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27 Jul 2016 19:59:37

Linfield surprise and Glentoran transfer dealings

Sunday 1 June 2014

The two biggest names in the Danske Bank Premiership have been busy on a Sunday with Linfield landing a shock on us which nobody expected and Glentoran bringing in two new players but losing one of their title winning squad.

Linfield today announced that they have parted company with long standing manager David Jeffrey. The 51 year old became Blues manager in January 1997 after a short spell as assistant manager. He has won the Premiership seven times and the Irish FA Cup four times during his tenure at Windsor, whilst also grabbing the Manager of the Year crown six times. He has overseen one of his worst seasons ever there in 2013-14 finishing a lowly 5th and has mutually agreed to leave the Club with immediate effect.

The outspoken character has had an apparent dispute with Glentoran manager Mark Duell all last season, so it remains interesting to see where this goes off the pitch until Jeffrey feels suited to return to the managerial hotseat. But the question is where?

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45272000/jpg/_45272038_david_jeffrey_226.jpg

David Jeffrey: Linfield no more

Meanwhile at the current league champions, manager Mark Duell recruited experience in the form of winger Stephen Carson from Coleraine for a second spell at The Oval and striker Andy Morrow from newly promoted Bangor. However 22 year old central defender Jimmy Callacher has left the club to join Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

There is still no news on Duell's future and speculation believes that the highly rated manager will be leaving after just one season in charge of The Glens.

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27 Jul 2016 19:32:28

League Award Winners 2013-14 season

Saturday 31 May 2014

At the Hilton Hotel in central Belfast, the award winners for the 2013-14 season were announced. These were as follows:

Top Goalscorer
The winner is Liam Boyce of Cliftonville, who scored 27 goals in 34 appearances.

http://bestsoccerwallpaper.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/liam-boyce-1-300x211.jpg

"It's a great honour to win this award. I would like to thank Cliftonville, my team mates and of course the brilliant fans we have at Solitude. This one is for you."

Liam Boyce

Young Player of the Year
The winner is 21 year old Ballymena United striker Michael McLellan.

http://www.lfe.org.uk/images/stories/LFE_content/michael-mclellan.jpg

"To be named as the Danske Bank Premier Young Player of the Year is a great privilege. After being released by Portadown I didn't quite know what to do but I would like to thank Ballymena United for believing in me. I'm just speechless."

Michael McLellan

Player of the Year
The winner is 23 year old Glentoran striker Aaron Boyd.

"To be awarded the Danske Bank Premier Player of the Year is a fantastic achievement. I could not have obtained this honour with the encouragement from the superb fans at The Oval, my team mates out there especially Mark Miskimmin who has proved the best strike partner around and also my manager Mark Duell who has given me a chance to show what I am really capable of."

Aaron Boyd

Manager of the Year
The winner is Glentoran manager Mark Duell, who has won 3 out of possible 5 trophies this season. A phenomenal achievement.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award, it really is something special. To follow in the footsteps of Glentoran legends such as Roy Coyle and Tommy Jackson in getting it, makes me so proud. I would like to dedicate this to my late father who never saw me do what I have done here. To my family, my players, our brilliant support and Aubry Ralph: this is definitely as much as a part of you as it is me."

Mark Duell

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27 Jul 2016 18:47:03

Glens release 14

Saturday 31 May 2014

With all the internal turmoil going on at The Oval with the contract breakdowns between the Club and manager Mark Duell, the Club have announced that the following 14 players are now out of contract and free to discuss terms with other teams:

Jonny Addis
Calum Birney
Mark Clarke
Niall Henderson
Aaron Hogg
David Howland
Marcus Kane
Jay Magee
Carl McComb
John McGuigan
Stephen McAlorum
Mark Miskimmin
Jim O'Hanlon
Jordan Stewart

Some huge names in there, namely Mark Miskimmin whose goals help bring the league crown back to East Belfast for the first time in five seasons and the engine room provided by David Howland. Winger Marcus Kane is also included on the list but he and fellow winger David Scullion were both offered new one year deals by the Club before the end of the season. As it is, the Club have no indication that these deals have been accepted or not.

