Saturday 28th November. Kick Off 3.00pm
After Tuesday's enthralling 3-3 draw away to Linfield, Glentoran will seek to record a first league win of the season when Dungannon Swifts visit the Oval.
When the Swifts last visited the Oval exactly a year ago, they left on the end of a thumping 6-1 defeat. That day a Robbie McDaid hat-trick, Paul O'Neill double and a trademark Hrvoje Plum free kick sent the Oval faithful home happy.
Dungannon - now in their 18th consecutive season of topflight football - are not a side to be taken lightly, however. While our last league fixture at Stangmore Park was a comfortable 2-0 victory (goals coming from Wille Garrett and Elvio Van Overbeek) on New Year’s Day, our previous visit at the beginning of 19/20 ended in a 3-1 defeat. While Glentoran have won a majority (31) of meetings since the Swifts were promoted in 2003, there have been 9 draws and 12 Dungannon victories. Their last win at the Oval was 4-2 on New Year's Day 2019, which proved to be Ronnie McFall's final game in charge. Conversely, Mick McDermott's first game in charge of the club was against them - a 2-1 win at Stangmore Park 3 months later.
Dungannon made few changes to their squad over the summer - former Warrenpoint and Linfield forward Lorcan Forde the most notable of those who joined - but do have seasoned campaigners like former Linfield and Cliftonville winger Michael Carville, former Cliftonville forward Daniel Hughes and ex Ards goalkeeper Sam Johnston to call upon, as well as their own set piece specialist in Captain Dougie Wilson.
The Swifts have taken 5 points from their opening six games - beating Cliftonville 2-1 at home and recording 0-0 draws away to Glenavon and Carrick Rangers.
Mick McDermott: “I think it’s safe to say our first five league matches has been the toughest in the for any team in the League. But our last three games have been very positive with an away win over the Reds, a draw against a strong and in form Larne and a dominant performance at National Stadium on Tuesday night.
There was enough drama in that match to last a season. In the first half, Linfield controlled the game because of our setup. We recognised that and made the necessary changes. After making the changes we dominated the second half, had the league leaders on the ropes and showed our character and ability. The players were a credit to Glentoran. We scored three brilliant goals but conceded three disappointing ones.
We went to the National Stadium to win and to try to play with zero fear. We fielded 4 centre forwards against the league champions (O’Neill, Donnelly, Stewart and McDaid). That shows our intent and bravery.
This Saturday we need to continue to be brave. Dungannon is a well coached team and they’re playing well. Kris Lindsay is someone I have respect for because of the way he does his business. However, regardless of our opponent we need to know that we are Glentoran FC and know that we are playing for the fans at home. Apart from the two suspensions following Tuesday night we have a full-strength squad and a number of players very high in confidence following their performances in the last couple of games.
As I say - “sweat for the shirt; sweat for the red, green & black” If we sweat for the shirt our fans always respect that. We know this Club means the world to many and we need to show that it means the same to us!
To the Future”.
Unfortunately there will be NO Glentoran Gazette issued for this fixture.
As there will be no supporters permitted entry to this match, supporters are reminded that they can access our GlensTV live stream of the match by signing up here. Live match coverage can be purchased for £7 (which includes access to a full replay of the action), while a delayed stream will cost £3. Remember, our stream will commence just after 2.30 with a match preview programme, and our match commentator Aaron Agnew will be accompanied as co-commentator by our legendary, quadruple title winning skipper Paul Leeman.
