gino

This week it’s Alan Dornan’s turn to bite the bullet, leaving Crusaders after their dismal start to the season.

Wed 17.12.03
Glentoran Vs Dungannon Swifts – The Oval.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #12

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

Weather: Dry, 4°C

Again injuries effect team selection with a training ground injury set to keep skipper Mark Glendinning out for anything up to a month. It’s out third meeting with Dungannon already this season, having beaten the Stangmore Park since twice during the League Cup Group stages 1-0. A similar result would be ideal today.

Dungannon sit in mid-table, having collected three draws in their last three games. However, with leading scorer Jonathan Topley missing, they may struggle in front of goal. Thankfully, with Damien McLaughlin giving us the lead after just four minutes, our goalscoring problems appeared to be over. It’s a fine goal, with McLaughlin taking a pass from Melaugh in his stride to shoot past Swifts’ ‘keeper Johnny Pollock.

Buoyed by the goal, we push on and grab a second minutes after the half-hour. A cross from Lockhart hangs in the air before Sean Ward fires the ball back in for his second goal in four days. For once, half-time is a time when we can talk of holding a lead, instead of attempting to find one.

The second half is one we dominate for long periods with Melaugh and McCallion going close to giving us a third. It eventually arrives from the trusty left boot of McLaughlin, collecting his second of the afternoon. Andy Kilmartin is introduced as a second half sub in place of Melaugh and performs well. It’s a fantastic feeling to hear the final whistle, knowing we’re back to winning ways.

Glentoran 3 – Dungannon 0
Goals: McLaughlin 1-0, Ward 2-0, McLaughlin 3-0.
Attendance: 1,634
MoM: Sean Ward (Glentoran) – The youngster is improving with every game and finding the net to boot.

League Table – 12 Games: Portadown (28pts); Ards (23pts); Glentoran (21pts); Ballymena Utd, Linfield (20pts); Coleraine (18pts); Newry, Dungannon (16pts); Limavady Utd, Larne (15pts); Cliftonville, Distillery (14pts); Omagh (13pts); Institute (10pts); Crusaders (8pts); Glenavon (7pts).

gino

We have a light training session Thursday evening, before going through plans for Saturday’s meeting with Cliftonville on Friday. Thankfully, there don’t appear to be any more injuries inside my first-team squad.

Wed 20.12.03
Cliftonville Vs Glentoran – Solitude.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #13

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

Weather: Dry, 6°C

It’s a trip across town to Solitude to take on 11th placed Cliftonville. We’re able to name the same side for once and it pays dividends with Tommy McCallion finding the net for the first time since our 2-1 home victory over Glenavon in early October.

The goal encourages more attacking play and McCallion is unfortunate not to get a second when his twenty-yard free-kick flashes wide of Martin McKenzie’s left-hand upright. The goal seems to have rejuvenated McCallion, as the rest of the side and when Scott Young capitalises on some loose Cliftonville defending to release the striker, a neat finish makes it 2-0 before the break.

The second half sees a continuation of our good form with a corner from the right leading to a goal mouth scramble from which Damien McLaughlin makes it 3-0 and seals all three points. There’s still time for substitute John McAuley to pop up and grab his first professional goal on a feed from Darren Lockhart.

Cliftonville 0 – Glentoran 3
Goals: McCallion 1-0, McCallion 2-0, McLaughlin 3-0, McAuley 4-0.
Attendance: 2,219
MoM: Tommy McCallion (Glentoran) – A return to the scoresheet coincides with a return to form and McCallion beats off competition from Gavin Melaugh to claim the award.

League Table – 13 Games: Portadown (31pts); Glentoran (24pts); Ards, Linfield (23pts); Ballymena Utd (20pts); Coleraine (19pts); Newry, Dungannon, Distillery (17pts); Larne, Omagh (16pts); Limavady Utd (15pts); Cliftonville (14pts); Glenavon, Institute (10pts); Crusaders (8pts).

gino

Following the full-time whistle I rush back to The Oval to complete a deal to bring Wakehurst’s Richard Cameron to the club during January’s transfer window. No fee is involved. At just seventeen, Cameron is definitely one for the future but having impressed all season for the Second Division side it’s an opportunity too good to pass up.

