gino

Thanks Terk!

So with twelve league games remaining the race was on to catch up with leaders Portadown, maintaining their lead at the top with a 1-0 home win over Dungannon Swifts. With a meeting with our arch-rivals still to come in late March, the chance was still alive if we could just keep on picking up the points.

‘ROONEY SIGNS FOR OMAGH’ screamed the billboards. Unfortunately for fans of the St. Julian’s Road club, it was Institute’s twenty-seven-year-old winger Barry Rooney, who agreed to join when his contract expires with his club in the summer.

We also had to face losing a player due to the Bosman ruling, in experienced midfielder Michael O’Neill. The former Hibs and Coventry City man decided against a lesser role at ‘The Oval’ in favour of a first-team role at Glenavon. It’s been a difficult season for O’Neill with injuries, lack of form and suspension hindering his first-team chances.

Sat 17.01.04
Cliftonville Vs Glentoran - Solitude.
Irish Cup 5th Rnd.

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, 7°C

Whilst the break from league fixtures was gratefully accepted, local pride and the bid to retain the Irish Cup was at stake with a 5th Round tie with Belfast rivals Cliftonville at Solitude. Cliftonville will be glad of the break for more pressing matters in the league, but every knows that victories in the cup spark the same form in the league. However, they will be without ‘their’ striker Jason Hill, unavailable due to the fact he’s on loan from us!

Again, lack of first-teamers means we’re forced to name the same side with Andy Smith still a good week’s training away from a start.

Having gone out in the semi-finals of the League Cup to rivals Linfield, progression in the Irish Cup becomes extra-important so I’m delighted when a bright start leads to Tommy McCallion converting a cross from Damien McLaughlin on the right to send us into a 1-0 after just eleven minutes.

However it’s not long before Cliftonville show that it’s not going to be easy, with Brian Vaugh forcing Elliott Morris to save well at his near post. The resulting corner is only half cleared from Sean Ward and Vaugh’s follow-up effort is again just fractions away from equalising for the home side.

Tommy McCallion almost grabbed his second of the game on twenty-four minutes when his snap shot from twelve yards caught McKenzie off guard. Unfortunately the flash wide of the right-hand post. Still, we didn’t have to wait long to take a two goal lead. ‘Wee Scotty’ Young was the creative influence behind it, playing in McCallion’s whose effort on goal was parried with McLaughlin following up to score.

With the home side hanging on for dear life, we had further chances to increase our lead before the interval. A fine ball forward from Leeman caught the Cliftonville defence off guard and McCallion’s audacious over-head kick rattled the crossbar. Cliftonville boss Marty Tabb was begging for the half-time whistle.

Our second half defensive play was inspirational with Sean Ward and Paul Leeman both playing on with gashes to their foreheads following clashes with Timothy Whelan’s elbow, both of which incidents when unpunished. Cliftonville were restricted to long range efforts in an attempt to claw them selves back into the game, all of which failed to find their target. Elliott Morris had little to do but watch the players in front of him look for a third. Substitutes Darren Armour and John McAuley were both unlucky not to add their names to the scoresheet late on but with two goals enough to seal our passage through, we’re delighted.

Cliftonville 0 – Glentoran 2
Goals: McCallion 1-0, McLaughlin 2-0.
Attendance: 2,694
MoM: Colin Nixon (Glentoran) – Either Sean Ward, Nixon himself or Paul Leeman had an equal shout for the award but Nixon’s assist on the McLaughlin strike convinced the Man of the Match selection panel.

gino

The draw for the Sixth Round took place immediately after the game and we’re gien a home tie with Premier Division rivals Dungannon Swifts to be played at ‘The Oval’ on the 14th of February.

Andy Smith returned to full training with the first-team on Thursday evening and came through without any further problems. He’ll probably start on the bench for Saturday’s visit of Omagh Town.

Sat 24.01.04
Glentoran Vs Omagh Town – The Oval.
Northern Irish Premier Division #19.

