Glentoran goalkeeper Dániel Gyollai is determined to build on the team’s impressive form and deliver for the fans as the Glens prepare for the sold-out Boxing Day ‘Big Two’ derby against Linfield at the BetMcLean Oval.
This festive fixture is the highlight of the Sports Direct Premiership calendar, and the Glens approach it buoyed by a decisive 2-1 comeback victory over Cliftonville last weekend - a match where Gyollai stole the headlines with his first-ever professional goal.
The Hungarian shot-stopper’s long clearance delivered the equaliser at Solitude, catching the Cliftonville goalkeeper off guard and levelling the scoreline just before half-time. Danny Amos then stepped up with a late free-kick to secure a hard-fought victory for Glentoran.
Reflecting on his dramatic goal, Gyollai said: “Scoring my first professional goal was an amazing moment. I’ve had a few assists in my career, but to find the back of the net as a goalkeeper is something special.
“Of course, it was a total accident - I knew the wind was a major factor in the game and just wanted to put their defence under pressure. The boys have been giving me plenty of stick about it, but it’s all good fun!
“When I signed for the club, Elliott didn’t waste any time letting me know he’d scored for Glentoran, but I’ve managed it in just 22 games compared to his 700-odd appearances!
“All jokes aside, working with Elliott every day has been an incredible experience. He’s a true club legend, and the advice and insights he shares have been invaluable for improving my game.”
Since joining Glentoran in the summer, Gyollai has established himself as one of the standout performers in the league. His commanding displays have been instrumental in the team’s recent unbeaten run, which includes two comeback victories against Crusaders and Cliftonville and a BetMcLean Cup win over Linfield
Gyollai’s consistency between the posts has earned him the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Player of the Month award for October, along with a hat-trick of Glentoran Supporters’ Player of the Month awards for September, October, and November.
Reflecting on the team’s recent form, the Hungarian shot-stopper emphasised the squad’s growing belief and determination to continue climbing the table.
Daniel added: “We’ve had some big away results recently, and those wins have shown what we’re capable of. Earlier in the season, we were playing really good football but not always getting the results we deserved. Now, we’ve shown that we can grind out wins when it matters most.
“One thing we need to stop doing is giving teams a one-goal advantage. It’s something we’ve talked about as a group, and we’re determined to start games stronger and impose ourselves earlier. The belief in this squad is growing with every game and want to keep building on this momentum and show we can compete at the very top.”
The Glens will need to deliver a top-class performance as they take on league leaders Linfield, who have won their last four league matches and hold a commanding 13-point lead at the top of the table.
However, Glentoran can draw confidence from their unbeaten record against their rivals this season, having won all three encounters so far. Gyollai recognised the significance of the Boxing Day clash, highlighting its importance to both the players and the loyal fans.
Gyollai said: “This is one of the biggest games of the season, not just for us as players but for the supporters who live and breathe this fixture. We know how much it means to them, and we’re determined to give them something to celebrate.
“Linfield are deservedly at the top of the table - they’ve been the most consistent side all season - but we fear no one. Beating them three times already this season shows what we’re capable of, but Declan has made it clear that those results count for nothing now.
“This match is all that matters, and we’ll need to be at our absolute best to come out on top. If we stick to the game plan and deliver a performance full of discipline, intensity, and quality, we know we can not only compete with, but beat, any team in this league.”
Dániel Gyollai has praised the support of Glentoran fans this season and emphasised the squad’s determination to deliver a Boxing Day result for their loyal supporters.
Gyollai concluded: “Our fans have been incredible all season—they truly are our 12th man. The passion and energy they bring to every game, whether home or away, is unmatched. Celebrating with them after the recent wins over Cliftonville and Crusaders was fantastic, and it’s moments like those that make playing for this club so special.
“The Boxing Day Derby is one of the biggest occasions of the year, and while this will be my first experience of it with Glentoran, I’ve already been told just how special it is for everyone involved.
“You can feel the excitement building. With a sold-out crowd, the atmosphere at the BetMcLean Oval will be electric. We know how much this game means to our supporters, and we’re fully focused on delivering the perfect Boxing Day present - a performance and result they can be proud of.”
The highly anticipated Boxing Day derby is officially sold out, but fans can still catch all the action live from the BetMcLean Oval. Sponsored by BetMcLean, Glentoran has partnered with SolidSport and 247.tv to deliver a premium live stream. To book your live stream visit http://live.glentoran.com.
