Glentoran Seeks Consistency Ahead of Linfield Clash

Glentoran, under the management of Declan Devine, is set to host Linfield in a match scheduled for Friday evening, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT. The game will be broadcast live across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC app. Glentoran manager Declan Devine has indicated that his team is striving for greater consistency as they get ready to confront Linfield. This upcoming fixture marks the second league encounter between the prominent Belfast rivals, taking place at the Oval on Friday night, and will be available live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. The Glens currently occupy seventh place in the Irish Premiership standings. Their record from the first 17 matches of the campaign includes seven wins, three draws, and seven defeats, positioning them only three points adrift of second place. Devine’s squad previously overcame a 1-0 half-time deficit to secure a 3-1 victory against the Blues during the teams’ inaugural ‘Big Two’ fixture at Windsor Park in October. The east Belfast team experienced a 2-0 defeat last week when playing Portadown, a performance that Devine publicly labeled “unacceptable.” Devine reflected on his team’s season thus far, stating: “It’s been a mixed bag for us. A lot of good and a couple of performances that we were really disappointed with.” He further elaborated: “We’re very much in transition this year. We knew that from the very offset. We’re fighting for consistency and trying to stay in the mix.“We know that we’re more than a match for any team on our day, we just have to strive every day to get better. It’s a work in progress.” The match on Friday represents the first of three scheduled fixtures between the Blues, who currently lead the league table by an eight-point margin, and the Glens over the forthcoming weeks. The clubs are also slated to compete in a BetMcLean Cup last-16 tie at Windsor Park on 3 December, followed by an additional top-flight match at the Oval on Boxing Day. Devine expressed his aspiration that his team can replicate the performance that led to their comeback victory on their rivals’ home ground seven weeks earlier. The former Derry City boss remarked: “For me it’s one of the biggest rivalries in Irish football. It means a lot to a lot of people.” He added: “Over recent years the [Glentoran] supporters haven’t had much to shout about and get behind so the players deserved great credit on that night.” “The fans saw we were doing our best to really claw our way back into the game and then the second half the players responded and gave them something to go home happy about.” “The ambience between the players and the fans that night was something special so hopefully we can get that again on Friday night in good moments and in bad moments to give ourselves the best opportunity possible.” Glentoran players celebrate their 3-1 win over Linfield at Windsor Park on 4 October While the Glens have secured a spot in the County Antrim Shield final against Larne in January, Devine acknowledged that the team’s ultimate assessment will hinge on their pursuit of major local accolades, particularly their ambition to achieve a first Gibson Cup success since 2009. “We have to get Glentoran back to being competitive in every competition. It’s important we build a structure and a professionalism around the club that we reach that stage that we are challenging for titles and cups.” He continued: “We’re desperate to bring success back to the Oval but we know that’s going to take time. We’ve got to the first cup final of the year, that’s a big positive.” The Glentoran boss expressed confidence in his current squad but indicated that he would be active in the January transfer market should appropriate players become available. “We believe the group we have is more than capable of putting a run of performances together.” He outlined the team’s core principles: “The fundamental for us is to work extremely hard, to play with an intensity, a hunger and a desire to get after teams but also be calm in possession of the ball, and to leave everything out on the pitch.” “I’m confident we can be dynamic and creative, be aggressive in our play. Any players we bring in in January must be to strengthen us and improve us. We won’t just go out and sign players for the sake of it.” © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.