Devine Praises Glentoran’s Character After 1-0 Win Over Linfield

Glentoran manager Declan Devine commended his team’s character after they secured a 1-0 victory against league leaders Linfield, despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the second half. Marcus Kane put the Oval hosts ahead late in the first half. Subsequently, teenager James Douglas was sent off in the 58th minute after receiving two yellow cards. Linfield pressed for an equalizer, but the Glens held firm to earn three points and move up to third place. “It’s massively pleasing – we showed great character and a great willingness to dig in,” said Devine. “A really good Linfield team threw everything at us so to keep that clean sheet was massive.” This result completed a double over their Big Two rivals, following the Glens’ win at Windsor Park last month. Friday night’s victory also provided a major boost after last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat by Portadown. “I said before the game that we needed to give the fans something to shout about on the back of the disappointing result last week.” “When the players are giving everything the fans will get behind us and when the fans get behind us in difficult moments it’s a very difficult place to play.” “I think it was a massive effort from the club, not just the team, to get across the line with 10 men and that was the most pleasing thing about it.”