Fri 26.12.03
Glentoran Vs Linfield – The Oval.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #14

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

Weather: Dry, 11°C

On Boxing Day, it’s the big one – Linfield are in town. Keen for revenge following the heartache of the League Cup semi final defeat, the players are fully focused. The rivalries between Glentoran and Linfield go way back. As the countries two ‘biggest’ teams, clashes both on and off the field are now part of Northern Irish football folklore. Today’s meeting at The Oval is set up to be just another chapter.

It’s a frantic start in front of a passionate home crowd. We enjoy early possession through Tim McCann and Darren Lockhart down the left and force two early corners. The second is fired low and hard into the box, Linfield defenders panic and the ball drops to Tommy McCallion. He controls, he turns and he shoots. Seconds later, the net bulges, he scores!

We’re well on top with Linfield on the back foot. Melaugh goes close from distance before Mannus saves well from Armour. The crowd sense a second goal and their not disappointed when McCallion flicks on to find McLaughlin. The young striker dances past the Linfield stopper and fires into the empty to polish off a fantastic team move, arguably the best of the season so far. It’s 2-0 after just sixteen minutes!!

It’s party atmosphere inside The Oval with three sides awash with Green, Black and Red whilst behind the goal, the Linfield supporters can only look on in astonishment. Open-mouthed, they can only watch as Lockhart and Melaugh combine to send McLaughlin clear. Again he goes past Mannus and shoots into the unguarded goal. He’s only made it 3-0!!!

Half-time is still a little under twenty minutes away with the game just twenty-six minutes old. The Blues are shell-shocked and I allow myself a sly gloat to Linfield boss and long time Glentoran foe David Jeffrey. A ball into the box from a rampant Lockhart is only half cleared. Armour hangs a high ball up and up goes a Linfield hand. Penalty! McLaughlin places the ball on the spot, takes two steps back and hammers the ball past Mannus. He’s got another hat-trick and its 4-0 before half-time!!!!

By the interval, much of the Linfield end has emptied. They’re in as much disbelief as the Glentoran fans, believing Christmas had come a day late.

The second half is just six minutes old when Darren Armour sets off after a lost-cause on the right-wing. Beating full-back McShane to the loose ball he crosses into the area. It misses everyone. Lockhart hammers it back into the area and McCallion’s there to turn the ball home to make it 5-0!!!!!

At full-time, many of the Glentoran fans can’t help but clamber over the fences to salute their heroes. Beating any side by five goals to nil is no mean feat but when that side happens to be arguably your biggest rivals, it’s a little bit special.

Glentoran 5 – Linfield 0
Goals: McCallion 1-0, McLaughlin 2-0, McLaughlin 3-0, McLaughlin pen 4-0, McCallion 5-0.
Attendance: 4,217
MoM: Damien McLaughlin (Glentoran) – There’s only one winner with McLaughlin’s hat-trick, including his 20th goal of the season making him a worthy winner on a day he’ll never forget.

gino

League Table – 14 Games: Portadown (31pts); Glentoran (27pts); Ards (26pts); Linfield (23pts); Coleraine (22pts); Ballymena Utd (21pts); Newry, Distillery (20pts); Limavady Utd (18pts); Dungannon, Omagh (17pts); Larne (16pts); Cliftonville (14pts); Crusaders (11pts); Glenavon, Institute (10pts).

UTV – Sports View

JF: “Hello, I’m John Ford and you’re watching Sports View on UTV, home of the Northern Irish Football League. Joining me is Glentoran manager Stan Ginozola, fresh after yesterday’s emphatic Boxing Day victory over arch-rivals Linfield at ‘The Oval’, East Belfast. Stanley, thanks for joining us, you must be delighted.”

SG: “I certainly am, John. I couldn’t have asked anything more from the boys yesterday. From the first to the last whistle they are at the races and I’m sure anybody who say the game would save we were good money for our five goals.”

JF: “And perfect revenge for October’s League Cup Semi Final defeat at Windsor Park.”

SG: “It’s never nice to get knocked out of the cup, especially in the manner we did. The players knew they’d have the chance to get their own back with a good performance yesterday and, as the result shows, we did just that. But we know Linfield will be keen to do the same to us when we meet again in March. We’ll have to be on our guard.”

