MATCH REPORT

Match: v Newry
Comp : League, Date: 21/8/10, Venue: Newry Showgrounds

Today was my first full 90 minutes Glentoran match since the start of the season due to being on holiday for the Distillery match and a flight delay meant I only caught the second half of the Coleraine game. But in those 45 minutes of the Coleraine match, I still managed to see more goals than the full 90 minutes at the Newry Showground’s. However I would be wrong if I was to say I seen more action in the game at The Oval. This was definitely the biggest 0-0 hammering I have ever seen!
The Glens went into the fixture full of confidence. Our new formation and style of play meant that the supporters were hoping for the floodgates to open. Daryl Fordyce is on the best form we’ve seen him on since his first season, or even since he joined the club. Although it was simply one of those days were we could still be playing right now and the score line would remain scoreless.
Newry had the first chance of the game, a chance that was one of the very few Newry had throughout the game. Ex-Cliftonville and Linfield midfielder Conor Downey was the man who had the opportunity, his shot going just wide of the post. It was obvious from this point onwards that there was only going to be one team doing the attacking for the remainder of the game and that team was Glentoran.
The entire Glentoran team pushed forward and the attacks were gaining speed. The first penalty appeal of the game came when Andy Waterworth was brought down in the box, however the referee didn’t give the appeal a second thought, dismissing any protest from Glentoran players and supporters alike. There is no doubting that this game was filled with fouls. Within the first half hour alone there were several free kicks handed out to Glentoran, but the referee seemed to have left his cards at home.
The attacks from Glentoran continued. Jamie McGovern found himself on the left wing on a few occasions; however his crosses were easily dealt with by the tall Newry defence. Shane McCabe is not a player who is recognised for scoring goals, but after a moment of hesitation he pulled the trigger from about 25 yards, unable the find the target the ball went out for a by-ball.

There was a goal mouth scramble mid-way through the first half. An in-swinging ball was spilled by the Newry goal keeper; Ciaran Martyn was the player hoping to punish the keeper for his mistake. His shot was cleared off the line by a Newry defender before being put out for a goal kick. In the centre of defence for Newry was former Portadown centre half John Convery, who was on fine form.
All eyes were once again on Ciaran Martyn into the one added minute in the first half. The Glentoran midfielder was unlucky not to score after his shot hit the woodwork. Going in at half time the Glens could not help feel unlucky, this game could easily have been won by now.
In the second half it was more of the same from Glentoran, with the so-far unfamiliar task of defending having to be put into action. Newry came out attacking from the off but the alert Glentoran defence and goalkeeper Elliot Morris were on fine form as they dealt with an attempt from Newry’s Andy Graham.
The Glentoran support had an excellent view of the action in the second half, after the majority of the sizeable crowd made their way down to the new stand, situated behind the net. Most of the action was played right in front of the Glentoran support, making sure they got their value for money.  Around 15 minutes into the second half another goal mouth scramble unfolded right in front of the new stand. The Newry defence had to be alert as green and red shirts filled their 18 yard box. Jamie McGovern was the first to have his shot cleared, however the clearance fell to Neal Gawley who also had his attempt cleared off the line. The frustration in the stands was evident.
If the Glentoran support were frustrated after that scramble, then what happened next will have had them pulling their hair out. Previous to this attempt, there was some excellent play from Glentoran, particularly on the right wing between McGovern and Shane McCabe. This was certainly the best chance of the game. The ball fell to Andy Waterworth who, 2 yards out, only had the keeper to beat. Waterworth was slow to pull the trigger and when he eventually did it was straight at the keeper. The roar of annoyance was deafening, the Glenmen knew that this was going to be two points dropped.
The remainder of this game was more of the same, with Glentoran continuing to huff and puff, winning corners and throw-ins’ but not able to convert. The match finished 0-0.
We cannot say that it was a poor performance from the Glens and even afterwards the supporters were still upbeat. However Newry simply didn’t let us play. Recently we have adapted a new style of play which is excellent. This style is a free flowing passing game, using plenty of wing play. The marshes are one ground that game is going to be restricted. On a small, narrow pitch the Glens found themselves frustrated, as passes fell short and players found themselves being closed down. Although there was an air of confidence about, as players such as Jason Hill did not hesitate to take on their markers. Players burst forward, but it looked like we were trying to walk the ball into the net. The Newry defence and goalkeeper were easily able to deal with our aerial ball and our set pieces were poor.
Our new style of play is exciting. What is more exciting about it is that we will have a field day on pitches such as Windsor and The Oval. Today could be looked at as 2 points dropped, but Newry have added some impressive signings and will be a hard place to walk away with 3 points this season.
Next up, Premiership newcomers Donegal Celtic where we aim to get back to winning ways.

Le Jeu Avant Tout

 

Report by Matthew Brown

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