Tomorrow, the curtain closes on the Danske Bank Premiership season with Glentoran hosting Coleraine at The Oval. The game will also have special significance for Glentoran captain and record appearance holder Colin Nixon who will lead his side out on The Oval pitch for one final time. Nixon has played 792 games for Glentoran to date and is expected to lead the side out for tomorrow's game. To read glentoran.com's full tribute to Colin earlier this week, please click here.
Despite defeat last week at Seaview, Glentoran know that their league position is already confirmed after Coleraine were defeated by Cliftonville. The Glens will finish this campaign in 4th position, a 2 position improvement on last season. Surprisingly, in terms of points Glentoran have 1 point less than we finished with last season despite the clear improvement. Most statistics for the club have remained largely the same, the most significant improvement however has being in our defence this season. The club conceded 52 goals last season which has been reduced to just 43 this year. Despite little changes in statistics, to anyone who witnessed Glentoran this year it is clear that under Eddie Patterson the club has been progressing with young players who are only going to help the club going forward.
For tomorrow's game, Glentoran could ring a number of changes again ahead of next week's Irish Cup Final. Eddie Patterson will need to make decisions on which players he wants to rest and which players he feels will need the match fitness of playing in tomorrow's game. Colin Nixon is expected to start with Jay Magee, Jimmy Callacher and Calum Birney all fighting for the other defensive position. Andy Waterworth missed last week's trip to Seaview on precaution after a knock and the backroom staff will need to decide whether to risk him tomorrow. Stephen McAlorum returns from suspension although Jim O'Hanlon's injury which has kept him out the last few weeks may mean he misses out again.
Our visitors Coleraine have slipt below Ballinamallard after last week's defeat so still have something to play for this season in that battle for 5th position. Coleraine had an excellent start to the campaign however have lacked the consistency since Christmas to mount any challenge for European places. Despite that, it has been another forward progressing season for Oran Kearney with the club securing their minimum target of a top 6 place. Curtis Allen leads the club's goalscoring chart whilst former Glentoran forward Darren Boyce is always a threat alongside him. Coleraine's highlight of their season undoubtedly came in front of the Sky cameras when they scored a stoppage winner in a 3-2 thrilling victory over defending Champions Linfeld.
It would be fantastic for Glentoran fans to show up in force for tomorrow's game for a number of reasons, despite the match itself having little impact on the season. Tomorrow's game gives the fans the chance to thank all the players for their hard work and progress this season despite the circumstances off the pitch as well as an opportunity to wish them well onto Windsor Park next weekend. Also, there will be a minute respect before the game to recognise the large numbers of Glentoran fans who have sadly passed away this season. Finally, tomorrow will be the 793rd and final time a club legend will walk out on The Oval as a Glentoran player. Colin Nixon has been a fantastic professional for our club over such a long period of time it would be fantastic for the fans to give him the send off he deserves.