Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where

Four more exit The Oval

Monday 30 June 2014

This afternoon Glentoran announced that four more players will not have their contracts renewed and have left the Club with immediate effect. The four that are now free to join other clubs are strikers Michael Moore and Kevin Ramsey, attacking midfielder Jordan Hughes and defender Kevin Bradley. Moore and Ramsey were two of the three players that manager Mark Duell brought in last season but struggled to get a regular place in the side and break the productive strike partnership of Mark Miskimmin and Aaron Boyd.

Hughes impressed in pre-season but couldn't command a place once the season started and Bradley was a feature in the reserves and unable to make the jump to a first team regular.

On behalf of all at Glentoran we wish all four the best for the future and hope they get fixed up with a new side soon.

Two new strikers for Glens

Tuesday 1 July 2014

On the eve of their Champions League qualifier in Gibraltar, Glens manager Mark Duell has dipped into the transfer market again and attracted a couple of strikers to The Oval as this season's squad starts to take shape. Arriving in East Belfast are 23 year old Joe McCready from Carrick Rangers and 20 year old Jamie Davidson who joins from Ballymena United.

The boss had this to say about his new recruits:

"I'm very pleased to announce the signings of Joe and Jamie to the Club. Joe impressed me in a pre-season game last season and we have been keeping an eye on his development at Carrick. It looked so good that we have decided to bring him here and he adds to our striking options. Jamie is a young striker with bags of potential and with the breaks going his way, has the ability to become a very good striker.

Both will obviously not feature in our Champions League qualifiers tomorrow and next week, but they are very good acquisitions for the Club."

McCready has signed a two year deal at The Oval, whilst Davidson has signed a one year contract.

Boyd treble as Glens cruise it in Gibraltar

Wednesday 2 July 2014, Champions League: First Qualifying Round - First Leg
Venue: Victoria Stadium. Attendance: 4793

A first half hat trick from Aaron Boyd extinguished any dreams that Gibraltar's first club entry into the Champions League would be a resounding success. The Glentoran striker struck three times in the space of 16 first half time to all but secure his team's place in the second qualifying round. Strike partner Andy Morrow hit a goal on his dèbut as Mark Duell's men made comfortable work of their opposition.

The scoring started as early as the 9th minute. Left-back Kevan Hook's clearance went straight to Stephen Carson and his pass found Boyd who turned and shot past the exposed James Gaiviso. In the 17th minute, the same two combined for the second goal. Carson received a lucky ricochet into his path, and again found Boyd in the same place and once the striker had time to pick his spot and fire home.

Boyd completed his hat-trick on the 25 minute mark. Again Hook was at fault, another stray clearance but this time to the feet of Jamie Mulgrew and he provided the pass for Boyd to round Gaiviso and score from an acute angle.

Despite the chances building up, Glentoran only added one more and that came on the hour. Skipper Richard Clarke's lofted free kick found Boyd and this time he turned provider; teeing up partner Morrow who provided a cool low finish past the once more exposed Gaiviso. It was a solid performance by the Glens with Conor Devlin having very little to do in the visiting goal on his dèbut; something which will no doubt please Duell yet bigger tests are set to come.

J.Gaiviso; Chipolina, Garro, Nunez, Hook; Perez ©, Aguilera, Aaron Casciaro (sub 45 mins Anthony Casciaro), Macedo (sub 45 mins Hammond); Aaron Gaiviso, Tante (sub 56 mins Aaron J Gaiviso). Unused substitutes: Sanchez, Duarte, Sergeant.

Devlin; O'Neill (sub 38 mins Brown), Birney, McCullough, Kane; Scullion (sub 45 mins Duffin), Mulgrew, R.Clarke ©, Carson; Morrow, Boyd (sub 74 mins Chisanga). Unused substitutes: Hill, McEntee, Sharvin, Morris.

Pre-Season Schedule Confirmed

Wednesday 2 July 2014

Despite the attraction of the Champions League, Glentoran will once more be playing a total of four pre-season games as part of their defence of the Danske Bank Premiership which they won in such dramatic style last season. The following schedule has been arranged.

This Saturday, Glens go to Galabank to face Scottish League One newcomers Annan Athletic. The Galabankies won the Scottish League Two title last season so this promises to be an interesting game to say the least. After the second leg of the Champions League qualifier Manchester United (Gibraltar), we entertain English giants Derby County here at The Oval. Derby of course are the club where the great Brian Clough enjoyed a fair bit of success before moving onto bigger and better things at Nottingham Forest. We're hopeful some Rams fans will make the short trip over and be welcomed in true Glentoran hospitality.