JF: “Damien McLaughlin was the hero yesterday, grabbing his second hat-trick of the season, including his 20th goal of the season. He’s been linked with a move across the water to England this morning. Can you shed any light on the rumours?”

SG: “At the moment their strictly rumours. I spoke with my Chairman this morning and he confirmed there has been no contact from any side concerning Damien, but he’s a pure goalscorer and pure goalscorers are a rare breed in football these days. I’d expect sides to be interested in him, but he’s going nowhere.”

JF: “Now you’re back in action on New Year’s Day with a trip to Ballymena United. You’ll be hopeful of a similar result?”

SG: “Of course, John. Ballymena are a side we know a lot about having beaten them three times already this season, but we’ll be taking nothing for granted. Their a well organised side but we’ll be ready.”

JF: “Stan, thanks for coming on the show.”

gino

The end of the year brings about the various awards around the footballing world. Real Madrid’s Roberto Carlos takes the ‘World Player of the Year Award’, Bayern Munich’s Ze Roberto collects the ‘World Footballer of the Year’ award and Edgar Davids takes the ‘European Footballer’ award.

The opening of the transfer window allows the completion of Richard Cameron’s move to The Oval from Wakehurst.

Transfer In:
Richard Cameron – DM R/C, 17yrs – Free Transfer from Wakehurst.

Thu 01.01.04
Ballymena United Vs Glentoran – Ballymena Showgrounds.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #15

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

Weather: Dry, 8°C

Having beaten Linfield so convincingly, I could do little else but name the same side to take on Ballymena on New Year’s Day. It’s the least they deserve. As I told John Ford, Ballymena are a side we know particularly well and I’m again confident of taking victory. That’s despite the fact that winning five victories from seven outings on their own patch make the Ballymena Showgrounds one of the toughest places for an away side to grind out a result.

We need a good start and we’re given one when Tommy McCallion curls home a free-kick to give us the lead on thirteen minutes for his tenth of the season. Not to be out done, Sean Ward gets up highest in a crowded penalty area to head his third goal of the season and we’re well in the driving seat at 2-0.

It’s not all one way traffic in the first half with the impressive Gareth McLaughlin proving a constant thorn in our side throughout. Elliott Morris is forced to save well at his feet with thirty-eight minutes on the clock. Indeed, it’s McLaughlin who’s at the forefront of most of the Ballymena offence and with just seconds remaining in the opening period his diving drive strikes the inside of Morris’ post and we’re fortunate to see it bounce out and be hacked away to safety.

The second-half is a similar story to the first. We enjoyed much of the possession though the home side were always looking dangerous on the counter-attack. With two minutes left on the clock, the 1,546 people gathered inside the Ballymena Showgrounds bear witness to one of the strangest goals every scored. A free-kick, situated just inside the Ballymena half is hit forward from Scott Young. Catching the strong breeze blowing around the Showgrounds, it floats over the head of stranded goalkeeper Robert Robinson and nestles in the back of the home goal.

Ballymena United 0 – Glentoran 3
Goals: McCallion 1-0, Ward 2-0, Young 3-0.
Attendance: 4,217
MoM: Sean Ward (Glentoran) – Another fine performance from the youngster, obviously revelling in his role as centre-half.

League Table – 15 Games: Portadown (34pts); Glentoran (30pts); Ards, Linfield (26pts); Coleraine (25pts); Distillery (23pts); Newry, Ballymena Utd (21pts); Dungannon (20pts); Limavady Utd (18pts); Omagh (17pts); Larne (16pts); Cliftonville (15pts); Glenavon (13pts); Crusaders (11pts); Institute (10pts).

gino

Coleraine dip into the transfer market to bring in Ards Rangers’ highly-rated centre-half Jason Johnson. At just nineteen, Johnson is seem by many as the future of Northern Irish football and a big money move across to the English League is expected. He’s a player I’d love to have signed myself but with financial constraints as they are, I stand little chance of making any monetary signings in the foreseeable future.

One player I am keen on bringing to The Oval is Cliftonville striker George McMullan. McMullan has spent much of the season out on loan at Limavady United where he has weighed in with nine goals in thirteen league games. A rumoured falling-out between McMullan and Cliftonville boss Marty Tabb is thought to causing distress for the two parties and a move to Glentoran move prove ideal once he returns from Limavady.

