Thursday 13h July
Kick Off 6pm UK time.
Tomorrow night we return to European action when we face FC Gzira United in Malta in the first leg of our UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round in Malta. This will be our 105th European match.
Since winning promotion to the top league in 2016, Gzira United have qualified for either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League in five of the last six seasons, having previously not played at that level since being heavily defeated by SK Brann of Norway in the old Cup Winners’ Cup in 1973/74. Of course Glentoran defeated Brann in the next round on our way to the quarter final.
In each of the four campaigns so far, they have managed to progress through the first round, defeating UE Sant Julia of Andorra on two different occasions, as well as another Andorran side in Athletic Club d’Escaldes. Their most notable performance at this stage, has to be defeating Croatian giants HNK Hajduk Split on away goals in 2019, before going on to lose to Wolfsberger AC of Austria in the third Qualifying Round.
Warren Feeney: “I am really looking forward to my first competitive game as Glentoran manager. I have watched and done my homework on Gzira United and there’s no doubt they’re a good squad with a good European record in recent years. So we have the greatest of respect for them and for their recent experience at this level.
Having said that, I couldn’t have asked more of our players since pre season started. We’ve given a lot of players game time in our four friendlies so far and all of them have stepped up and performed well. We’re unbeaten and have put in strong performances, particularly against our two SPL opponents. We’re very well prepared for this game and there’s a very positive and confident feeling among the players and coaching staff. I know there are a lot of our supporters travelling to Malta and we’ll do everything possible to make this a good and memorable trip for them.
The squad is largely in good condition. A couple of players are recovering from knocks during friendlies but we are fit and ready to play. The only injuries are Harry Murphy, still recovering from the knee injury he picked up ion the play off, and the longer-term absentees Seanan Clucas and Sean Murray.”
Don’t forget this is being streamed live by GlensTV in association with 247.tv for £10 live stream, or for £5 on replay once the match is finished.. If you’re not travelling to Malta don’t forget to register in with 247.tv. That can be done HERE. 247.tv advise that you create your account early to make sure that you can login and purchase the match in advance.
Accounts opened for domestic streaming in season 2020-21 are still valid. Use the same link as above then click Log In on the top menu.
https://www.247.tv/live/register-nipl
Also a reminder that tickets for next week’s home leg are available HERE through this website.