On the 19th of this month, we go to Wilgar Park again to face Dundela. Last season's friendly saw us win 4-2 so a repeat of that scoreline or even better would be nice. We finish the pre-season arrangements on the last Saturday of the month with another home friendly. This time we entertain English League One side and the oldest professional club in the world; Notts County.

So if you want to see the team in action, that's your itinerary.

Coming soon though, an important announcement which we are sure will please many a Glens supporter.

Linfield this morning can announce the signing of central defender Jay Magee on a free transfer.

The 26 year old has signed a two year deal at Windsor after leaving rivals Glentoran at the expiry of his contract there at the end of May. Jay is an experienced defender, with over 200 games under his belt, with 130 plus of them with Glenavon. He just can't wait to get started and impress in a Blue shirt:

"I didn't have the best of seasons last year at Glentoran and see this move to Linfield as something that will re-ignite my career. I started off last season okay, got injured and then it was a hard job on my hands to gain a regular spot back. It's nothing against them (Glentoran) but it's football, if players are playing well in front of you of then you just have to hope for a lucky break here or there and I didn't get that but I'm here and I will be doing my best for Linfield."

Blues boss John McGlynn is pleased with his capture:

"I am delighted to bring Jay (Magee) here to Windsor. He's an excellent defender with such experience for a 26 year old. I know the fans will take to him with heart. We've signed him on a two year deal which shows how ambitious we and Jay see this move coming about. He's going to be a top, top player for us that's for sure."

Magee: Now a Blue

Crusaders today snapped title winning midfielder David Howland on a free transfer.

The Ballynahinch born midfielder was an integral part of the Glentoran side that won last season but represents a massive capture here in North Belfast. The combative midfielder can score goals as well as create and provide the steadying influence which manager Stephen Baxter is so keen to have here.

"I am pleased to sign for Crusaders." Howland told the official website. "It was a great season last seaon and I honestly though I would be staying there at The Oval but with uncertainties going on in the background, then I had to start looking elsewhere like many others. I'd been talking with Stephen (Baxter) for a couple of weeks now and I am pleased we've come to agree on a deal which suits us all.

One thing is for sure, I am ready for the battle ahead and the new season."

Howland has signed a two year deal at Seaview.

Elliot's Big Day Confirmed

Friday 4 July 2014

Save the date, save the date...

Attention all Glens folk, put the day of Monday 4 August in your diaries as a free date. For this is the date when we take on Welsh Premier League side Bangor City here at The Oval. They are to provide the opposition for the Elliot Morris Testimonial. Elliot and his committee have been working all summer to sort the date of the actual testimonial game and we can now confirm it.

This season marks Elliot's 13th season since joining us from West Bromwich Albion in 2002. He holds the records for most appearances by a Glentoran goalkeeper and has won countless honours in his time here including most recent the back to back Irish Cup triumphs.

He's a real popular player on and off the pitch so we are hoping for a good attendance. The Club can state that normal matchday prices will apply, that is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

This morning we are pleased to announce the signing of Mark Miskimmin.

Mark was part of the Glentoran team that virtually swept all before them last season and this represents a massive move for us. He had this to say about his move here to The Showgrounds:

"Well in all respect, this move came as a bit of a surprise to me. I had a tremendous season at Glentoran last year, probably one of my best ever and won three medals including the League for the first time ever and the Cup too. But soon after the Cup triumph, there seemed to be a bit of breakdown and with the manager's future in doubt, I was like thinking what does this mean for me as a player?

So I started to look around and had talks with a few teams, eventually I thought that moving here would be the best option for me in my career and I am keenly awaiting this new challenge.

I will obviously miss the guys at Glentoran a lot, that's no doubt and wish Mark and them all the best for the new season. I watched them in their Champions League qualifier the other night and was impressed with them. They have recruited well, and the signing of Jamie Mulgrew is a real statement from them. Funny though, I've joined here and Stephen Carson has gone the other way. But that's football, I'm a Coleraine player now and that's my main focus."

Linfield can today confirm the signing of 21 year old utility player Jonny Addis.

