Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where

I've got my head back on, and relaunching the story.

Comments are welcomed, just bear with me with updates though as they will be sometimes infrequent.

Glens in a major shock

Glentoran surprised the footballing world today when they dismissed Cup winning manager Eddie Patterson and replaced him with a complete unknown. It is a shift of focus from the East Belfast club who were expected to stick with the former Cliftonville manager after he led them to glory against his former club after just three months in the hot seat. However, the Glens have decided against offering him a new contract.

The new man at the helm is unknown 41 year old Scot Mark Duell, who was helping run a Sunday amateur team in Sheffield until he got the call from Northern Ireland. Glentoran chairman Aubry Ralph is convinced he has made a decision that will inspire the team to greater glory:

“It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to not offer Eddie Patterson a new and extended contract here at The Oval. Whilst Eddie did a marvellous job in bringing the Irish Cup back here for the 21st time in our club’s illustrious history, we feel a change in direction is needed to ensure the Club moves with the times and to make it more competitive than it has ever been.

That is why I have brought in Mark (Duell) here. Mark lives and breathes football, and is fully committed to the cause as well as knowing what the Club means. He has recently passed his UEFA “A” licence and brings us a fresh approach to Glentoran Football Club. He has signed an initial one year deal, and we think that we have secured the services of one of the brightest coaching talents in the world here, never mind Europe.

He is going to make this Club of ours, a name to be revered with. You will see this in the next 12 months, I just know so.”

The new man certainly is very bullish and appears that he can talk the talk, justifying Ralph’s faith in him:

“First of all, I am really honoured to be asked to be manager of Glentoran. I have followed this Club since I was knee high to a grasshopper, and know what it means to be a winner. I am the world’s worst loser and you can ask anyone who knows me about that.

I know all about the Club’s history, and the rivalry we have with them lot from the South side of the City (Linfield). They (Linfield) have had it all too easy for far too long, it’s time to see this particular worm turn. My message to (David) Jeffrey is clear and concise: we’re coming to get you and your title! And nothing would give me greater pleasure to ram that down his damn throat. We won’t see eye to eye, after all I am also a passionate Celtic supporter whilst you are a proper dyed in the wool Bluenose, but that inspires me.

Watch this space, you’re going to have roll them sleeves up and be prepared for a battle. Then we will see who is going to be the better man. I know that man is going to be ME!”

The new manager’s first game will be the second leg of the first qualifying round of the Europa League just 72 hours away. Glentoran go into it having held opponents FC Levadia Tallinn 1-1 in Estonia last week; could that away goal prove to be crucial?

Making decisions early doors

Taking this job is a massive risk as the standard of football isn't exactly high, if you had to put it on a level with anything in England; then I'd go along with probably National Conference but that's not being personal.

Transfer Fees available were nothing, nada or zilch in other words. Therefore anything I could make in fees would be re-invested as such. Talk about taking on a hard task, not exactly Chelsea or Manchester City is it? Seriously this is going to be a challenge and with a team that has finished behind their biggest rivals Linfield a lot in recent times.

Looking at the squad depth, I was pretty happy with it but one thing struck me: only two out and out strikers in Mark Miskimmin and Aaron Boyd. Yes sure I could rely on Jordan Stewart and Jonny Addis to fill in when needed but Stewart's predominantly a winger and very young and raw whilst Addis is Mr Versatile: he can play in defence, the holding role in midfield or as a striker due to his height. I definitely to add more depth to the squad.

Seeking advice from my background team, I have appointed goalkeeper Elliot Morris as my club captain. Elliot has been at the club since joining from West Bromwich Albion in 2002, and also skippered the team when club legend Colin "Nicky" Nixon was not playing. A no brainer of a choice. His deputy will be central defender Jimmy Callacher who despite being just 22, has excellent leadership qualities according to my assistant manager.

Elliot Morris: Glentoran Captain

Transfer Activity 2013-14 Season: Players IN

Having nothing to spend in transfer fees really hindered my progress in the transfer market. I was only able to bring three players in the first window and none in the second. Therefore it was definitely a case of make do and cope with it.

A former Celtic youngster who never made the grade at Parkhead, he brings experience to the front line and has scored goals throughout his career. Has played for Institute as well as Limavady, and is a former Northern Ireland Under 21 internationalist.

Current career statistics at the start of 2013-14: 83 games, 33 goals

Michael Moore, 28 year old striker (unattached).

Released by Distillery at the end of the season, Michael spent almost five seasons at Carrick Rangers before dropping further down the league structure to Islandmagee. Surprisingly small at 5'11 for a target man, he will be hoping to force his way into the team.

Current career statistics at the start of 2013-14: 33 games, 0 goals.

Conor Garrett, 16 year old central defender (unattached)

Impressed in a prospects game where he won the Man of the Match award, Conor was highly recommended by our scouting network and has the potential to grow into a quality centre half. He will be learning his trade in the Under 18 team managed by our Head of Youth Development Kieran Brown.

Current career statistics at the start of 2013-14 season: 0 games, 0 goals.

Transfer Activity 2013-14 Season: Players OUT

Not much transfer activity away from The Oval, just three players leaving on loan to gain match experience when it was hard to find them a place in the starting eleven.

18 year old winger Jordan Stewart spent just a month or so on loan at Larne, playing three games and scoring none. It was a move that didn't work out and he returned back at the end of October.

The second player that left on loan was young right-back John McGuigan. He joined Harland and Wolff Welders on a deal that was until the end of season. John made 12 appearances for the Tillysburn Park side, scoring no goals.

Our third loanee out was 20 year old striker Carl McComb, who also went to Larne to gain some valuable experience in a deal until the end of the season. Carl made 20 appearances for the Inver Park team, scoring 5 times.

Young striker Carl McComb

Europa League Round-Up

11 July 2013

My first game in charge of Glentoran was the second leg of the Europa League qualifier against Levadia Tallinn. We went into the game having drawn 1-1 in Estonia a week prior. It didn't start well, losing our away goal advantage after just 11 minutes when an unstoppable effort beat Elliot Morris. However a glimmer of hope happened just halfway through the first half when they were reduced to ten men after a reckless challenge on Mark Miskimmin.