As soon as we have developments we will let you know as we will with the issue that concerns our manager Mark Duell whom we can assure, we are determined to hang on to.

HockeyBhoy

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27 Jul 2016 11:02:31

Yeah it wasn't a bad first season at all @Ludogorets96 - remaining hopeful something can be agreed.

Thanks for the moral support dude

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26 Jul 2016 19:45:30

Monday 19 May 2014

Glens in contract breakdown

Just nine days after the incredible conclusion which saw Glentoran conclude a tremendous treble winning season, there are problems. With his contract up for renewal, manager Mark Duell has turned a new deal with the East Belfast side and unless matters are resolved then Glens could be losing the man who has brought the feel good factor back to The Oval. Duell duly explained as such:

"Well as you know my initial contract ends at the start of the next month, and I am keen to stay here but the package offered to me does not meet what I require to stay here. In fact, it's pretty bad. Despite the success, I've been asked to have the same transfer budget as this season and rely on free transfers and loans whilst reducing the wage bill. That could potentially lose us some of our big name players such as Miskimmin and Boyd: who bagged lots of goals in getting us the trophies. It's not a position I want to be in.

This and also being asked to take a reduced wage myself, well you know what I think about that."

When approached, Glentoran chairman Aubry Ralph had this short statement:

"We haven't agreed on a new contract with Mark (Duell) at the moment. My message to our fans is clear: stick by us, we will get this resolved."

It doesn't sound good at the moment but Ralph is confident he can engineer a new deal. However with a number of players out of contract soon, who knows will happen on the playing front. This is a potential disaster Glens need to sort otherwise the good mood will soon evaporate and be replaced by anger.

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26 Jul 2016 19:13:40

Glens secure unprecedented treble

Saturday 10 May 2014, Irish Cup Final
Venue: The Oval, Belfast. Attendance: 5056

Way back in July last year, Glentoran appointed an unknown to replace a Cup winning manager and people were thinking what are they doing. However, on this wet May afternoon in East Belfast as the National Stadium was out of action: a lot more people know about the name of Mark Duell. This guy has led the Glens to an absolute unprecedented treble in his first season and justified his appointment. Aubry Ralph and the Glentoran board should be giving themselves a huge pat on their backs.

Linfield, despite the League Cup win last month, have completely underachieved this season. The team finished 5th in the table and this has increased the speculation about long serving manager David Jeffrey's future. With this tension building, their confidence took a bigger dent in the 16th minute when inspirational captain Philip Lowry limped off injured after a challenge with Glens left-back Steven McCullough. However, the Blues took the lead three minutes later when McCullough brought down Michael Carvill in the area, and a penalty was duly awarded by Mr Courtney much to Glentoran's dismay. Former Oldham Athletic striker Matthew Tipton duly stepped up and delivered the perfect penalty low into Elliot Morris right hand corner.

But one thing we have learned from Glentoran under Duell, is that they have the ability to bounce back and show some steel. They proved this and were level after 23 minutes, striker Mark Miskimmin pulled the ball back and Man of the Match Richard Clarke was given enough time to pick his spot and place it beyond the despairing Jonny Tuffey in the Linfield goal. It was a goal that sent Jeffrey into an incandescent rage on the touch whilst his opposite number ran down the touchline in sheer delight. You had to see it to believe it.

Buoyed by this and despite Linfield having the best of the play, the Glens took the lead with just three minutes left to go to half time. Superb play by Aaron Boyd played in David Scullion and he clipped it back from the byline onto Miskimmin and the striker glanced his header into the far corner with Tuffey and the Blues defence all at sea. Needing a third to have Linfield under serious pressure, Glens pushed on and got their rewards in the 56th minute. David Howland produced a superb ball that caused Tuffey to race from his line. However, the Blues keeper's efforts were in vain as Boyd got there a fraction before him and slid the ball under the advancing custodian. 3-1 to the Glens.

Encouraged by Jeffrey barking out instructions like he was a sergeant major, Linfield continued to press and press. Yet those efforts fell by the wayside and at 16:52 this Saturday afternoon, Duell and his men in green celebrated whilst Jeffrey slumped off, disconsolate and about to tear those men in blue a strip or two in the dressing room.