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, 6°C

“With last season’s leading scorer Andy Smith back on the bench, Glentoran returned to league action with a visit from 11th placed Omagh Town, enduring another mediocre season in the Premier Division. Coupled with the return of Smith and last season’s comprehensive 5th Round Irish Cup victory at local rivals Cliftonville, the Glentoran players were given a colourful reception out onto the Oval playing surface and quickly set about playing attractive, incisive attacking football.

The Glenmen’s first chance came shortly after the three minute mark when, released by strike partner McCallion, leading scorer Damien McLaughlin tested Omagh ‘keeper Gavin Cullen with a dipping strike from just inside the area. It was a start that continued into the rest of the first half with Scotty Young looking dangerous alongside Northern Ireland Under 21 international Gavin Melaugh.

The opening goal arrived in the 20th minute. The man with the famous name, Kevin Keegan, did well on the right before shelling a low cross into the Omagh penalty area. Cullen came to collect only to drop it at the feet of McLaughlin who wasted no time in rifling the ball into the unguarded goal to net his 15th league goal of the season.

Glentoran enjoyed the lion’s share of possession for the first half, as they did for much of the second though Elliott Morris had to be alive to beat away a twenty-yard strike from Omagh captain Eamon Kavanagh. Back up the other end, McCallion turned Kerr though could only find Cullen when shooting towards goal.

The moment the Glen’s fans had been waiting for arrived just after the hour when manager Stan Ginozola signalled for Andy Smith to replace McCallion. Smith was given a rousing reception from all four sides of the Oval and settled into his usual position alongside McLaughlin. It was Smith’s first appearance since the 0-0 draw away at Newry Town in late November 2003.

Smith had chances to extend Glentoran’s lead but perhaps a little rusty. His far post header failed to trouble Cullen before he shot wide when played clear by the impressive Scotty Young. Still, it was another impressive victory for the Glenmen who are hot on the tails of leaders Portadown in the race for the Premier Division title.”

Glentoran 1 – Omagh Town 0
Goals: McLaughlin 1-0.
Attendance: 1,583
MoM: Gavin Melaigh (Glentoran) – Another impressive display for the Northern Irish Under 21 international.

League Table – 19 Games: Portadown (44pts); Ards (38pts); Glentoran (36pts); Coleraine (32pts); Linfield (31pts); Distillery (29pts); Ballymena Utd (27pts); Dungannon (24pts); Newry (23pts); Glenavon, Cliftonville (22pts); Omagh (21pts); Limavady Utd, Larne (19pts); Institute (16pts); Crusaders (14pts).

gino

Though I was delighted with victory over Omagh, it was something of a pain to return to the dressing room to hear the day’s results. Portadown won again, and in impressive fashion, hitting five past Linfield at Shamrock Park. With Ards easing past Distillery by three goals to nil, we were still in third position.

The Glentoran fans were in hysterics upon hearing the Linfield result, and even more so when news came through on Sunday morning of manager David Jeffrey’s sacking. Cheer up Davey.

Wed 28.01.04
Crusaders Vs Glentoran - Seaview.
Northern Irish Premier Division #20.

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

“Glentoran are back in league action tonight with a trip to fellow Belfast side Crusaders. Speaking to Belfast FM, Glens boss Stan Ginozola told how he again expects to name the same side that saw off Omagh Town by one goal to nil at ‘The Oval’ on Saturday. Crusaders are having a poor season by anybody’s standards, sandwiched to the bottom of the league having taken just fifteen points from twenty games.”

Sometimes you just have to hold your hand up and say you’ve been well beaten by a sublime piece of skill, as I told goalkeeper Elliott Morris immediately after Eddie Sprake’s thirty-yard free-kick left the former Derby County goalkeeper grasping at fresh air to give the home side the lead inside five minutes at Seaview. It was a goal right out of the top drawer.

We have a free-kick of our own minutes later, thanks to Scott Young’s tricky feet, drawing a foul from Crusaders defender Jason Allen. Young’s low ball into the box was deflected over by Colin Nixon. Under the cosh, Crusaders buckled soon after with McLaughlin racing clear to round goalkeeper Michael Knox to score.

Back in the game, we’re back in control and Damien McLaughlin again wheels away in celebration in the 24th minute after heading a cross from McCallion past Knox to make it 2-1. The young striker was unfortunate to be denied his hat-trick with the next attack, Knox this time getting the better of him with a save down at his left-hand post.