On the half hour Jim O'Hanlon levelled matters when Levadia failed to deal with a David Scullion corner kick, so game firmly back on. Chances came and went for both sides and just as the board went up for 3 minutes added on time, we went on a counter attack that ended up with Mark Clarke hammering home via the underside of the bar for the match winning goal.

Team (4-4-2): Morris ©; O'Neill, Magee, Callacher, Hill; Scullion, Howland, R.Clarke, O'Hanlon; Miskimmin, Boyd. Substitutes: Addis (for Hill 79 minutes), M.Clarke (for Miskimmin 79 minutes), Bradley, Birney, McAlorum, Hogg (GK)

Attendance: 3518
Man of the Match: Jim O'Hanlon.
Booked: Howland

18 July 2013

Our opponents in the second qualifying round where Croatian side HNK Rijeka, and like in Estonia we played the first game away from home. It started off well when Jason Hill's thunderbolt found the top corner after just 17 minutes. Yet they equalised in the 32nd minute when we were undone on a set-piece, something to work on eh? Pressure was piled on after that with the home crowd really behind them. They went into the lead on the hour when a cross from the right was fired in expertly then added their third when pandemonium in our area saw Ryan O'Neill's attempted clearance hit Elliot Morris on the back and ricochet in. No way back after that.

Team (4-4-2); Morris ©; O'Neill, Magee, Callacher, Hill; Scullion, Howland, R.Clarke, O'Hanlon; Miskimmin, Stewart. Substitutes: McAlorum (for R.Clarke 68 minutes), M.Clarke (for Stewart 68 minutes), Kane (for O'Hanlon 76 minutes), Bradley, Boyd, Addis, Hogg (GK)

Attendance: 9718
Man of the Match: Mehmed Alispahic

25 July 2013

We bowed out of Europe after losing 5-2 to Rijeka on aggregate, 2-1 in our home leg at The Oval. It started off in the worst possible way, conceding before 10 minutes on the clock. Once more we were undone from a set piece, a corner and then a bullet of a header into the net. So much for that away goal in Croatia being crucial. Realising that we had to really go for it; we had a right go at them but they were just so solid at the back. We did finally score in the 88th minute; Marcus Kane's superb run down the left and cross was turned home by Aaron Boyd. Still they had the final say, with us pushing players forward they hit us on the break - scoring at the second attempt past Elliot Morris.

Time to concentrate on the domestic season.

Team (4-4-2): Morris ©; O'Neill, Magee, Callacher, Hill; O'Hanlon, Howland, R.Clarke, Scullion; Miskimmin, Stewart. Substitutes: Kane (for Scullion 69 minutes), Boyd (for Stewart 69 minutes), M.Clarke (for Howland 75 minutes), Bradley, Addis, McAlorum, Hogg (GK)

Attendance: 4005
Man of the Match: Dario Knezevic
Booked: O'Hanlon, R.Clarke, Scullion

Pre-Season Preparation

A decent run-up to the start of the season with four games packed in over a space of just nine days, the league starting on Saturday 10 August.

The first game at Dundela saw a reserve team on show, designed to give those who played in the Europa League a well deserved breather. Goals from new striker Michael Moore, central defender Calum Birney and Marcus Kane (who is able to play left back or left wing) had us 3-0 ahead at half time. However former Glens striker, and a bit of legend too, Michael Halliday pulled one back midway through the second period. Gary Irwin further reduced the arrears more with four minutes left but attacking midfielder Jordan Hughes secured us the win in added-on time.

Three days later, we were to Inver Park to face Larne. However it wasn't until late on that we secured the spoils with a couple of late strikes. The first one arrived albeit fortuitously with four minutes left on the clock, home defender Jamie Marsh's clearance hitting his own keeper Andrew Dickey and trickling in. Shades of the goal that we conceded in Croatia, eh? The win was again won in added-on time and once more by Jordan Hughes. This time he latched onto a nod on by new signing Kevin Ramsey and finished with aplomb.

Another three day break before our third pre-season match, this time to Carrickfergus. We were ahead at Taylors Avenue in the 29th minute when Mark Miskimmin finished from close range after a Jordan Hughes cross (a start as a reward for the last two games). Carrick Rangers were level in the second half when Joe McCready beat the offside trap to beat Elliot Morris one-on-one. McCready put the hosts with 14 minutes to go, heading home a corner but we salvaged a share of the spoil two minutes from time: Marcus Kane crossing, Jim O'Hanlon volleying home.

Our final friendly was off to Limavady as part of the deal which brought Kevin Ramsey to The Oval. The conditions didn't help matters with a blustery wind throughout. But you have to deal with it don't you? The squad was a mix of first and reserve team players to give everyone a chance, and we went ahead in 23 minutes when Calum Birney's lofted pass was headed down by Jordan Hughes and Michael Moore found the net. Two goals in the final 12 minutes secured the win for us. First Aaron Boyd set up Carl McComb to finish from an acute angle and then in added-on Boyd himself scored when he headed in a Jim O'Hanlon cross.

County Antrim Shield 2013-14 Summary

One of five trophies we were challenging for this season on home shore, and it began on a Saturday afternoon at The Oval to face Belfast Telegraph C1 (second tier of the league structure) side Larne (whom we had played in pre-season). I used this game to play some of the fringe players in the squad, well it gives them games doesn't it? Man of the Match Niall Henderson gave us the lead on the quarter hour, latching onto a Mark Miskimmin pass to finish confidently. Ten minutes before the break, Miskimmin doubled the lead when he picked up on a ball over the top from Jim O'Hanlon and rounded the keeper to score. Larne pulled one back with 19 minutes to go through Mark Holland but we held on for a place in the last eight.

The quarter final opponents were fellow Premiership side Ballymena United, and on a Tuesday night we took the lead when Michael Moore gave us the lead after just 9 minutes. The goal created by David Scullion's expert wing play and finished by the afore mentioned Moore from a tight angle. Ballymena's David Cushley had one ruled out for offside before our task seemingly was made easier on paper when home midfielder Allan Jenkins saw red for two yellow cards. But it seemed to inspire the home team and they levelled through Johnny Taylor on the 62nd minute.