Wed 07.01.04
Institute Vs Glentoran – Riverside Stadium.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #16

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

Weather: Dry, 4°C

It’s a cold day in Drumahoe as we look to make it five league wins on the trots with a good performance against bottom of the league Institute. Again we’re able to continue with a settled side and the fact we’re able to again name the same team is a vital factor in our good form.

We’re slow out of the blocks with Ryan Semple cutting in off the left wing to shoot past Morris to put the home side 1-0 up inside the opening two minutes. It fails to wake us up and Institute make it 2-0 with a Thomas Wray header eighteen minutes later.

Thankfully things start to improve and Damien McLaughlin gets us back into the game with a well taken goal in the 28th minute before Tommy McCallion beats ‘keeper John Connolly to equalise. Sensing a victory, we push on but a goalkeeping error from Morris allows Steven Parkhouse to shoot into an open goal to restore his side’s lead on the hour. Darren Armour is unfortunate to see his strike come back off the inside of the post a minute later, before Connolly saves from McCallion.

The game’s pace begins to quicken as Armour is pushed forward as an extra striker and the move pays dividends just minutes later as the former Distillery man breaks down the right to cross for substitute John McCauley to head a vital equaliser. Institute again go in search of the lead and, direct from the centre, the ball ends up down our left hand side where Semple crosses for Ryan Coyle to make it 4-3 Institute.

Institute’s win is confirmed when injury to goalkeeper Elliott Morris leaves Paul Hegarty free to head home from a corner to make it 5-3. I’m furious.

Institute 5 – Glentoran 3
Goals: Semple 0-1, Wray 0-2, McLaughlin 2-1, McCallion 2-2, Parkhouse 2-3, McAuley 3-3, Coyle 3-4, Hegarty 3-5.
Attendance: 1,516
MoM: Thomas Wray (Institute) – A goal and a fine defensive display earns the attacking full-back the award.

League Table – 16 Games: Portadown (37pts); Glentoran (30pts); Ards (29pts); Linfield (27pts); Coleraine, Distillery (26pts); Ballymena Utd (24pts); Newry (22pts); Dungannon (21pts); Limavady Utd (18pts); Omagh (17pts); Glenavon, Larne (16pts); Cliftonville (15pts); Institute (13pts); Crusaders (11pts).

gino

Our defeat leaves Portadown free to open up a seven-point gap at the top of the Premier Division. Below us, Ards continue to exert pressure with a fine 4-2 away victory at Cliftonville. Fourth-placed Linfield and fifth-placed Coleraine share a 2-2 draw at Windsor Park. Newry Town are proving to be the Division’s ‘in-form’ side with their 1-1 draw with Dungannon Swifts extending their unbeaten run to ten games.

Sat 10.01.04
Glenavon Vs Glentoran – Mouneview Park.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #17

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

Weather: Dry, 6°C

Three days later we back in action with a league game in Lurgan against another struggling side, this time in Glenavon. Andy Smith is edging ever closer to full-fitness but is still perhaps two or three weeks away whilst Mark ‘SAS’ Glendinning will miss this game before hopefully being available for Wednesday’s visit of Distillery.

We couldn’t have made a worst start to the game. Glenavon’s Aidan McVeigh gave a beautiful pass to Andy Hamilton on the left, his first time cross found Philip Rogan who controlled and shot but the effort was blocked by Elliott Morris. From the rebound Simon Williams managed to shoot across the face of the goal and inside the far post.

We had chances of our own with Kevin Keegan, in the side for Darren Armour going close on two occasions. His second effort gave Glenavon ‘keeper Karl Keating a nasty knock to the fingers and attention was required.

We got back into the game in the 27th minute when a corner from the right was swept home by centre-half Sean Ward. Having equalised, we really should have gone on to win the game in the second half but two goals in five minutes from Glenavon’s Gerard McMahon and David Scullion put the victory beyond doubt for the home side whilst we slipped to our second league defeat in consecutive games, losing ground on both Ards and Portadown at the top of the table.