Crusaders equalised in the second half, through former Glentoran trialist Gareth Macklin. It’s a goal their second half play deserves with slack defending from our boys also attributing. Though we throw everything in search of a winner, we’re made to pay and take just a point from the bottom of the league side. To add to our misery, a second half booking for Sean Ward takes his tally to 20 disciplinary points meaning another one match spell on the sidelines.

Crusaders 2 – Glentoran 2
Goals: Sprake 0-1, McLaughlin 1-1, McLaughlin 1-2, Macklin 2-2.
Attendance: 2,677
MoM: Damien McLaughlin (Glentoran) – With two more goals to add to his tally, McLaughlin moves level with Portadown’s Gary Hamilton with seventeen league goals.

League Table – 20 Games: Portadown (47pts); Ards (39pts); Glentoran (37pts); Coleraine (33pts); Distillery (32pts); Linfield (31pts); Ballymena Utd (30pts); Dungannon (27pts); Newry, Glenavon (23pts); Limavady Utd, Omagh, Cliftonville (22pts); Larne (19pts); Institute (16pts); Crusaders (15pts).

gino

Sat 31.01.04
Glentoran Vs Limavady Utd – The Oval.
Northern Irish Premier Division #21.

Glentoran 5-3-2: Elliott Morris – Paul Leeman, Gary Smyth, Chris Walker, Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning – Gavin Melaugh, Scott Young, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Dry, 3°C

With Sean Ward missing, I decided to employ a changed system for the visit of Limavady United. Though they sat in 11th place in the Premier Division, I believed that their position flattered to deceive. Striker McMullan was currently one of the hottest properties in the whole of Irish football and already stated my intent to bring him to the club in the near future. We adopted a 5-3-2 formation, with Mark Glendinning and Colin Nixon operating as wingbacks. The centre-half positions were filled by Paul Leeman, Gary Smyth and Chris Walker.

Not sure how the new system would work, I was pleased to see us take an early lead through Scott Young. Space in the middle allowed Walker to bring the ball out of defence, finding Gavin Melaugh on the right wing. Melaugh’s cross was only half cleared to Young who beat two men before finding the near corner with a neat finish. Unfortunately it was a lead that we held for just four minutes when Mark McDaid got in to level with a back post header.

We continued to press and were rewarded on the half-hour when Melaugh cut in from the right wing to finish from a near impossible angle to restore our lead. It was a goal Melaugh’s recent form deserved. A two-goal at 3-1 was established in the dying minutes of the opening half when Andy Smith raced onto a through ball and shot firmly at goal. His shot was blocked by Michael Doherty but the ‘keeper could do nothing to stop Damien McLaughlin, who was quick to seize on the loose ball, blasting the rebound into the roof of the net. It was a little harsh on Limavady to go in at the break two goals behind but they had made little of their early good work.

Whilst we won the first-half, the second belonged to the visitors. McDaid’s dipping strike grazed our crossbar before three fine saves from Morris kept the score at 3-1. That was until the final ten minutes, when Gerard O’Kane took a long ball on his chest inside our penalty and was given time and space to shoot make, scoring to make it 3-2.

We were battered for the final ten minutes but thankfully thanks to two fine saves, some hungry defending and a stroke of luck, we held firm, returning to winning ways.

Glentoran 3 – Limavady Utd 2
Goals: Young 1-0, McDaid 1-1, Melaugh 2-1, McLaughlin 3-1, O’Kane 3-2.
Attendance: 1,637
MoM: Darren Lockhart (Glentoran) – A tireless performance on the left-wing, having a hand in all three goals.

League Table – 21 Games: Portadown (50pts); Ards (42pts); Glentoran (40pts); Coleraine (36pts); Linfield (34pts); Distillery (32pts); Dungannon, Ballymena Utd (30pts); Newry, Glenavon (24pts); Limavady Utd, Omagh, Cliftonville, Larne (22pts); Institute (16pts); Crusaders (15pts).

gino

Once again, Portadown’s Ronnie McFall collected the ‘Manager of the Month’ award for January, having led his side to six league victories from seven games since the arrival of the New Year. Ards midfielder Martin hunter won the ‘Goal of the Month’ award for his spectacular strike against Institute on the 14th.