Addis can play a variety of positions from central defence to a defensive midfielder to even leading the line as a target man up front. He was an important squad member last season for Glentoran without holding down a regular spot and is looking forward to his new challenge. After signing hs Linfield contract, Addis explained how the move came about:

"I was happy at Glentoran but have just started a job working in Liverpool which meant if I was to continue to play in the Danske Bank Premier, then I would need a deal which would need the issues of flights back to Northern Ireland sorted. However, I hadn't received anything from Glentoran, perhaps they were just biding their time but when Linfield came in to offer what I was looking for then it was an easy decision to make.

Now it is time to make an impression here and justify John McGlynn's decision in bringing me to Windsor. I hope I can do that."

Blues boss McGlynn is obviously delighted to acquire Addis:

"I am very pleased to bring Jonny here to Windsor. The fact I can use him in many different situations for selections is a winning choice for him. His versatile nature brings so many benefits it's unreal. We look forward to working with him and getting the best out of him so the Club can move forward and get back towards where it should belong."

Today the Swifts announced the signing of former Glentoran midfielder Niall Henderson.

The 26 year old attacking midfielder rejoins the Swifts on a two year deal after spending a season here at Stangmore Park in 2011-12 where he made 27 appearances for us; scoring once. He joined Glentoran last summer from Glenavon but was unable to establish himself as a first team regular and was released at the end of the season.

Niall is looking forward to return as he told us shortly after agreeing terms.

"I am happy to be returning here after a few seasons away, and to be in familiar surroundings. Unfortunately things just didn't work out for me in East Belfast, and I am keen as mustard to make my second spell here a success. Don't get me wrong, I don't hold any grudges but I just didn't seem to find the chances to make an impression as much as I would have liked at Glentoran.

It's now down to me to get my head down and work hard, maybe prove a point to some people. I have the ability, I just need to get some stability in my career. The move back here could be just the inspiration I require, and I keenly now look forward to putting on a Swifts shirt on once more."

Glens fall to defeat at Annan

Monday 7 July 2014

On Saturday afternoon a Glentoran side made up of first teamers and reserves slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Galabank; the home of Annan Athletic. Experienced former Greenock Morton striker Peter Weatherson scored the winning goal in injury time to give the home side the win on the day. It was good match practice though for the Glens as they geared up for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier this Wednesday night at The Oval.

The game started off well, with Glentoran taking the lead in the 6th minute. Jason Hill, playing on the left wing, whipped in one of his corner kicks and left-back Robbie-Lee Crawford slammed the ball into the roof of the net giving the Annan goalkeeper no chance whatsoever. It was a lead we held until nine minutes before half time. David Hopkirk crossed from the right, and Weatherson outjumped Elliot Morris to head it towards goal only for Ryan Brown to divert the ball into his own net.

Annan took the lead in the 61st minute. Again Hopkirk created the goal with a pinpoint pass, this time into the feet of Rhys Coltart and the striker rounded Morris to slot the ball into an empty net. Yet we drew level with 14 minutes left on the clock. Some good passing ended up with new signing Jamie Davidson cutting inside in his man before rifling home a low drive from the edge of the penalty area; a well taken strike indeed. Two minutes into injury time, Annan got the winner though. David Crawford's flick looked like it had no danger written on it, and somehow young substitute Callum Lupton left it, expecting Morris to collect, yet Weatherson nipped in and fired home from just outside the area.

Glens boss Mark Duell was not too concerned after the game though:


Team: Morris ©; Chapman (Thompson 76), Brown (Birney 76), McEntee (McCullough 76), Crawford (Kane 76); Duffin (Chisanga 76), Stewart (Lupton 66), Sharvin (Davidson 66), Hill (Carson 66); McMurray (Boyd 66), McCready (Mulgrew 45). Unused substitutes: Devlin, Scullion.

Big Two Derby dominates opening day games

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Well you couldn't have scripted that. The opening day of the new 2014-15 season begins with a Big Two derby as heavyweights Glentoran and Linfield clash at The Oval. Linfield will be obviously out to spoil the Glens party when they unveil the Champions flag, as there is still no love lost between these two teams. It's a big chance for one of them to set down a marker for the new campaign and will be new Blues manager John McGlynn's first ever Big Two game. With former Linfield stalwart Jamie Mulgrew now in the Glens team; the game gets spicier than ever.