Both sides tried to secure the win but after extra time; we went to a penalty shoot-out. I personally despise this way of finding a winner but what turned out was a classic case of expert penalty taking. After Elliot Morris (yes, I said Elliot) had scored our 11th successive spot-kick, he plunged perfectly to his left to deny Michael McLellan and secure a place in the final four.

Our semi-final opponents were another C1 Belfast Telegraph side in Lisburn Distillery. The game was played in windy conditions at the National Stadium at the end of October. Just like the quarter final, our opponents were reduced to ten men when Niall Doyle was dismissed by Mr Courtney just five minutes from the interval for a dangerous tackle on Richard Clarke which Richard was lucky to escape serious injury from - it was just absolutely reckless play. We scored the only goal just before the hour when Clarke's corner caused confusion in the home area and left-back Jason Hill prodded home a loose ball beyond the reaches of Robert Robinson.

Just three weeks later, and the National Stadium played host to the Final: our opponents Cliftonville. The Reds took the lead in added on time at the end of the first half, Joe "The Goal" Gormley with a nice finish from the angle after Chris Curran had picked open our defence. With 13 minutes left, we equalised though. Richard Clarke bursting at the heart of Cliftonville's defence before teeing up Mark Miskimmin and the striker did the rest. Like the quarter-final against Ballymena, the result (and ultimately the Cup) was decided on penalties. After both sides had missed once with the initial rounds, David Scullion scored our sixth (in the seventh round of kicks) before Morris saved again (this time from Curran) to gave me my first taste of silverware after just four months in the job.

The County Antrim Shield

Setanta Sports Cup 2013-14 Summary

Another of the lesser competitions we enter is the All-Ireland Cup, or as it is commercially known the Setanta Sports Cup. The top four clubs from both the Danske Bank Premier and the League Of Ireland compete in it; with the quarter finals and semi-finals set over two legs with the Final itself played in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Chance to play at a decent venue at the end, no disrespect meant to Windsor Park.

Well our quarter final saw us pit our mettle against Dundalk; who finished second behind St Patrick's Athletic and with the opening leg at The Oval. This took place on the second Tuesday in March with the return in Dundalk a week later. In front of a crowd of just over 1700, we took the lead after 17 minutes when Jim O'Hanlon crossed in front from the right wing and Mark Miskimmin volleyed home from around the penalty spot. Then just as we seemed to have come away with a win, Dundalk equalised with a minute left. With away goals counting, it could prove vital. Alan Kearney escaped down the left and fellow winger John Dillon headed in front from just six yards out and off the underside of the bar.

The second leg started with Dundalk taking the lead after just four minutes, David Howland was adjudged to have impeded Ramil Sheriff in the back as the corner came in. Penalty! Keith Ward assumed responsibilty and despite Aaron Hogg going the right way, the ball found the bottom corner. We were only behind for seven minutes though. Jim O'Hanlon's ball over the top was successfully chased down by Jonny Addis and he cut it back for the onrushing David Howland to crash a shot beyond Peter Cherrie in the home goal. It was 2-1 to the hosts after quarter of an hour, John Dillon found Ward in space just outside the Glens area and in turn fed Alan Kearney to drive the ball into the far corner.

It stayed that way until 10 minutes into the second half when we levelled again. Ward brought down Jordan Stewart just inside the box, and from the spot Mark Miskimmin sent Cherrie the wrong way. We went 3-2 ahead midway through the second half, Cherrie punched Addis' cross out as far as Richard Clarke and he nodded it back to an unmarked Addis who did rest. Dundalk made it 3-3 on the night in added on time with Kearney's second of the evening but moments later the whistle sounded to secure our place in the semi-finals on the away goals rule.

If we thought the game in Dundalk was entertainment in abundance, then the first leg of the semi-final away in Sligo was an absolute goal fest. The goals started coming after just three minutes, Joseph Lapira picking up a pass from Raffaele Cretaro and fired home from just inside the area. Moments later it was 2-0, Seamus Conneely picking up a long ball and firing a shot into the top corner with our defence looking shell shocked. Six minutes gone and we made it 2-1, Aaron Boyd playing Jim O'Hanlon in and the winger arrowed a low shot into the far bottom corner. However Sligo made it 3-1 a minute later, right-back Alan Keane picked out an unmarked Conneely who hammered the ball into the roof of the net. It was 3-2 at the 10 minute mark though, Boyd collecting a O'Hanlon pass and he then played in strike partner Mark Miskimmin who rifled it home.

After all that excitement, we drew level matters in the 27th minute when Steven McCullough found Miskimmin who cut the ball back for Stephen McAlorum to drive home. Yet Sligo Rovers added a fourth and went back ahead in the 33rd minute. Sean Houston found Cretaro, and with our defence still missing in action, he comfortably picked his spot to beat Aaron Hogg. It was 5-3 four minutes later when James Rowe's left wing corner saw Gavin Peers arrive unmarked and power a header into the net. We needed a quick response, and got it four minutes from half time. A long ball forward was picked up by Boyd, and he set up Miskimmin who shrugged off his marker and fired home his second of the night and Glentoran's fourth. Nine goals in 45 crazy minutes! The pace slackened in the second half, but Sligo gave themselves a two goal advantage in the 57th minute when Rowe's free-kick hit the post and Houston reacted to the rebound first for 6-4.

Needing a clear 2 goal advantage to progress to the one off Final at the Aviva Stadium, we gave it a flipping good go in front of almost 3500 spectators in teeming down rain. However luck was no on our side, as our League Of Ireland opponents went 7-4 ahead on aggregate after 49 minutes when Lapira's low right wing cross was inadvertently turned past Elliot Morris by the desperately unfortunate Calum Birney. Three minutes later we made it 1-1 on the night, 7-5 overall, David Scullion finding Mark Miskimmin in a bit of space 12 yards out and his low drive found the net. However try as we might, we couldn't find a further way through and exited at the semi-final stage.