The end of January also brought the end of the transfer window. I decided against making any further additions to our squad. Gary Long and John McAuley’s good form was rewarded with call-ups into the Northern Irish Under21 squad.

Sat 07.02.04
Glentoran Vs Coleraine – The Oval.
Northern Irish Premier Division #22.

Glentoran 5-3-2: Elliott Morris – Paul Leeman, Gary Smyth, Chris Walker, Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning – Gavin Melaugh, Scott Young, Darren Lockhart – Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Gale, Wet 8°C

Sean Ward was back in the side in place of Gary Smyth after returning from suspension but unwise we were unchanged from the side that had beaten Limavady United last weekend at The Oval. Coleraine are the side closest to us in the table, just four points behind in fourth place so again it’s vital we collect a victory today if we’re to be in the running for a top three place in nine games time.

There was an improved attendance inside the ground to see third take on fourth and the Glenmen inside the ground were first be on their feet celebrating, when Andy Smith completed his return to the side, latching onto a header from Scott Young to fire past McCormick to give us a 1-0 lead inside twenty minutes.

Former Glenman Rory Hamill punished slack defending just four minutes later to tie the game up at 1-1. A ball down the left found Russell Kelly who beat Chris Walker for pace before crossing low for Hamill to finish. Elliott Morris berated his defence are rightfully so, yet again they were slow to react and yet again it cost the side a goal.

The remainder of the first half was played out as an exchange of chances. We went close through Young, Kelly tested Morris and Andy Smith’s free-kick came back off the bar. Both myself and Coleraine boss Marty Quinn were happy to take a 1-1 scoreline into the changing room at half-time.

The second half was something a disappointment when compared to the first. Scott Young had arguable the best chance when his low shot on the angle found only the side netting. Fatigue seemed to be getting to my side with Andy Smith and Damien McLaughlin both complaining of tiredness. It was also beginning to show in the tackles with several late lunges for both sides earning four yellow cards and numerous fracas on the field.

In the end both sides had to make do with a point, a point that did nothing for either side. With Portadown earning a point at Distillery and in doing so extending their points gap over us to ten, our title chances finally seemed to be over with just eight league games remaining. We have a slim chance of catching second placed Ards, but only if Frankie Parkes side ever stop losing.

Glentoran 1 – Coleraine 1
Goals: Smith 1-0, Hamill 1-1.
Attendance: 1,617
MoM: Rory Hamill (Coleraine) – A goal against his old club earns Hamill the award.

League Table – 22 Games: Portadown (51pts); Ards (45pts); Glentoran (41pts); Coleraine (37pts); Linfield (34pts); Distillery, Ballymena Utd (33pts); Dungannon (30pts); Glenavon (27pts); Limavady Utd, Omagh (25pts); Newry (24pts); Cliftonville, Larne (22pts); Institute (16pts); Crusaders (15pts).

gino

We were again hit hard by injuries during the week. Reserve-team midfielder Andy Kilmartin damaged his shoulder and would be out for two weeks but the real news came with Paul Leeman tearing his groin, an injury that will rule him out of the rest of the season. It’s a disappointment for Leeman, myself and the fans as his recent form has been nothing short of exemplary.

There was however some good news with Andy Smith’s return to fitness signalling a recall into the Northern Ireland squad for their end of March friendly with South Korea.

Sat 14.02.04
Glentoran Vs Lisburn Distillery – The Oval.
Irish Cup 6th Rnd.

Glentoran 5-3-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Sean Ward, Chris Walker, Colin Nixon, Mark Glendinning – Gavin Melaugh, Scott Young, Scott Gordon – Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Gale, Wet 8°C

With the late withdrawal of Darren Lockhart adding to Paul Leeman’s injury, debuts are handed to reserve-team players Jodie Hill and Scott Gordon. Hill, a twenty-yard-old centre-half was brought to the club earlier in the season from Larne Tech OB whilst Gordon has been around a little longer, having joined from Glenavon at the end of last season where he made four appearances after his release from Southampton.