The Teams:

Morris ©; O'Neill, Birney, Callacher, McCullough (sub 56 mins Hill); Scullion, Howland, R.Clarke (sub 78 mins McAlorum), Kane; Miskimmin, Boyd (sub 90 mins Addis). Unused substitutes: O'Hanlon, Hogg.

Tuffey; R.Glendinning, Haughey, McVey, A.Burns; Lowry © (sub 16 mins Carvill), McCaul, Mulgrew, Waterworth (sub 57 min M.Clarke); McAllister, Tipton. Unused substitutes: Jennings, Magee, McKeown.

Tipton (pen 18), R.Clarke (23), Miskimmin (42), Boyd (56)

R.Clarke (2), McCullough (17), Birney (45+1)
Referee: Mr Mark Courtney (Dungannon)
Man of the Match: Richard Clarke (Glentoran)

"It's a fantastic feeling to complete this treble. We fully deserve this for such hard work through the season with each other and those fans deserve it too. That's two Cup wins in a row, a superb achievement. Mark (Miskimmin) and Aaron (Boyd) have been tremendous all season and proved to be an excellent partnership. Obviously we would like to keep them as their deals are up at the end of the season but that's down to me talking to the Chairman about figures; not including my own future. I'm a bit unhappy that David (Jeffrey) didn't shake my hand at the end, but he's entitled to be a mardy arse if he wants to be.

But tonight is now going to be all about Glentoran. One thing I can assure you of, we're gonna have a hell of a party and won't stop!"

Mark Duell, Glentoran Manager

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25 Jul 2016 20:05:41

Super Saturday

Saturday 3 May 2014

Welcome to Danske Bank Super Saturday. The destination of this season's title will be decided this afternoon. Will Glentoran hold on to win their first title since 2009 or will Portadown, who led the table for the majority of the campaign, come back to snatch at the last. If they do, this will be their first league title since 2002.

15:00 The games in Lurgan and Portadown are underway
15:03 And it's a disastrous start for Portadown! Three minutes on the watch, and Steven Douglas heads home Stephen Carson's inch perfect free-kick to give Coleraine the lead here at Shamrock Park.
15:09 It's a lucky escape here for Glentoran here in Lurgan. Great reactions from Glens keeper Elliot Morris to stop Kyle Neill's cross-cum-shot creeping at the far post.
15:10: Super save! Wayne Drummond has just denied Portadown an equaliser, with a brilliant save to deny Gary Twigg. The header looked certain to go in until the Coleraine keeper stuck out a big right hand.
15:17 Glentoran should be ahead, but Marcus Kane has missed an absolute sitter. His manager is there with his head in his hands.
15:18 How did he save that? Yet another superb save from Drummond and Chris Casement cannot believe his volley has been saved, it looked a goal all the way.
15:19 Another chance goes begging for Portadown. Darren Murray has just headed into the side netting.
15:21 Half a chance for Glenavon, Mark Farren with an ambitious effort from distance but it's well over Morris' bar.
15:21 Should be 2-0 to Coleraine here but somehow it isn't. Gary Browne evaded the offside trap and has fired wide when it was easier to score.
15:25 First booking of the day in Lurgan, Jimmy Callacher for a foul on Farren.
15:26 Glentoran have gone close again, David Scullion with a sweet left foot volley that has gone inches wide.
15:33 Chance for Glenavon, Eddie McCallion with the corner and Guy Bates heads just over.
15:34 Great play for Portadown, but Sean Mackie can't finish: he's put it wide!
15:45 Just a minute's added on time here in Lurgan, and there's two to add on in Portadown.
15:46 Half time in Lurgan, and it's Glenavon 0 Glentoran 0
15:47 Half time at Portadown, and the home side trail Coleraine by Steven Douglas' early header.