Setanta Sports Cup: Which we made the final four

Northern Irish League Cup Campaign 2013-14

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The League Cup is the third most important trophy in the league it has to be said, well in England it is, and from what I ascertained it's no different here in Northern Ireland. Our entry came in at the second round stage, which was the last 32 and our opponents on a rainy September day at The Oval were Coagh United who ply their trade in C2 level which is the third tier of the structure. I decided to use the squad depth for this game and give a game to those who don't usually feature.

We opened the scoring after 12 minutes play when Jay Magee chipped the ball forward and Aaron Boyd coolly finished past the keeper. The lead was doubled in the 23rd minute, Jim O'Hanlon's cross from the right and Kevin Ramsey was unmarked at the near post to nod home. It was extended to 3-0 just before the hour, Jordan Stewart showing great pace down the right and this time it was David Howland who was unmarked six yards out to head in. We had 21 shots on goal all game and the lack of profligacy was a worry especially when Coagh scored twice in the last seven minutes; leaving us holding on. First of all on 83 minutes, Stephen Lamont's cross from the right found its way through and Jamie Tomelty - with no man near him - arrowed a shot into the bottom corner. Then after 87 minutes, Lamont was again the provider and Dale Noble provided the finishing touch.

If we thought that was tough, then the third round game at Ards was harder still. Ards took the lead after 22 minutes, Paul McDowell played the ball in behind our defence and Eamon McAllister finished off the chance. We did equalise though in a spell of three goals in five minutes, Jason Hill's corner was met sweet on the volley and the ball flew in - a great strike! Ards regained the lead after 58 minutes, we failed to clear our lines from a Paul Carville free-kick and Scott Davidson finished past Elliot Morris. We were only behind though for less than a minute, David Scullion passing to Aaron Boyd and he sped past the home defence and fired home. Chances came and when with no avail, so extra time was needed. Kane and Boyd combined for the latter to cross and Mark Miskimmin angled a shot in the opposite corner from the far post. Miskimmin clinched the tie on the 100 minute mark, slotting home after he latched on substitute Mark Clarke's ball forward.

The quarter final saw us go to C2 side Tobemore United, based in County Derry. Again it was another hard game, but we took the lead in 14 minutes when Marcus Kane's powerful shot was parried by Foster and Jordan Stewart tucked away the rebound. "The Reds" equalised in the 56th minute, some good play ended up with Neil Lamont firing the ball home. There were no further goals until the 111th minute, second period of extra time, Ben Rice found Lamont and he rounded Aaron Hogg to give the home side the lead. We faced elimination against a side that had done well in the Cup but equalised two minutes later in sensational style. Mark Clarke's pass was missed by the home defence and then Aaron Boyd volleyed home from a good 30 yards...unbelievable! No further scoring after that and so onto penalties. After three rounds, only Lamont had scored for Tobermore whilst we hadn't missed one - central defender Eddie Millar stepped up and Hogg saved.

The semi-final saw us against the old enemy, Linfield. In terrible conditions, hailstones coming down on you like you've never seen it. Linfield took the early lead, just before half time, Mark McAllister playing in former Oldham Athletic striker Matthew Tipton and he finished convincingly. Eight minutes from time, we levelled matters though. Jimmy Callacher made a surging run to find Aaron Boyd and he picked out Jim O'Hanlon in space on the right; and the winger cut in before driving the ball across Blayney and into the far corner. Eight minutes into extra time, Linfield regained the lead when McAllister had space to beat Morris: a bad goal to concede as we just seemed to back off. Yet we levelled again on 104 minutes, Boyd again the creator and from his cross it was Mark Miskimmin to tuck home unmarked from six yards out. Penalties came and four rounds Linfield led 4-3 after Richard Clarke had his kick in round three saved by Blayney, James Knowles then stepped up and sadly for us executed the perfect penalty; giving Morris no chance.

I reluctantly shook Jeffrey's hand again, certainly more determined than ever to win that league crown.

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: August

Cracking start to the season against a team that I thought would pose us many problems. Mark Miskimmin gave us a 35th minute lead when he ghosted in unmarked to tap in from six yards, Marcus Kane providing the teasing cross. Two goals in three minutes sealed the win early in the second half. First of all on 55 minutes, a good team move saw Miskimmin head the ball into the path of Michael Moore who picked his spot for 2-0 and then on 58 we again worked the ball and Richard Clarke passed it into the path of David Scullion who drilled it first time and beat the keeper at his near post. A fourth arrived on 82 minutes with a team move that covered every area of the pitch, Kane again provided the cross and substitute Jim O'Hanlon headed home unchallenged at the far post.

Daylight robbery in Portadown, that just summed up this game. I personally thought we had done more than enough to beat one of the title challengers on their own patch. We took the lead in the 65th minute, Moore's lofted pass caught out the Ports defence and Miskmmin coolly finished past the advancing David Miskelly. But it's not over until the final whistle sounds and the home side got a point thanks to a 90th minute equaliser. Gary Twigg's attempted pass took an unwanted deflection into the path of Darren Murray and he hammered it home aided and abetted by the underside of the bar. Gut wrenching!

The first Big Two derby of the season, and we blew it! 2-1 ahead with just 14 minutes to play and we let them score twice and win; that's painful. It didn't start too well, as Blues took a 6th minute lead. James Knowles sent in a left wing corner which we couldn't deal with and it ended up with vice-captain Jimmy Callacher heading into his own net. Worst possible start. But we fought back, and levelled on 55 minutes. Left-back Jason Hill picked out Marcus Kane just outside the area and he executed a brilliant strike that beat Jonny Tuffey all ends up. Kane put us 2-1 ahead three minutes with his second of the game, Richard Clarke with the pass and the winger steadied himself before slotting the ball past Tuffey. Another Knowles corner led to the equaliser on 76 minutes. Again we couldn't deal with it and Michael Carvill's goalbound header was tucked in by Matthew Tipton from virtually on the goal line. Blues scored their winner with 5 minutes left, we made a hash of dealing with a Billy Joe Burns throw and left Mark McAllister unmarked six yards out. Price paid for terrible marking.