The 6th Round the Irish Cup sees Distillery come to town for a game that, with title chances looking ever slimmer, is becoming more and more crucial if we’re to make Europe next season. Thankfully we get off to an ideal start with Damien McLaughlin heading us ahead after just six minutes.

As was the case against Coleraine, and impressive first half display is followed up by a lacklustre second half and Distillery find themselves level in the 62nd minute when Sean Brown scores the first goal of his Distillery career to equalise. Elliott Morris is again at fault, seemingly letting the ball through his gloves and we have to make do with just a draw, forcing a replay to Distillery’s New Grosvenor Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Glentoran 1 – Distillery 1
Goals: McLaughlin 1-0, Brown 1-1.
Attendance: 1,629
MoM: John Martin (Distilliery) – The visitors won the midfield battle, mainly thanks to some tough tackling from Martin.

gino

Wed 18.02.04
Lisburn Distillery Vs Glentoran – New Grosvenor Stadium.
Irish Cup 6th Rnd Replay.

Glentoran 5-3-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Gary Smyth, Chris Walker, Colin Nixon, Sean Ward – Gavin Melaugh, Scott Young, Scott Gordon – Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Dry, 3°C

And so whilst the rest of the Division concentrate on League matters we’re over at the New Grosvenor Stadium attempting to settle our Sixth Round Irish Cup tie with Distillery. The two sides are unchanged for the meeting four days early, bar Mark Glendinning who sits out with a knee injury. Gary Smyth is drafted back into the side as a replacement.

Distillery are on the front foot from the off and Sean Brown is unlucky not to add to his tally when his glancing header almost beats Elliott Morris inside his near post after just four minutes. Another Distillery attack causes problems before a Jodie Hill clearance sets Scott Young away on the break. Wee Scotty decided to go alone, when perhaps a ball out wide to Andy Smith would be been the better option. Young’s shot was saved by Distillery ‘keeper Stephen Scullion.

Things began to turn frantic on the half-hour with home side captain Paul Caldwell clattering Andy Smith with a late lunge. A yellow card was instantly brandished with Smith lucky to be able to continue. It seemed to gee Smith up and within seconds of the free-kick being taken, Scott Young had again broken free and this time choose to cross for Damien McLaughlin to stoop and head us into a deserved 1-0 lead.

Distillery looked to get back into the game though struggled in the most part up against some dogged Glentoran defending. However, that was until Sean Brown hit a laser-beam from twenty yards that Morris did well to parry. The loose ball fell to Ross Hegan who turned the ball back towards goal to equalise with ten minutes left in the first period.

Scott Young was having the game of his life and was again on the attack moments after the goal. A good ball out wide to Scott Gordon allowed the former Southampton man to whip in a fine cross and Andy Smith was on hand to restore our lead just sixty seconds after we fell behind. This was turning in a real ‘ding-dong’ cup-tie.

The tough tackles continued after the interval with the home side’s Michael Ferguson earning himself a place in the referee’s notebook following an off the ball clash with Melaugh. The free-kick was slung long into the home box and Andy Smith was unlucky not to convert for his second of the game. Martin brought the ball clear down the left, beating Colin Nixon before hitting a fifty-yard ball to set up a straight running race between Jodie Hill and Conor Downey. Hill appeared to get their first only to slip and first at the vital moment and Ferguson was left to round Morris and equalise for a second time to again tie the game up all-square.

The home side were beginning to enjoy long spells of possession but we were looking just as dangerous the break. McLaughlin and Young had chances to restore our lead, blazing over on each occasion and a far post header from Chris Walker came back off the Distillery’s upright. Things were getting edgy.

Another rash challenge went unpunished by the referee, even though recipient Jodie Hill was forced off the field with Lockhart replacing him. From the resulting free-kick, Walker pumped a long ball down field which was skilfully controlled by Young and played wide to the feet of Gavin Melaugh. His ball found McLaughlin who played in strike partner Smith and shot for his second goal of the evening. The final whistle arrived just ten minutes later and we were through.