16:01 We're back underway in Lurgan.
16:02 The game restarts here at Shamrock Park.
16:05 Beautiful football here by Glentoran. Mark Miskimmin and Kane combining, but the former sends his half volley wide.
16:05 Angled shot by substitute Kevin Braniff, but unluckily for him and Portadown:it's over the crossbar.
16:10 A second booking for Glentoran, Stephen McAlorum for an apparent foul. Surely McKeown should be booked instead, that was disgraceful playacting.
16:12 Glenavon go close again, Neill with the cross and Farren's volley cracks against the woodwork.
16:18 Matthew Paget goes into the book here for a foul on Coleraine's Howard Beverland.
16:21 What a game Drummond is having! Mackie looked certain to score there after a brilliant Portadown move but Drummond has somehow turned it around the post. Now Casement tries from distance, but it's wide
16.28 At last McKeown is in the book! He is cautioned for a foul on McAlorum.
16:30 Stephen McCullough is the third Glentoran player booked, he tripped Shane McCabe.
16:34 Guy Bates with a chance for Glenavon, he's clean through. But Morris turns the ball around the post when Bates should have scored.
16:35 Chance for Mark Stafford, but Morris saves once more for Glentoran.
16:36 Portadown have a second player booked, David Kee clearly tripped Gareth Tommons.
16:38 It's desperation from Portadown now, they're losing their cool. Ross Redman and Mackie both go into the book for clear fouls.
16:41 So close Stephen Carson, that free-kick was just wide.
16:44 Speculative effort for Andy McGrory and Glenavon, but Morris is in the right place.
16:46 We're going to have three minutes added on time here in Lurgan.
16:47 Three minutes added on time here in Portadown.
16:49 Glenavon are ahead! Mark Farren is in the clear and has slotted the ball home to make it Glenavon 1 Glentoran 0.
16:50 Final whistle here in Lurgan, Glenavon win 1-0.
16:51 The final whistle has gone here in Portadown, and Coleraine have won by that early Douglas goal.

GLENTORAN ARE THE 2013-14 CHAMPIONS!

So we did it, despite a stuttering finish. That's now two trophies in the cabinet. Can we make it three in the Cup Final against Linfield?

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25 Jul 2016 18:52:19

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: April

Excuse my french but that was a fucking huge win! I managed to get the better of the fat lad, and what a time to do it when chasing a league crown! Goals from David Scullion and Aaron Boyd did the trick in front of an excellent crowd of just over 3000; and with Portadown slipping up as well: we are now on top of the pile. The opening goal came on 13 minutes, a superb counter attack saw Mark Miskimmin put Scullion in the clear and he volleyed home via the far post. Pure bedlam. The game was put to bed four minutes after the break, Scullion with the cross and Boyd with a beautiful header right in front of the Linfield support. They didn't threaten us at all, and we held on comfortably. Fat lad looked like he was gonna explode at the end, past caring from my stance.

As D:Ream once said: "Things Can Only Get Better" and by gosh they are at the moment. We are riding on the crest of a proverbial wave now and confidence is oozing. We hadn't played well against Ballinamallard all season but a dogged performance that was so full of character has sent us into the Cup Final. My hotshot strikers did the trick, scoring in each half and despite the Mallards pulling one back, we made it. Miskimmin opened the scoring on 16 minutes when he latched on an inch perfect pass from Scullion, brought it down, then fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner. Superb! Boyd extended it on 52 minutes, Richard Clarke with a low cross and the striker finished well at the near post. Mallards ensured a nervy finish with 17 minutes left when former Glens midfielder Peter McCann found Gareth Quinn, and the 15 year old belied his tender years by skimming Jimmy Callacher before letting fly with a shot that Elliot Morris had no chance of saving. But we held on, and now face who else but Linfield in the final.

An absolute rarity, a game where we failed to score. Defences were on top in this game at Seaview and to be honest it was a bit of a dour spectacle to say the least. We drew positives though, and one of them was keeping a clean sheet at a difficult venue. The next was we didn't pick up any serious injuries but the main one was that on the road home back to East Belfast: we heard Portadown had lost again. Therefore we are really in the box seat and could really stamp home our authority on Saturday.

