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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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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?

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.

September 2013 Recap

August 2013 Recap

Manager's big kick-off preview
Friday 9 August 2013

Glentoran Squad Numbers, 2013-14 Season

Pre-Season Round Up: Part Two
Tuesday 6 August 2013

Pre-Season Round Up: Part One
Tuesday 6 August 2013

Opening Day Fixtures Known
Monday 29 July 2013

Ballinamallard United v Dungannon Swifts
Ballymena United v Glenavon
Cliftonville v Portadown
Crusaders v Linfield
Glentoran v Coleraine
Warrenpoint Town v Ards

From The Manager's Chair
Friday 26 July 2013

Glentoran's Pre-Season Agenda

Thursday 25 July 2013



Gallant Glens fall short

Young defender joins Glentoran
Monday 22 July 2013

Thursday 18 July 2013



Croatian Comeback Stuns Glens

Glens snap up two strikers
Wednesday 17 July 2013

New Glentoran Striker Kevin Ramsey

Tough draws for Northern Irish Sides
Friday 12 July 2013

Linfield vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Hibernian vs Aalborg
Videoton vs St Johnstone
HNK Rijeka vs GLENTORAN
FC Aktobe vs Crusaders
Hajduk Split vs Drogheda United
St. Patricks Athletic v NK Lokomotiva
IFK Mariehamn vs Derry City

From The Manager's Chair
Thursday 11 July 2013

Thursday 11 July 2013



Late winner sees Glens through