Back on the winning trail a week later with a hard fought win over Dungannon Swifts at The Oval. We took the lead after 18 minutes thanks to another goal from Miskimmin. A bit of pinball just outside the Swifts area saw the ball land at the feet of the Glens number nine and he hit a first time effort in the net. The lead was extended three minutes later, Man of the Match Richard Clarke's corner found its way to Calum Birney unmarked at the back post and the young centre half finished with aplomb. Swifts pulled a goal back seven minutes from half time, James Costello fed the ball into the path of Peter Steele and the striker picked his spot to score on debut.

A share of the spoils in Lurgan which completed the first month of the season. The Lurgan Blues took the lead on the hour mark, veteran centre half William "Winky" Murphy heading in captain Eddie McCallion's corner kick. Yet another one conceded on a set-piece! We got a point though with an equaliser 14 minutes from the end, Kane's pass found Moore who cut across the home defence before catching out Tuda Murphy and beating the custodian at his near post.

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: September

Our first trip to Ferney Park with the newly promoted Mallards in opposition. Once more we had to come from behind to grab a point. Stefan Lavery's right wing cross smashed against the crossbar with Elliot Morris grasping thin bar, and as he tried to head it out for a corner - young Calum Birney failed to get enough purchase on his clearance and it found the back of his own net. Desperately unlucky. 16 minutes from time we levelled matters, Stephen McAlorum's long ball was headed down by Michael Moore and substitute Aaron Boyd (on for the ineffective Mark Miskimmin) gleefully drove home the equaliser: and in the process gave me a striking headache.

A third consecutive draw but to be honest it was enthralling one with Ballymena fully deserving a share of the spoils. We took the lead after 7 minutes, a goalmouth scramble saw Marcus Kane hit the post but the winger showed great awareness to nip in and slot home his own rebound with Ballymena trying to claim offside albeit it in vain. It was 2-0 in the 34th minute, Birney's pass picking out David Scullion and the experienced winger showed great composure to shrug off a challenge before angling a shot into the far corner. Ballymena pulled one back four minutes after the restart when a nice pass from Alan Davidson released Neal Gawley and he finished well from an acute angle. It was to be same player who got the equaliser with just three minutes left to play. After a patient build up, again it was Davidson who provided the assist to Gawley and he arrowed an excellent effort into the net.

We finished the month of September with an excellent win over Cliftonville it has be said. A double from Boyd proved to be all too crucial difference on the day and extended the unbeaten run to five games. His first strike was in the 61st minute, some neat play from Kevin Ramsey gave him a half chance and after turning a Reds defender inside and out - he placed a shot beyond Ryan Brown in the bottom corner. The second came with 16 minutes to go and what a gift it was. Scullion's pass towards him was intercepted by Leon Cartres but then the defender seemed to take a touch too heavy and Boyd nipped in to fire the ball beyond the stranded Brown. A comical goal but one that we will take everyday of the week if it gets us three points on the board.

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: October

Game one of just two league games played in October and to the North of the City; playing Crusaders (another of the team the bookies thought would finish above us this season) and live on Sky Sports as well. Weather conditions were appalling it has to be said but we took the lead in the 18th minute. Aaron Boyd played a nicely weighted pass into the path of Stephen McAlorum who took advantage of some dozy home defence to slot home the opener. Crues equalised four minutes into the second half however. Aidan Watson provided the pass and Jordan Owens was given time by us to pick his spot and level up the game. We got the winner though with 12 minutes left, former Glens defender Paul Leeman saw his clearance go straight to McAlorum and the midfielder took a touch before firing home from just outside the area.

We made it seven league games unbeaten with a point in our other league game in October but it was a point we had to earn against the other new boys of the Premier Division, Warrenpoint Town. Warrenpoint took the lead in the 12th minute on a heavy pitch, the ball finding its way to David Magee and he took a touch before beating Elliot Morris low at the goalkeeper's near post with our defence nowhere to be seen. We equalised though eight minutes into the second half, Aaron Boyd's left wing cross was met by Marcus Kane at the near post and he angled a shot across the keeper into the far corner to ensure a share of the spoils.

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: November

The first game in November was on Guy Fawkes Day, and we provided fireworks of our own with well earned three points at home to Portadown. We took the lead after just 12 seconds! Marcus Kane did well dispossess a Ports defender and switched it to Aaron Boyd, who then picked out strike partner Mark Miskimmin and the number nine did the rest. A fabulous start! We doubled it in the 19th minute, Miskimmin's cheeky back heel put Boyd in the clear and he rounded the keeper to score. It became 3-0 two minutes into the second half, David Scullion beating Redman before picking out Miskimmin at the near post and he nodded home with ease.

But we never do things easily, and when Calum Birney was adjudged to have brought down Kevin Braniff (it looked a soft call), Peter McMahon put the penalty away despite Elliot Morris guessing the right way. The afore mentioned Braniff made it 3-2 with nine minutes to go, McMahon's long ball found the former Millwall man in space and his low shot beat the advancing Morris. But we held on.

Four days later it became nine league games without defeat thanks to a late winner at Coleraine. Just five minutes remained on the clock when the goal came. Boyd was the provider and his pass was picked up by substitute Jordan Stewart who managed to squeeze his shot home which had the home defence looking mad with each other. A timely but very decisive goal in the scheme of things.

The unbeaten run came to a halt at ten when we suffered defeat against Linfield again. That man was proving to be my absolute nemesis and a perennial thorn in the side; everything was going his way. Blues took the lead five minutes before half time, Mark McAllister's shot hit the post then the back of Morris and as Jimmy Callacher tried to clear: he could only put it into his own goal. The Gods were conspiring against us again I did feel. Yet they sealed the deal with just a couple of minutes to go, Philip Lowry's cross somehow found it way through to an unmarked McAllister at the back stick and he did what he is good at. More pain.