Distillery 2 – Glentoran 3
Goals: McLaughlin 1-0, Hegan 1-1, Smith 2-1, Ferguson 2-2, Smith 3-2.
Attendance: 1,590
MoM: Andy Smith (Glentoran) – Two goals and a return to form for the firm fans’ favourite.

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 25 January 2004 at 15:25.]

gino

Sat 21.02.04
Glentoran Vs Newry Town – The Oval.
Northern Irish Premier Division #23.

Glentoran 5-3-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Gary Smyth, Mark Glendinning, Colin Nixon, Sean Ward – Gavin Melaugh, Scott Young, Scott Gordon – Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Dry, 7°C

“Glentoran returned to league matters today with a home game with relegation threatened Newry Town at ‘The Oval’. Glens boss Stan Ginozola made just one change from the side that beat Lisburn Distillery in the Irish Cup in midweek, with skipper Mark Glendinning replacing Gary Smyth, meaning Sean Ward slotted back into his usual centre-half position. Ollie Ralph’s men were without leading scorer Paul Keenan, missing the game through suspension and centre-half Sean O’Reilly, missing through injury.

Needing three points to keep their slim title hopes alive, the Glenmen needed an a bright start and they got just that when Damien McLaughlin released Andy Smith through the centre. With Newry ‘keeper John Connolly getting ever closer, Smith skilfully lifted the ball over his head for what was one of the most audacious goals seen at ‘The Oval’ for many a season.

Newry were soon looking to hit back, forcing three fines saves for Glens ‘keeper Elliott Morris. One save in particular drew praise from all sides of the ground. McKenna broke clear, attempted to round Morris only for the former Derby County man to whip the ball off his toes to save a certain goal.

Moments before the break, Colin Nixon caught Newry’s captain Robert Casey with a late challenge and was fortunate to stay on the field. It was an incident that ruffled a few feathers on the away bench and manager Ollie Ralph had to be restrained when confronting the fourth official, earning a place in the stands from referee Michael Ross.

The game was wrapped up in the final five minutes with goals from Scotty Young and a trademark header from Sean Ward. Young’s goal completed a well-worked move between Melaugh and Scott Gordon and Ward’s was the result of a 90th minute near post corner delivered by substitute Tommy McCallion.

News at the final-whistle was greeted by the Glens fans. With Ards losing 2-0 at Coleraine and Portadown taking just a point at Omagh, Glentoran clawed the gap between themselves and the leaders down to just eight points. Meanwhile, Ards’ lead in second place was cut to one point.”

Glentoran 3 – Newry Town 0
Goals: Smith 1-0, Young 2-0, Ward 3-0.
Attendance: 1,689
MoM: Andy Smith (Glentoran) – Another fine performance from our number one striker.

League Table – 23 Games: Portadown (Pld24) (52pts); Ards (45pts); Glentoran (44pts); Coleraine (Pld24) (43pts); Linfield (Pld24) (40pts); Distillery (Pld24), Ballymena Utd (Pld24) (36pts); Dungannon (Pld24), Glenavon (Pld24) (31pts); Limavady Utd (Pld24) (28pts); Omagh (Pld24) (26pts); Larne (Pld24) (25pts); Newry (Pld24) (24pts); Cliftonville (Pld24) (22pts); Crusaders (Pld24) (21pts); Institute (Pld24) (19pts).

gino

A training ground injury to Gary Smyth rules him out for two weeks. Chris Walker will be back in the side to start against Ards.

Wed 25.02.04
Ards Vs Glentoran – Clandeboye Park.
Northern Irish Premier Division #24.

Glentoran 5-3-2: Elliott Morris – Jodie Hill, Stuart Long, Mark Glendinning, Colin Nixon, Sean Ward – Gavin Melaugh, Scott Young, Scott Gordon – Andy Smith, Damien McLaughlin.

Weather: Strong Wind, 7°C

Having beaten Newry Town, the clash away to Ards became one of, if not the biggest game of our season. Our hosts sat in second place, one point ahead of us with six games left. Also, with Portadown having stumbled in recent weeks, this game represented our game in hand. Victory would put us five points behind the league leaders. Though Gary Smyth was missing, I was more than confident in his replacement Chris Walker. With 239 league games experience for the club behind him, there was no better candidate for such an important game.

