Devine Labels Criticism of Strikers ‘Not Very Fair’

Glentoran manager Declan Devine expressed his delight following the 3-1 win against Crusaders at Seaview, where Jordan Jenkins and Wassim Aouachira each scored. Prior to the match, the east Belfast team had been the lowest-scoring side among the Irish Premiership’s top eight, with their forwards at the Oval facing recent criticism. However, Jenkins, introduced as a second-half substitute, netted his first league goal since August, leveling the score after Jordan Forsythe’s 24th-minute header. Subsequently, summer signing Wassim, also a substitute, scored his inaugural goal for the Glens, completing the team’s comeback. Devine stated, “I’m delighted for them because they’ve waited for their chance and JJ [Jenkins] has got a few important goals for us this year.” He continued, “I don’t think it’s very fair that the front players have come in for a bit of abuse because it’s all over the pitch, it’s a team game and we saw that tonight.” Devine further elaborated on the team’s performance, adding, “We’re creating a lot of opportunities but we’ve missed chances from set-pieces too with defenders up in the box. All in all, if anyone is getting abuse, we all take it as a group.” Glentoran’s recent form shows only one defeat in their last seven matches across all competitions. The team secured this victory in north Belfast despite the unavailability of players such as Jay Donnelly, Frankie Hvid, and James Singleton. Devine further commented, “There was probably a different team picked yesterday for the game but the lads were ready and that’s really pleasing.” He explained the team’s situation, stating, “We came into the game missing a lot of bodies, five or six players who would normally be starting in the team.” Devine concluded by emphasizing squad philosophy: “We preach a lot about the depth of our squad and that when players get an opportunity, that they take their opportunity. That was the most pleasing factor.”