It's always good to bounce back and particularly after losing another Big Two game. We did just that with a come from behind win over Glenavon at The Oval. The Lurgan Blues were ahead in the second minute of added on time in the first 45, striker Mark Farren picking up a ball out of defence to hammer an unstoppable shot beyond Morris and into the top corner. Nothing we could do about that. We equalised ten minutes into the second half with an unstoppable effort of our own. Some excellent close passing saw the ball land at the feet of Richard Clarke 20 yards out and he arrowed his shot brilliantly into the far corner. Our winner came in the 89th minute, yes that late, Mark Clarke found Kevin Ramsey deep in the penalty area just to right of goal. I'm sure it was supposed to be a cross but Tuda Murphy got his angles completely wrong and the ball trickled its way home. Fortuitous, but who cares?

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: December

We managed to grab a point out of this entertaining game but left it until injury time to do so. It started off oh so well though, taking the lead three minutes from half time. Richard Clarke picked out the run of Mark Miskimmin and he angled his shot across the goalkeeper and into the far corner. Ards equalised in the 53rd minute when Eamon McAllister put Wesley Boyle and although Aaron Hogg saved the former Leeds man's first effort, the striker put away the rebound. On the hour we were behind. Paul Carville's left wing free-kick was flicked on Boyle and Paul McDowell had the simple task of applying the finishing touch with our defence just looking at each other. It was the second minute of injury time that we equalised in, David Scullion attacked the left-back and from his cross, Jonny Addis fired in via the underside of the bar. A point, but a point I was far from happy with.

If I was unhappy with the performance against Ards, I was livid with the one at Dungannon. Losing to Dungannon was just not acceptable at all, and I locked them in the changing room for a good hour after the game: showing them the side of me they didn't want to see. Matt Hazley gave the Swifts a 15th minute lead when Darren Boyce picked him out superbly and with no defender near him, the winger hammered it into the top corner giving Elliot Morris no chance at all. We levelled three minutes later though, Richard Clarke's shot hit the post but Marcus Kane fired in from a narrow angle. Swifts though were back in front seconds later when we got into a right old mix-up and James Costello accepted the gift we presented to him. Ten minutes from the break, Dungannon were 3-1 ahead. Boyce looked like he went down easier than Monica Lewinsky under Jimmy Callacher's pressure, penalty said the ref and as much as we protested; he wasn't changing his mind. Jim Ervin stepped and scored with the perfect spot kick. We made it 3-2 in the 52nd minute, Kevin Ramsey finding Miskimmin and he fired an unstoppable shot into the roof of net. But we couldn't get a third.

In need of a confidence after dropping points against Ards and Dungannon, we got back to winning ways when we entertained the Mallards at The Oval. We got off to the perfect start with an early goal, 4 minutes gone to precise. Kane created it and Miskimmin headed in unchallenged at the near post. The front man doubled his tally and the lead nine minutes from half time, Aaron Boyd picked him out at the edge of the box and he drilled a low shot home although Alvin Rouse could have done better as the ball squirted through him. Mallards caused a skipped heartbeat when they made it 2-1 just after the hour, PJ Lavery found Duwayne McManus in acres of space and he found the back of net with a tidy finish. We sealed the points though in the second minute of added on time at the end, Miskimmin was the provider this time and Kane headed home from 12 yards. Sighs of relief all around.

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: December

Goals galore in the last game before Christmas with all eight coming in the first 44 minutes! We were ahead in just the second minute, Mark Miskimmin playing Marcus Kane in and he fired a low shot into the far corner. The lead was doubled on 7 minutes, David Scullion sent Aaron Boyd and as Ballymena backed off, the striker cracked home a superb effort. It got better in the 11th minute, more defensive frailties from the hosts and Miskimmin broke the flimsy offside trap and rounded the keeper with ease for 3-0. Gary Liggett pulled one back two minutes later, getting the decisive touch on an Alan Davidson effort.

Yet we restored the three goal advantage after 16 minutes, Kane firing in at the far post after Scullion's cross found its way through to him. Liggett made his 4-2 with a well placed effort in the 21st minute but that was just our cue to kick on again. Boyd made it 5-2 with a close range finish from a Jason Hill corner whilst Ballymena's defence kept on sleeping and then David Howland's 25 yard howitzer made it 6-2 a minute from the break. No further scoring after the break but three nicely earned points.

Boxing Day football and we entertained Crues at The Oval. Having beaten them earlier in the season at their place, we knew they would be out for revenge. Sadly for us, they got it. The only goal of the game came after 55 minutes, Timmy Adamson's pass put Chris Morrow in the clear and he remained calmness personified to fire past the advancing Elliot Morris. Try as we might, we could not find an equaliser and our indifferent form in December continued.

Our second game in the busy Christmas and New Year period, and a visit from Ards. We had played terrible in the game at the start of the month but were much better this time around. Dominating the game from the start to finish, the closeness of the scoreline does not tell the true tale. We took an early lead in the 6th minute; Boyd getting a decisive on a Scullion effort to divert into the far corner. The lead was doubled in the 19th minute, Howland's cross field pass found Kane unmarked on left and he angled a nice finish past the visiting keeper. Ards were given hope seconds later though, Paul Carville's well flighted free-kick was met by the head of Andrew Mitchell but instead of grabbing the greasy ball, Morris fumbled it into his own goal. We restored the two goal lead though on 31 minutes, Boyd 's hanging cross was headed home from just inside the six yard box by Miskimmin getting there ahead of his marker.

Ards were reduced to ten men just after the restart when David Armstrong was shown a straight red card by the referee for a two footed challenge on Scullion which was reckless and late; I couldn't see why they though it was harsh. The points were clinched with quarter of an hour left, some beautiful close passing by the team saw Boyd and Miskimmin link up (not for the first time) and the former picked his spot beautifully for his second and our fourth of the game. Mitchell got Ards' second with three minutes to go, taking advantage of a lack of communication between Jonny Addis and Jimmy Callacher but we comfortably saw the remainder of the game out.

The final game of 2013 was a six goal thriller at Solitude which ended with honours shared. Chris Curran gave the Reds an 18th minute lead, Liam Boyce catching our defence being dozy and from his pass - the winger finished calmly. Yet we were level six minutes later, Miskimmin turning fantastically well before setting up Boyd to notch another goal. Reds regained the lead on 27, Ryan McIlmoyle's corner being headed home from point blank range by Boyce. A very bad goal to concede with no marking whatsoever despite the defence being warned many times before.

