8th September

  Glentoran 1 Cliftonville 1

Penalty Row Papers Over Glens Cracks

Glentoran should have had a penalty in the 64th minute against Cliftonville, when Darren Finlay was sent crashing inside the area, it was as blatant as could be, as Referee again laughed off another ridiculous challenge.

But such misfortune can't hide what was undoubtebly a lackluster performance from the Champions. Glentoran certainly started like champions, shooting into an eight minute lead thanks to a classy finish from Paul Leeman. But then they became all to predictable belting the ball up-field, a tactic which frustrated the home fans on more than one occasion.

Not surprisingly the Glens were punished in the end, when Simon Gribben's first goal for the club just after the break left Glens boss Roy Coyle reflecting on two lost home points. "We just didn't take our chances and I was not too pleased with our play in general. We were sluggish and lacked the spark we showed against Linfield a week ago", said Coyle.

The Glens went in front when Scott Young's free kick evaded the Reds defence, but full marks to Leeman who nipped in behind to rattle the shot past the Impressive Ciaran McLaughlin. The 21 Year Old Cliftonville Keeper made a couple of fine saves but the best came on 19 minutes John Kennedy's 40 yard effort was somehow hooked out from underneath the bar.

Reds Goal scorer Gribben gleefully off Mullholland's initial shot which had cannoned off the crossbar.

The controversial penalty incident had every Glenman seething with rage when Darren Finlay was literally kicked up into the air by Michael Collins and Referee somehow seemed to Miss the incident and seemed also to have a good laugh about it afterwards when the Main Stand were literally standing on seats to hurl abuse at him.

Teams

Referee Mr Herbie Barr