This was a game we dominated from start to finish but we only got one point from. However it was enough to keep the gap between us and Ports and puts the latter under serious pressure to win both their last two games and hope we slip up. Not that we intend to. Portadown were ahead on 26 minutes, and it was a harsh penalty decision. Somehow from Sean Mackie's corner, referee Mr Ginnett thought Calum Birney impeded Chris Casement at the far post. Ludicrous decision but it was given, and Mackie hammered the spot kick down the middle for 0-1. The lead lasted just two minute, and after Kevin Braniff had smashed one against our crossbar, we went on the counter and from Stephen McAlorum's pass Mark Miskimmin placed a shot beyond David Miskelly and parity was restored. Neither side could break through after that but I was still wondering how we failed to win the game.

Call this another bump in the road, just call it one. We could won the title again, but failed to deliver. Are we getting the jitters or something? The good thing is that Portadown still haven't overtaken us but it's going to go down to a last day decider on Saturday. Coleraine scored the only goal of the game as early as the 19th minute, Stephen Lowry's ball forward was flicked on by Gary Browne and Craig Moore hammered the ball home on the half volley from just outside teh box. Try as we might, we couldn't score leaving the scene set for what is going to be a nervous Saturday in Lurgan.

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25 Jul 2016 17:51:15

Season Split Fixtures Known

Tuesday 25 March 2014

This morning saw the Danske Bank Premier confirm the end of season spilt and the remaining five fixtures. Since we have finished in the top half of the table, we are in the following group:

GLENTORAN
Portadown
Linfield
Crusaders
Glenavon
Coleraine

We begin our split games on Tuesday 1 April 2014 with the final Big Two derby of the season against Linfield at The Oval. Then it's a break until Thursday 24 April and we finish with four games in the space of just nine days. Pretty demanding but our manager Mark Duell believes that we have the quality and depth to get through this. So on the 24th we go to Seaview to face Crusaders before a huge clash two days later at The Oval against fellow title challengers Portadown. A visit to Coleraine comes three days after that before we finish the season on 3 May 2014 with a trip to Lurgan to face Glenavon.

With Portadown wobbling a bit, could this be our big chance to grab our first title since 2008-09.

KEEP THE FAITH!

HockeyBhoy

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25 Jul 2016 15:03:38

Yeah I've got the bug firmly back now @Shedender mate.

Conclusion of season one should be finished in the next few days. I see Morrow as an experienced head capable of chipping in with a few goals here and there, just hope I can keep Boyd and Miskimmin or one of them. Keep on reading!

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24 Jul 2016 19:10:52

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: March

Two goals in a minute kept up our good form and maintained our challenge for the league title, and against a Cliftonville side that have underachieved all season. The deadlock was broken after 27 minutes, Stephen McAlorum dispossessed Catney in midfield and then picked out Aaron Boyd who had timed his run to perfection before slotting the ball into the far corner. The second arrived quickly afterwards, this time David Howland with the pass and Boyd latched onto it before driving a low shot into the net. We simply didn't look like losing.

The following week, we were back in Irish Cup action and the quarter final draw took us back to Tobemore where we played in the League Cup: ironically at the quarter final stage too. We eased into the semi-final with a professional performance and had it won by half time. The goalscoring started after just 5 minutes, Ryan O'Neill's ball forward was flicked on by Boyd and Mark Miskimmin turned his man to execute a wonderful shot into the top corner. It became 2-0 in the 21st minute, a swift counter attack ended with David Scullion picking his spot with a low finish. Two minutes later, we made it three. Jonny Addis' provided a cheeky back heel to put Marcus Kane in the clear and although his first effort hit the bar: the rebound was vehemently put away with power.

With a couple of minutes to half time, we added a fourth goal. O'Neill provided an inch perfect cross and Kane nodded home his second of the afternoon from around the penalty spot. The shell shocked home side pulled one back from the restart though. Ryan McLaughlin's pinpoint pass picked out Jordan Clarke, who was clearly onside and he finished with aplomb. We had to wait until the 73rd minute before the fifth and final goal arrived, Jimmy Callacher's well struck free-kick hit the post and Boyd was there like all good strikers to put away a juicy rebound.