Glenavon 3 – Glentoran 1
Goals: Williams 0-1, Ward 1-1, McMahon 1-2, Scullion 1-3.
Attendance: 1,538
MoM: Johnny Wright (Glenavon) – Glenavon limited our strike force to few chances and centre-half Johnny Wright was at the very fore of this.

League Table – 17 Games: Portadown (38pts); Ards (32pts); Glentoran, Linfield (30pts); Distillery (29pts); Coleraine (26pts); Dungannon, Ballymena Utd (24pts); Newry (22pts); Omagh (20pts); Glenavon (19pts); Limavady Utd (18pts); Cliftonville, Larne, Institute (16pts); Crusaders (11pts).

bjorn

Come on Glentoran, bring back the good results

Nice story Gino :thup:

gino

Thanks for your support bjorn! I'm hoping I can turn things around pretty sharpish!

There was some much welcomed good news at the club ahead of Wednesday trip to Lisburn Distillery with Mark Glendinning coming through Monday evening’s training session without any further injury. Scout Miles Jacobson has been keeping an eye on Distillery over previous weeks and reports back with news that their boss Paul Kirk has been employing a 4-4-2 formation. He also notes that their strong midfield and pacey front men are two areas of play that we will need to be on guard for if we are to return to winning ways.

On Wednesday morning, I receive a call from Chairman Stafford Reynolds telling me of an £575,000 offer for striker Andy Smith. Smith is a firm fan’s favourite at ‘The Oval’ and is a real talent who already has four international caps to his name. Hearing the fee, I’m tempted to cash in but when I’m told we’re receive nothing upfront and only get our hands on the £575,000 when Smith scores ten goals, I’m a little less convinced. In the end, we decide against the sale and keep Smith at the club.

Wed 14.01.04
Glentoran Vs Distillery – The Oval.
Northern Irish League Premier Division #18

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

Weather: Dry, 3°C

With games coming thick and fast it was pleasing to welcome back our intimidating skipper Mark Glendinning for the home clash with Lisburn Distillery at The Oval. Having lost our previous two fixtures, it’s vital we collect something from tonight, simply to keep pace with Portadown and Ards were can pull away if we’re not careful. Distillery themselves are hot on our heels in fifth place and three points for the visitors tonight could in fact lift them above us.

Although we had the best of the very early minutes the first quarter of an hour passed with very little incident. But, in the 19th minute a horror tackle from Michael Ferguson on Glendinning took place right in front of the two dugouts. The referee flashed a yellow card while the skipper received treatment for a couple of minutes. It wasn’t long before he was in the wars again, this time Tim Mouncey let him feel the weight of a tackle the referee didn’t penalise.

It was turning into a difficult evening. Distillery were clearly out to frustrate the reigning league champions and we were in danger of letting them get the better of us. Glendinning had to be calmed down by his team-mates when he was again caught late by David Wright and Kevin Keegan was sent flailing when hit hard by Distillery captain Paul Caldwell.

In an attempt to shake things up, I made changes at the interval. Damien McLaughlin and Tommy McCallion were both withdrawn with Darren Armour and John McAuley making up the second half strike force. We managed to inflict more pressure on The Whites but were unable to find that vital opening goal.

Distillery themselves were enjoying some extended spells of possession and Morris had to be alert to tip away a Ferguson header.

The game looked to be heading towards another 0-0 draw until Scott Young and Darren Lockhart combined to play in John McAuley on the angle. Coming in from the left, McAuley’s original effort was parried though his follow up was more accurate, piercing goalkeeper Scullion’s hands and flying into the back of the net to give us victory.

Glentoran 1 – Distillery 0
Goals: McAuley 1-0.
Attendance: 1,594
MoM: John McAuley (Glentoran) – A vital last minute strike is enough to gift youngster McAuley his first senior MoM to go alongside the seven he has collected with the reserves and Under 18s.

League Table – 18 Games: Portadown (41pts); Ards (35pts); Glentoran (33pts); Linfield (31pts); Coleraine, Distillery (29pts); Dungannon, Ballymena Utd (24pts); Newry (23pts); Glenavon (22pts); Omagh (21pts); Limavady Utd, Cliftonville (19pts); Larne, Institute (16pts); Crusaders (11pts).

Terk

at least you're not drawing every other game now this is good stuff, gino :thup: