Glentoran winger Dylan Connolly insists the squad must deliver a big performance as they prepare for Saturday’s final pre-split fixture against Crusaders at The BetMcLean Oval (Kick-off: 3:00pm).
With just one game remaining before the split, Glentoran sit second in the Sports Direct Premiership, three points ahead of Larne and four clear of Dungannon Swifts in the race for automatic European qualification. A victory would maintain their grip on second place, while anything less could leave the door open for their rivals.
Declan Devine’s side has been frustrated in recent weeks, recording three consecutive league draws against Glenavon (3-3), Carrick Rangers (0-0) and Larne (2-2) and Connolly insists it’s time to get back to grinding out winning results at this pivotal stage of the season.
Since arriving from the League of Ireland Premier Division last summer, Connolly has made 37 appearances and scored three goals in his debut campaign for the Glens. Now, the experienced winger is calling on the squad to deliver a big result on Saturday.
Dylan Connolly said: "The games have been coming thick and fast and we’ve dropped too many points recently. Now, it’s all about getting back to winning ways and Saturday is a huge opportunity for us to put things right. The squad is raring to go again and hopefully we’ll have a few players back from injury, which will give us a real lift.
“The reality is, we’ve only lost once in the league since November, but recent draws - and the defeat to Cliftonville - have slowed our momentum. That needs to change. We’ve got six huge games left - six cup finals. Everything we want to achieve is still in our hands, but we have to step up and make sure we see it through."
Saturday marks the fourth meeting between Glentoran and Crusaders this season. Crusaders edged a 1-0 win at The BetMcLean Oval on the opening day of the season, but Glentoran responded with a 3-1 victory at Seaview in December. In January’s BetMcLean Cup Semi-Final, the Glens progressed to the Final with 4-2 win after extra time.
With Crusaders battling for a top-six spot, they will arrive at The BetMcLean Oval desperate for points, but Connolly and his teammates are focused on delivering a performance that keeps them in control of their European destiny.
Connolly said: "Every game against Crusaders this season has been a battle, with fine margins deciding each one. They’ll come here fighting for a top-six spot, but we’re fighting to secure second place and we need to show that on Saturday.
"That starts with keeping things tight at the back, staying switched on defensively and winning our battles all over the pitch. At the same time, we need to be ruthless in front of goal and take our chances when they come.
"We have six massive games ahead and everything we want is still in our hands. Saturday is a huge opportunity and we have to be ready to take it."
Having played under Declan Devine at Bohemians, Connolly already knew the standards, leadership and ambition the manager demands from his squads, but he believes the Glens boss has taken things to another level in his first full season at The BetMcLean Oval.
Dylan said: "I’ve worked with a lot of managers in my career, but I can’t speak highly enough of Declan. His attention to detail, the way he prepares us and the intensity he demands every single day is top-class. He’s a brilliant coach, but more than that, he’s a great leader.
"He’s transformed the squad, set a clear vision for the club and created a team that believes in what we’re trying to achieve. But we all know it’s not finished yet. We’ve put ourselves in a strong position, but we’ve also dropped too many points along the way. Results in recent weeks have been frustrating and we know we should have turned more of those into wins.
"Declan has been clear that now is the time to step up, embrace the challenge and make sure this club is back in Europe where it belongs."
Connolly has played at a high level across Ireland, Scotland and England, but he admits that pulling on Glentoran’s famous green, red, and black comes with a unique sense of responsibility.
Connolly said: "From the moment I arrived, I could see how much this club means to the fans, the staff, and the community. Glentoran is a massive club with a rich history and you feel that every time you step onto the pitch.
"The atmosphere at The BetMcLean Oval, the passion of the supporters and the expectations that come with playing here make this club special. The connection between the team and the fans is huge and we want to give them something else to celebrate this season."
“We need to get back to winning ways, starting with Crusaders on Saturday and build momentum for the run-in. There’s still so much to play for and securing European football would mean everything to this club and its supporters. It’s up to us to make sure we finish the season the right way.”
For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Crusaders, match tickets are available for purchase at: www.glentoran.com/match-tickets-home-fans.