We equalised for a second time with four minutes to go to the interval. Cliftonville failed to deal with Richard Clarke free-kick and Howland reacted first to a loose ball to find the far corner of the home goal. The home side were 3-2 ahead in the 62nd minute when we allowed a long clearance from Ryan Brown to bounce (another lapse in concentration) and Boyce showed superb technique to assess it and then chip Morris exquistively. However we were back on parity just a couple of minutes later, Boyd's shot was parried by Brown and Kane was again there (unmarked) to fire in the rebound at the far post despite the keeper's best efforts to keep it out. Neither could find a winner after that but it was terrific entertainment.

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: January

The first game of the New Year and a tale of two penalties. We hadn't played well at Warrenpoint earlier in the campaign so I urged the team to improve and they came away with points. The team were ahead after seven minutes, Jonathan Cowan brought down Aaron Boyd and referee Mr McClenaghan pointed to the spot. Mark Miskimmin assumed responsibility and duly sent Jonathan Parr the wrong way from 12 yards. Points were sealed four minutes from the end when we got a second penalty kick. Boyd went down in a crowded box and this time Kevin Ramsey hammered the spot-kick beyond Parr to secure victory.

Three days later and a seven goal thriller at The Oval, one we managed to squeak home from. It started terribly it has to be said, Shane Jennings giving Coleraine a fifth minute lead with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area. Then they went 2-0 ahead after 27 minutes, skipper Howard Beverland swooping on a loose ball to rasp a shot home after we had failed to clear our lines from a Stephen Carson free-kick. An immediate response was needed and we got it. Boyd found Miskimmin, and despite being surrounded by defenders, he placed a great shot into the far corner. Seven minutes from half time we levelled proceedings, Richard Clarke weighted a pass into Boyd and he waited for Drummond to commit himself before sliding it under him for 2-2.

A couple of minutes later we were in front. David Scullion was wide on the right and whether he was aiming for Boyd and Miskimmin, the ball somehow found its over Drummond's head and into the far corner. A quite bizarre goal but hey, who was complaining. We looked good value to hold on until Coleraine made it 3-3 with four minutes to go. Carson showing how good he is and Browne with the poacher's finish. We grabbed the points though in the second minute of injury time however. Marcus Kane found Ballynahinch's finest David Howland and he produced a composed finish under Drummond with Coleraine vainly claiming offside. Tough poo!

For the second time this season we were denied three points at Portadown and once more it was that blasted Darren Murray who scored Ports equaliser. We got off to the dream start with a goal after just 30 seconds though. Howland picked out Miskimmin and after a quick turn, he hammered it into the top left hand corner of the net, a quite brilliant strike it has to be said. Our task seemingly got easier when Ports were reduced to ten men after 18 minutes when Christopher Ramsey was dismissed for a late challenge on Miskimmin by referee Mr Loughrey. The home side drew level in the 54th minute, Gary Twigg sent Murray away and he produced a composed finish over Elliot Morris. Despite the man advantage, we could not get a winner which was very disappointing. Two points clearly dropped.

Callacher to leave at the end of the season

Monday 13 January 2014

24 hours before the latest Big Two encounter with Linfield at The Oval, Glentoran received the shock news that vice-captain and central defender Jimmy Callacher is to leave the team at the expiry of his current deal. Callacher has signed a deal to join League Of Ireland side Silgo Rovers but the 22 year old is determined to leave on a high:

"As much as this club means everything to me, I have decided to seek a new challenge when my current contract expires." the 22 year old told Glens TV. "I have agreed a short term deal with League Of Ireland side Silgo (Rovers) and am going to see how that pans out. It could lead to something more permanent for me but as of now, who knows. It's a risk I am willing to take at this stage in my career.

However Glentoran will not see me leave without playing a major role this season. I've fully bought into the systems that Mark (Duell) has implemented and want to go and win a few more things before I leave. Nothing would give me pleasure than helping the team to much more silverware and continuing a winning feeling. We have a great squad here and there's no reason at all why we can't just kick on and be more successful this season."

Glens manager Duell is disappointed to lose his central defender but equally wishes him the best:

"Well it came as a surprise to all when Jimmy told us he was not going to seek a new contract with the team, and he has agreed pre-contract deal with Sligo. I am, to be truthful, disappointed to see him go as he was an integral part of my plans but he's at that age where he wants to seek a fresh interest and Sligo are going to give him the chance to do just that. You can't fault neither the player or the team for that.

He goes with my best wishes, and he knows I will be demanding 100 per cent commitment from him until he officially joins Sligo. I have no doubts whatsoever he will provide that. It's refreshing though to hear him talk about finishing on a high. How about a league title? That would be just grand."

Good luck in the new adventure Jimmy.

Callacher: Leaving for pastures new

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: January

A typical Big Two encounter with goals, cards and just sheer blood and thunder for 90 minutes. Linfield took the lead the in the 13th minute when Calum Birney was adjudged to have brought down Peter Thompson in the area. Looked outside the box to me, guess fat lad Jeffrey's restored to paying the officials a sweet backhander now: anything so he gets the decisions. But it was given. Thompson picked himself up and sent Elliot Morris the wrong way for 1-0. They doubled it on 26, a sweeping move ended with Billy-Joe Burns tucking the ball home. It got worse on 31 as they added a third, Thompson curling home a 25 yard free-kick after Jason Hill had fouled Burns.

Time to take a deep breath and get back into this otherwise it could end up embarrassing. We pulled a goal back with a minute to go before the half time interval, David Scullion's cross being hammered past Tuffey by Aaron Boyd. After that Boyd became totally unplayable and deserved his Man Of The Match award. He made it 3-2 in the 61st minute, Scullion with the slide rule pass and Boyd beat Tuffey at his near post. Six minutes later, comeback complete. Michael Gault gave away the ball in midfeld and from Marcus Kane's deep cross, Boyd plundered his hat-trick goal. We played the last 14 minutes with ten men after David Howland saw red for two cautions but a point was better than none. Fat boy didn't look happy haha!