Looking at the other games, the newly promoted sides have difficult starts. Bangor entertain Crusaders on the 3G pitch at Clandeboye Park, whilst Harland and Wolff Welders face a very hard task in trying to win at Solitude. Glenavon and Coleraine face each other in Lurgan whilst Ballinamallard host Ballymena United and Portadown do the same when they entertain Dungannon Swifts.

Some more interesting dates though see Cliftonville play Coleraine on Boxing Day whilst Linfield go to Glenavon on the same day. Two massive fixtures indeed. The last game before the split also sees another huge game in prospect at Solitude; Cliftonville hosting Linfield no less.

So are we ready? Season eight of the NIFL Premiership kicks off on Saturday 9 August.

Glens too good for plucky Gibraltar team

Wednesday 9 July 2014, Champions League: First Qualifying Round - Second Leg
Venue: The Oval. Attendance: 4940

A faultless performance from Glentoran secured their place in the second qualifying round of this season's Champions League. The Glens scored twice in each half to see off their plucky opponents from Gibraltar, and complete a comprehensive 8-0 aggregate triumph.

The scoring started after 10 minutes on the clock. Jamie Mulgrew picked out Andy Morrow, and the striker let fly with an effort from the edge of the box that rocketed into the top corner of James Galviso's net. The lead was doubled in the 23rd minute when some terrific wing play from Stephen Carson the left saw the winger tee up Aaron Boyd for a composed finish into the far corner. Boyd's night ended six minutes later when he limped off after a clash with visiting defender Adolf Garro.

A third goal arrived on the hour mark. Carson again was the provider, his corner kick being headed home powerfully by centre half Steven McCullough. The rout was complete in the second minute of added on time, Carson's shot from distance came off the bar and highly rated 18 year old Ruairi Sharvin (who had replaced Boyd following the latter's injury) tucked away the rebound with aplomb.

Glens now await the draw, which will be made on Friday at UEFA headquarters at 12 noon GMT.

Morris ©; O'Neill, Birney, McCullough, Kane (sub 62 mins Hill); Duffin (sub 62 mins Scullion), Clarke, Mulgrew, Carson; Morrow, Boyd (sub 29 mins Sharvin). Unused substitutes: Thompson, Devlin, McEntee, Chisanga.

J.Gaiviso; Chipolina, Garro, Nunez, Hook; Perez © (sub 24 mins Sergeant), Aguilera, Aaron Casciaro, Macedo (sub 45 mins Anthony Casciaro); Aaron Gaiviso, Tante (sub 45 mins Hammond). Unused substitutes: Sanchez, Duarte, Aaron J Gaiviso.

Boyd injury blow

Thursday 10 July 2014

The full extent of Aaron Boyd's injury is now known, and it does not represent good news for Mark Duell.

Last season's top scorer, and Danske Bank Premiership Player Of The Year was involved in a 29th minute tussle with Adolf Garro and it has been confirmed that the striker has sustained broken ribs. This injury is set to keep Aaron out of action for at least 4-5 weeks although the Club are arranging specialised treatment for this type of knock.

Manager Mark Duell is gutted but philosophical over the injury:

"We're absolutely devastated to hear the diagnosis of Aaron's injury. He is our main striker and obviously we are going to miss seeing him in action for a while, we all know he's equally gutted because it takes a special kind of injury to keep the likes of Aaron Boyd out of your starting eleven.

But we cannot dwell on this and have to move forward. It's a huge chance for whoever I choose as his replacement in the side, to make an impression and a case for a regular starting berth this season."

Dream draw for Glens manager

Friday 11 July 2014

When you talk about dreams coming true in the footballing world, we think Glentoran manager Mark Duell must have made loads of wishes before this lunchtime's draw here at UEFA headquarters. For his Glentoran side have drawn the manager's boyhood team in the second qualifying round, that being a tie against Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

The delight on the face of Duell's face was plain to see.

"Oh my, I couldn't have asked for a draw as good as this today." Duell began. "I was hoping we would draw Celtic but never really thought it would happen. Just goes to show that if you dream hard enough then there's always a chance it can come true and today has proven it.

Everybody who knows me, knows full well I am a huge Hoops fan. In fact, I have been since I arrived kicking and screaming into this world. My late father was brought up a mere goal kick away from Paradise and instilled the green and white faith into me from day one. I am so proud to take a team to face my boyhood team so early in my fledging managerial career, and can assure you we will be giving it a right good go.