Another it has to be said, abysmal performance away at Ballinamallard. This time, throwing away a two goal lead and escaping with a point. Not exactly the kind of a result when you're chasing a league title. We took an 11th minute lead when Jim O'Hanlon crossed and Boyd took a touch before rifling a shot across the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Seven minutes from half time, we were 2-0 ahead. Great wing play from Kane and an unstoppable volley from Miskimmin to finish. Yet the Mallards kept plugging away and in the 68th minute got a goal back, some good team play from them and sleepy defending from us gave Gareth Quinn a chance six yards out and he buried it. Surely we couldn't let this go? But we did and they got their point with an equaliser 11 minutes from the end, Dean Fitzgerald with the pass and PJ Lavery was unmarked to finish from an acute angle.

I'll be blunt and say it as it was, another shit performance two days later against Ards: a team fighting against the drop. Ards had to play the majority of the second half with just ten men, yet we couldn't get three points. That's annoying as. The dismissal came in the opening stages after the restart, Stevie Gordon went in late on Mark Clarke and the referee had no option but to red card the Ards man. We took the lead in the 59th minute, Scullion's corner being diverted into his own net by the unlucky David Armstrong. Their leveller came with 14 minutes to go, Jordan White dispossessed Callacher in midfield before running on and firing a cracking effort past the exposed Elliot Morris. Terrible, terrible, terrible.

Our last trip to Warrenpoint this season and by gosh didn't we need this win. With the split coming up after this game and the final run in as well, it was imperative we came away with a maximum haul and we did. Boyd gave us a 10th minute lead when he played a nice one-two with Miskimmin and provided a composed low finish. He added his and our second with seven minutes to go to half time, Scullion headed the ball forward and just as it looked that Warrenpoint would clear: Boyd nipped in between two defenders to hammer an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net with the angle against him. Point pulled a goal back in the 55th minute, Jonathan Parr's goal kick was flicked on by Francis McKenna and Darragh Hanaphy finished well from a sharp angle. We secured the win though with 20 minutes left, Scullion's corner was scrambled home by Jimmy Callacher for the central defender's first goal of the season.

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24 Jul 2016 09:46:39

@Suffolk Seasider I originally edited the contract details out from season two and their squad numbers. Amended them so it looks more aesthetically pleasing on the eye.

Season two is underway actually; in the early stages of. All will become clear soon. About 2 points difference at top. Just hoping for a slip up..

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24 Jul 2016 09:14:57

@Suffolk Seasider We've been there or thereabouts, as of the end of February Portadown were top. We gotta catch them.

Keep tuned in for the conclusion of season one, will we do it?

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24 Jul 2016 09:04:44

Signing Update

Tuesday 25 February 2014

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

First up, is striker Andy Morrow:

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.

Our second signing is a familiar face, be prepared to welcome back Stephen Carson:

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.

HockeyBhoy

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23 Jul 2016 22:03:45

Under a bit of pressure mate, let's hope you can turn it around.

HockeyBhoy

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23 Jul 2016 21:59:04

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.

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23 Jul 2016 21:56:23

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.

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23 Jul 2016 20:47:32

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

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1,611

23 Jul 2016 17:35:47

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

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

23 Jul 2016 16:49:11

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

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1,611

21 Jul 2016 21:09:10

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

21 Jul 2016 20:50:29

League and Irish Cup Campaign 2013-14: December

Please note: I'm doing the December update in two parts as it's quite extensive.
Cheers, Mark (HockeyBhoy)

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

18 Jul 2016 19:14:41

Getting there buddy. Keep it up!

Just wondered if you have a screenshot of the Parras team so I can see if my pal is still playing for them. Did it have the full squad when you first started out?

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

18 Jul 2016 18:56:25

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?

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

18 Jul 2016 18:09:25

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

17 Jul 2016 19:15:15

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

17 Jul 2016 18:17:41

Hope everyone's enjoying the updates, there's more to come...

Got a different format for season two in my head, watch this space...

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

17 Jul 2016 18:14:53

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

14 Jul 2016 21:57:29

Northern Irish League Cup Campaign 2013-14

]

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.

HockeyBhoy

10 years ago

2 days ago

1,611

14 Jul 2016 21:47:32

Getting up to speed with the current state of game play. We'll get there!

HockeyBhoy - Comments

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#340608 Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where

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#340058 Finding Glory - Doncaster Rovers

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#339323 Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where

#339210 Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where

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#339198 Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where

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#338791 Back in the hotseat: From Glentoran to God Knows Where