Ards also had their fair share of injury problems. Centre-half Alistair McCombe sat out with a torn groin, Ronan Scannell is suspended and veteran winger Raymond Campbell is missing with a damaged shoulder.

The players were understandably nervous prior to such a crucial game, though an inspirational team-talk prior to the game from skipper Mark Glendinning created a determined mood inside our dressing room. There were many travelling fans packed inside Clandeboye Park with a good number congregated behind Elliott Morris’ goal. They were in ideal position to witness the early Ards pressure, culminated in Jonny McAdam’s opening goal in the 13th minute.

It was just what we didn’t want. If things stood as they did, our chances of even making the top two places were looking slim. We needed a reply, though the combination of nerves, strong defending and sloppy attacking made sure we were kept at arms length. Andy Smith had what appeared to be a perfectly good goal disallowed when referee David Best suggested he controlled a long ball with his hand before turning to shoot past ‘keeper Robertson.

Ards had much of the first-half play though failed to convert possession into actual scoring chances. Lee Feeney, a firm figure of hate for the Glentoran fans, was looking the most dangerous player for the home side and Morris was called into action twice to keep the former Linfield and Glasgow Rangers striker at bay.

Half-time came and went with no further alteration to the scorecard. We were being totally outplayed, and even a little outclassed. Ards seemed faster to the ball, more comfortable when in possession and much more clinical in front of goal. Damien McLaughlin showed little of his previous form in front of the net when he blasted over from eight yards and even Andy Smith failed to threaten.

gino

The game was heading into the final five minutes when a long clearance from Chris Walker found McLaughlin. Looking up, he clipped a fine looking ball in towards Smith, who took the ball down before returning the ball to his strike partner, who had now advanced down towards the by-line. McLaughlin didn’t even need to look up, slamming the ball back across goal. Robertson was beaten. It hurtled towards the back post where Andy Smith’s out-stretched leg diverted into the back of the net. We were level!

The Glentoran supporters behind the goal went wild with a mixture of delight and relief. Just hold on, I thought. A point away at Ards is a fine result and would certainly make the race for second place a little more interesting. Just hold on.

Immediately after the restart, Davy Williamson hit a ball through the centre that pierced our backline. Lee Feeney was on it in a flash and advanced on Elliott Morris. I admit it; I closed my eyes and prayed. The groans from the behind me, and the cheers of delight away to my left let me know what happened next. I looked up to see Morris ordering his troops out as he hammered the ball back up field.

Time appeared to tick by slower and slower. Feeney again tested Morris before a foul on Sean Ward gave us a free kick just inside our own half. I glanced at my watch, three minutes into time added on. If we could just see the next few seconds out, we’d done.

Ward clipped the ball forward, high into the dark Bangor sky. It hung in the air as a clamber of bodies gathered beneath its intended target. From nowhere, Ards goalkeeper Robertson appeared, obviously trying to clear the danger. He’d misjudged his distances and was caught yards out of position. Andy Smith got up in front of him and won the header, it bounced down towards goal. Time again stood still. Andy Kirkpatrick was on the near post, stretching out a leg. It was in vain, he missed it. Smith had a second, we had the win!

The whistle arrived before the game was able to get back underway. I raced onto the field to congratulate my boys, they’d done it. We’d climbed into second place with six games remaining. Now our sights were set on leaders Portadown, five points ahead.

Ards 1 – Glentoran 2
Goals: McAdam 0-1, Smith 1-1, Smith 2-1.
Attendance: 1,542
MoM: Andy Smith (Glentoran) – For a third week running Smith takes the award, though having scored two vital goals, who can argue against him.

League Table – 24 Games: Portadown (52pts); Glentoran (47pts); Ards (45pts); Coleraine (43pts); Linfield (40pts); Distillery (37pts); Ballymena Utd (36pts); Dungannon (32pts); Glenavon (31pts); Limavady Utd (28pts); Omagh (26pts); Larne (25pts); Newry (24pts); Cliftonville (22pts); Crusaders (21pts); Institute (19pts).