Neil (Lennon) has done fabulous work there and I look forward to locking horns with him. I'm convinced the banter between us will fly as if we were best mates. However, my focus is with Glentoran and if we do the unexpected then it will be the biggest achievement I have had so far. It would even top last season's treble winning haul. I naturally can't wait."

The games will be played on Wednesday 16 July 2014 at The Oval, with the return in Glasgow a week later.

Rams raid at The Oval

Saturday 12 July 2014

They say do not read into anything with pre-season results, and this must be one result that Glentoran want to see the back of. Four days before the Champions League game against Celtic, a much changed Glens side were comprehensively dismantled by English Championship side Derby County. The visitors scored four goals without reply and showed the differences between the two teams.

The scoring began after just two minutes, Michael Jacobs' optimistic effort on goal was spilled by Elliot Morris and Conor Sammon had the simple task of tucking away a gift of a rebound. The Rams scored a second in the 20th minute, Sammon with the cut back from the by-line and strike partner Johnny Russell was on hand to turn the ball home. Things got worse on the half hour when Russell notched his second and Derby's third. Young centre half Callum Lupton got himself into a terrible mess, and his weak back header was seized upon by the Derby striker who finished past the exposed Morris.

After that it became a bit of a training exercise for the visitors, and they added a fourth goal with 18 minutes to go. Lee Chapman bundled Callum Brownlie over in the area, and Mr McCourt pointed directly to the spot. John Eustace stepped up and confidently finished despite Morris going the right way. There was no further scoring after that, and the Glens trooped off knowing they will need to be a lot better when Celtic arrive on Wednesday evening.

Manager Mark Duell pulled no punches in his post-match assessment:



Team: Morris © (Devlin 72); Thompson (Chapman 45), Lupton (Birney 45), McEntee (McCullough 45), Crawford (Hill 45); Scullion (Kane 66), Clarke (Duffin 45), Sharvin (Carson 72), Davidson (Morrow 66); McCready (McMurray 45), Chisanga (Mulgrew 66). Unused substitute: Brown.

Pukki's four star show inspires Bhoys

Wednesday 16 July 2014, Champions League: Second Qualifying Round - First Leg
Venue: The Oval. Attendance: 5056

On a rainy night in East Belfast, Celtic's Finnish striker Teemu Pukki took centre stage and bagged four of his side's six goals as the visitors recovered from going behind to win the first leg of this qualifier quite convincingly. It was just not Glentoran's night whatsoever and the dismissal of left back Jason Hill for two yellow cards summed up everything.

It was with a bit of surprise that Glentoran took the lead after 24 minutes. Skipper Richard Clarke's cross from the right looked like easy pickings for Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster, however Dutch central defender Virgil Van Dijk got there first and turned the ball past his bemused custodian. The lead lasted just four minutes, when Pukki got his first of the evening. Liam Trotter sent the Finn away and he finished with an air of confidence with a shot from the edge of the area.

Three goals in eight minutes before half time put the game, and the tie conceivably, beyond doubt. In the 37th minute Scott Brown's flighted corner from the right was headed home past Conor Devlin by Finnish central defender Niklas Moisander. Pukki's second of the night came in the 42th minute, Nir Biton's cross being headed home by the Finn although Glentoran's defending left a lot to be desired. Btton made it 4-1 in added on time at the end of the first half, Brown with the through ball and the Israeli ran on to fire a shot across Devlin and into the far corner.

Hill saw red after 52 minutes when he baulked Biton at the edge of the box, the experienced defender knowing his fate and walking off before the referee had his cards out. Pukki thought he had his hat-trick after 62 minutes, but an alert assistant referee's flag halted him on that occasion. However two goals in four minutes saw the Finn claim the match ball and the personal spoils. In the 75th minute substitute Tom Rogic's ball evaded Calum Birney and Pukki notched his hat-trick with a nice finish over the advancing Devlin. He then made it 6-1 and a four goal haul on 79 minutes with a poacher's finish from a perfect Biton cross.

The Teams:

Devlin; O'Neill, Birney, McCullough, Hill; Scullion, Clarke ©, Mulgrew, Carson (Sharvin 69), McCready (McEntee 53), Morrow (Chisanga 69). Unused substitutes: Morris, Kane, Fitzpatrick, Chapman.


Forster; Lustig, Van Dijk (Burn 79), Moisander, Robertson; Biton (Eagles 79), Brown ©, Irvine, Boerrigter; Trotter (Rogic 61); Pukki. Unused substitutes: Zaluska, Ambrose, Balde, Mackay-Steven.

