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Breezy, Wet, 9°C

We line up with an extra striker to face Coleraine, with McCauley and McCallion both starting. McCauley replaces the injured Smith whilst McCallion is picked ahead of Richard Stansfield. McAuley starts brightly and is perhaps unfortunate not to score with his first effort on goal, a dipping strike that just crept over the Coleraine crossbar.

We enjoy much of the first half play with McCallion and McLaughlin linking well to force a save from Stewart Ingham whilst at the other end Coleraine are restricted to half-chances. The game’s golden opportunity comes with Chris Pike off the field receiving treatment. With Pike missing, we’re caught three on three at the break and Tolan goes close when Morris saves. Former Glentoran striker Rory Hamill has a couple of half chances as the first half draws to a close.

Goals are becoming difficult to come by and a goalless second half leads to our third consecutive goalless draw. Its not that we don’t have chances with McAuley and Darren Lockhart both having chances to give us victory. The point leaves us in 3rd position, four points behind leaders Portadown.

Coleraine 0 – Glentoran 0
Goals: None.
Attendance: 1,534
MoM: Stuart Ingham (Coleraine) – A fine performance between the posts earns his side a point.

League Table – 9 Games: Portadown (21pts); Ards (18pts); Glentoran (17pts); Coleraine, Linfield (16pts); Dungannon (14pts); Newry, Larne (13pts); Limavady Utd (12pts); Ballymena Utd, Cliftonville (11pts); Distillery (10pts); Institute, Omagh (8pts); Glenavon, Crusaders (5pts).

Shermanez

The yellow card collected by Colin Nixon means he’s reached 20 disciplinary points for the season, forcing him out of the next week’s clash with Larne at The Oval.

News around the league speculates that the Glenavon board are finally losing patience with their boss, Alfie Wylie. The Lurgan club have struggled to get to grips with the start of their campaign, having collected just five points from nine games to sit in lowly fifteen, joint bottom alongside Crusaders.

It’s that time again for the ‘Manager of the May’ for November. Ards’ boss Frankie Parkes takes the Premier Division award having led his side to two victories and two vital away draws. His side now sit in second, behind Portadown.

Ballymena United’s Gareth McLaughlin collects both first and second ‘Goal of the Month’ awards for his strikes against Portadown and Cliftonville respectively.

Sat 06.12.03
Glentoran Vs Larne – The Oval.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #10

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris – Paul Leeman, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Chris Walker - Darren Armour, Darren Lockhart, Richard Stansfield, Gavin Melaugh – Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Dry, 6°C

Selection problems are beginning to mount up, what with Colin Nixon’s name added to Andy Smith and Mark Glendinning as those unavailable. Nixon’s replacement at right-back is 25-year-old Paul Leeman, and make no mistake about it, if it wasn’t for Nixon’s fine form, Leeman would have been a certain start himself. Leeman has 170 appearances in the Green, Red and Black of Glentoran and is a welcomed name on the team-sheet for many of the fans gathered at The Oval.

Larne’s fortunes have improved in recent weeks, with victories over Distillery, Crusaders and Glenavon in their previous four games. The points have helped drag Tommy Kincaid’s men back up the Premier Division. The Inver Park club have injuries and selection problems of their own with striker Peter Withnell and midfield man Ian Smyth both sitting out.

We start brightly with wide men Darren Lockhart and Darren Armour making inroads behind the Larne defence. A Lockhart cross was parried by Larne ‘keeper Andy McDonald before Tommy McCallion follows up, blasting the ball into orbit and into the stand. Again, worries about scoring surface when further chances for McCallion and Armour are wasted. The second half is a similar story, and while the battle at the back is won, limiting Larne to just one effort on goal, we struggle to convert anything up front and have to make do with our five goalless draw in seven league games.

Glentoran 0 – Larne 0
Goals: None.
Attendance: 1,571
MoM: Andy McDonald (Larne) – Despite our strikers being guilty of wasting several fine chances, Andy McDonald was equal to everything thrown at him and deserved collected the ‘Man of the Match’ award from the sponsors.

League Table – 10 Games: Portadown (22pts); Ards (19pts); Glentoran (18pts); Coleraine (17pts); Linfield (16pts); Dungannon (15pts); Newry, Ballymena Utd, Larne (14pts); Limavady Utd (Pld 9), Distillery (13pts); Cliftonville (12pts); Omagh (9pts); Institute (8pts); Glenavon, Crusaders (6pts).

Shermanez

After taking just a point from their home game with Cliftonville, Glenavon boss Alfie Wylie is indeed released from his role as manager of the club.

The Irish Cup Fifth Round draw takes place and we’re drawn to face fellow Belfast side Cliftonville at Solitude on the 17th of January 2004.

Sat 13.12.03
Portadown Vs Glentoran – Shamrock Park.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #11

Glentoran 4-4-2: Elliott Morris - Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning (c), Sean Ward, Paul Leeman - Darren Armour, Tim McCann, Gavin Melaugh, Scott Young – Tommy McCallion, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Wet, 4°C

We’re back to basics for the massive trip to Shamrock Park to take on arch-rivals Portadown. Mark Glendinning is welcome return to team-sheet, taking the captain’s armband. There’s also a change in the middle of defence where Paul Leeman is preferred to Chris Walker. With Darren Lockhart out having picked up a facial injury in training, Tim McCann is back in the side on the left-wing.

Top of the league, Portadown are the Division’s in-form side and we’re in danger of losing touch if we don’t start winning games, and quickly. Matching the ground, the Shamrock Park surface is in dreadful condition and makes difficult work playing any sort of decent football. It’s a real scrap with tackles galore, and thankfully we aren’t in the mood for shirking anything. There’s history between the two sides, that’s for sure.

The moment we’re been waiting for for over 425 minutes arrived when Sean Ward meets a Tim McCann corner from the right to power a header past Portadown ‘keeper James Millar for the nineteen-year-old’s first goal in senior football. Unfortunatly it’s a lead we hold for just sixty seconds with slack defending allowing Dean Fitzgerald to sneak through to toe his side back level almost immediately.

The second is difficult to watch. We’re desperately missing Andy Smith, as is made blatantly obvious with McAuley and McCallion missing chances that last season’s twenty-two league goal man would surely have finished. Gary Hamilton punishes a Elliot Morris error for his 50th Portadown goal just after the hour, and pushing for a late equaliser, we’re caught on the break, allowing Hamilton to score his second of the afternoon.

Portadown 3 – Glentoran 1
Goals: Ward 1-0, Fitzgerald 1-1, Hamilton 1-2, Hamilton 1-3.
Attendance: 1,611
MoM: James Millar (Portadown) – Again it’s the opposition’s goalkeeper who comes out of the game with the award.

League Table – 11 Games: Portadown (25pts); Ards, Linfield (20pts); Coleraine, Glentoran (18pts); Ballymena Utd (17pts); Dungannon (16pts); Newry, Larne (15pts); Limavady Utd, Distillery (14pts); Cliftonville (13pts); Omagh (10pts); Institute (9pts); Crusaders (7pts); Glenavon (6pts).