Our defence of the Irish Cup also started this month with an away trip to face non league Portstewart. I made a few changes for this game, resting both captain Morris and vice-captain Jimmy Callacher so Richard Clarke captained the side. The board expected us to make the last eight as a bare minimum; and that looked in jeopardy when the home side went ahead in the 18th minute. Andrew Hawthorne's cross being sliced into his own net by Jay Magee. We levelled seven minutes later, Mark Miskimmin crossing, Boyd finishing first time from just outside the six yard box. Boyd is in a rich vein of scoring form and gave us the lead three minutes after the restart; latching onto a Clarke feed and then hammering a shot home that was too hot to handle for the home keeper. Stand-in skipper Clarke secured the triumph in the 66th minute, latching onto a loose ball to drive a low shot home.

A windy night in Lurgan and we came away with a maximum point haul which was very pleasing indeed as was the retention of a clean sheet despite being outplayed for 90 minutes. Scullion gave us a 36th minute lead, a confident finish from a Boyd pass. We doubled the advantage with 16 minutes to go, Jonny Addis' long throw was flicked on by Boyd and substitute Jordan Stewart nipped in front of Tuda Murphy (bet he really hates playing against us) to score. The win was secured in the 80th minute, Hill's cross found Jim O'Hanlon and despite having two defenders around him: tucked it past the hapless Murphy.

Second successive clean sheet a week later to finish off what has been a very decent month. Once more we were out of the blocks early, with a goal this time in 42 seconds. At this rate people will be missing goals left, right and bloody centre whilst stuck in the loo or at the snack bar. Scullion with the ball over the top, Miskimmin with the quality finish. Scullion turned goalscorer two minutes from half time, Clarke's pass finding him and he volleyed home to beat the keeper at his near post. Kane finished the game as a contest after 58 minutes, Hill's corner was cleared out to him and he took a couple of touches before firing his shot through a crowded box into the far corner of the net.

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: February

Yet another goal fest with Ballymena with both teams contributing a total of 36 shots in 90 minutes! Talk about providing a fair deal of entertainment to the fans, right? Ballymena took a 10th minute lead when Alan Teggart crossed from the left and David Cushley (the man I had warned against) arrived on cue to fire home from six yards out. We levelled five minutes later, Elliot Morris' long goal kick caught out Ballymena and although Stephen Addis saved David Scullion's initial effort; there was nothing he could do about the rebound which the winger gleefully slammed home. Yet we conceded again almost immediately, Gary Thompson sliced our defence open like a knife through butter and Teggart's angled finish beyond Morris made it 2-1 to the visitors.

We drew level again nine minutes before the interval, Marcus Kane's cross being diverted into his own net by Andy Kellett under some serious pressure from Scullion. Hey ho, we'll take that! But Ballymena went ahead again on 58 minutes, Thompson again with a superb pass and this time Michael Ruddy applied the confident finish. A point was salvaged with eight minutes to go however, Scullion's pass was missed by Johnny Taylor and Mark Miskimmin nipped in to score from an acute angle.

After disposing of Portstewart in the fourth round, we entertained Queens University Belfast (QUB) in the final 16. QUB play at level 3 in the league structure and we had to guard against complacency and produce a professional performance. We opened the scoring after 4 minutes, Kane's cross was flicked on by Clarke and Scullion again took advantage a gap at the goalkeeper's near post. QUB then shocked us two minutes later with an equaliser, A long goal kick was missed by our defence and Darren Henderson finished with aplomb. However we got a response and were back ahead on the 10 minute mark, Kane hammering home after a spot of pinball in the QUB penalty area.

Two late goals secured our path into the sixth round, thereby meeting the board's initial expectation. After 74 minutes, Aaron Boyd's cross was headed on by Clarke and Mark Miskimmin had the simple task of scoring from six yards out. It was game firmly over seven minutes from time, Jason Hill's corner being diverted into his own net by Henderson thereby giving the striker the ignominy of netting at both ends of the pitch.

We finished off February with an excellent away win at Seaview, our second win there this season. All the excitement came in the opening 45 minutes and started in the 9th minute, Kane providing the cross and Boyd was not picked up by the home defence to score from close range. Crues were reduced to ten men a minute later, Josh Robinson seeing red for a crude tackle on David Howland which nobody had any complaints over. We extended the lead after 13 minutes, Kane's ball forward was flicked on by Miskimmin and Boyd again did the rest.

Yet the ten men seemed fired up by the man disadvantage and scored twice in two minutes to level matters much to my chagrin. After 18 minutes Nathan Hanley corner was flicked on by David McMaster and former Glens stalwart Paul Leeman was given room to tuck the ball away. Hanley levelled matters in the 20th minute, Timmy Adamson providing the killer pass and the winger showed good skill and finished with confidence. The game winner came in the 33rd minute, Colin Coates' clearance went straight to Miskimmin and he touched it off to Boyd who chipped the keeper for his hat-trick goal. No further scoring after that but a huge win again away from home as we chase Portadown.

Hope you're all enjoying this, I am enjoying writing again. Comments more than welcome at any point.

League tables will start to appear regularly as of my second season, just catching up and getting season one up to date and concluded.

Signing Update

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Ahead of next season, we have signed two experienced players on pre-contract agreements.

Andy will be joining Glentoran next season from Championship side Bangor and provides the team with a proven goalscorer. If we can keep both Mark Miskimmin and Aaron Boyd, or even just one of them, they will benefit from having Andy around. He might be 33 year old but he is a threat in front of goal and has scored over 80 goals in his time at the County Down side. He will be a good fit for the squad.

Re-joining the Glens in 2014-15 is experienced winger Stephen Carson. Like fellow new signing Andy Morrow, Stephen is also 33 but has so much experience it's rude not to turn it away. He spent two seasons here, and helped the team to the 2013 Irish Cup Final win before going back to Coleraine. He can score goals but is a brilliant creator of chances. Stephen has a single international cap to his name, playing for the national side in 2009 against Italy.