Boss reflects after Celtic loss

Thursday 17 July 2014

The morning after the 6-1 defeat by Celtic in the Champions League, manager Mark Duell sat back and reflected on the game and what this means for Glentoran with the league opener just a small matter of three and a bit weeks away.

"Well, I've had time to digest last night's game and to be honest we were undone by a better team. The pitch, which had been a talking point beforehand, was the same for us and Celtic and quite simply they played better than us and deserved to go back with a win and huge smiles on their faces.

Pukki was fantastic, a real handful for us. His movement had us in knots all evening and he could have scored more than four make no bones about it. When strikers are on fire like as he was last night, they become unplayable and there is very little you are able to do from the touchline but just admire. Biton was also in great form on the right hand side of midfield for them and Scott Brown just owned the engine room as if it was his own personal kingdom. We got undone by a Celtic team that had quality and unfortunately dished out a beating.

Did I pick the wrong team? Hand on heart, I don't think I did. There were some tough decisions made last night such as preferring Conor (Devlin) to Elliot (Morris) and starting Stephen Carson over Marcus (Kane) on the left wing. With Aaron (Boyd) missing, I thought young Joe McCready would give us the strength up top alongside Andy Morrow. But Celtic just didn't give him, never mind us, time to play. I'm not angry with Jason (Hill) for his red card, he knew he was off as soon the foul was awarded. A good honest professional always knows these things and Jason is no exception. His dismissal just made a hard task much much harder. But it was nice to have a lead, even if it was just four minutes.

So what does this mean for us? Well, we have to regroup and get our focus back. We will sit down collectively and analyse things, look at the game video and try and iron out these little chinks which have appeared in our armour. Celtic was a learning curve for the players and myself, we can't let it get into our heads and bother us. In a shade over three weeks, we start the defence of the title and we know it's going to be hard as we are the ones that everyone wants to bring down to earth. Especially from the south side of the City, they have a new manager and would love to be the partypoopers.

Will I delve into the transfer market before the window closes? Maybe, but we have a new squad this season. We've lost a few but gained a few as well. We will bed down and battle on, our scars might be sore but they will heal. It's all about moving forward and evolving, we are no quitters - we are soldiers ready for whatever battle comes our way. My message to the fans; keep supporting us you can be the 12th player on the pitch for us. Let's make a difference, just like we did last year as a collective and who knows what will happen."

Davidson the hero in Dundela win

Saturday 19 July 2014

Jamie Davidson proved to be the match winner at Wilgar Park on a breezy but sunny afternoon. The former Ballymena striker scored what proved to be the game winner goal with seven minutes left for a much changed Glentoran side that featured a lot of lesser known names. It was a good response and one that was needed.

The corresponding friendly last season saw the Glens win 4-2 but this game was hardly a classic. Both sides wasted chances when well placed and at times the football bordered on dour. It took a special goal to opening the scoring, and it was the hosts who did so after just 10 minutes. Some clever skills from striker Mark McClelland saw him outfox the Glens defence before providing a sumptuous chip over Conor Devlin.

Glentoran huffed and puffed and it took a goal seconds before half time to level matters. A lucky ricochet saw the ball land at the feet of Dickson Chisanga and although the Zambian native scuffed his shot, it had enough to beat Kyle Nelson in the home goal. Glentoran thought they had gone in front in the early stages of the second half when Ally Skillen netted after a free-kick was pumped into the box but a flag soon cut those celebrations short.

The winner arrived in the 83rd minute, Ruairi Sharvin headed the ball into Davidson and his cross-cum-shot was helped into the net by some clumsy goalkeeping by Paul Hughes - a replacement for Nelson at half time. Not the most spectacular goal netted by Davidson but one he will take all the same. Glens then had half chances to put the game beyond doubt but their finishing was way off beam and it ended 2-1.

Post-Game Manager Mark Duell thought the team just shaded it:



Team: Devlin (Morris 61); Brown (Chapman 61), Skillen (Lupton 61), McCullough (McEntee 45), Hill (Crawford 45); Stephen Boyd (Sharvin 61), Stewart (Edgar 45), Ferguson (Fitzpatrick 45), Kane © (Burns 45); McCready (Davidson 45), Chisanga (Morrow 61). Unused substitute: Carson.