28th Feb 03. Came across - a very interesting advertisement on the internet today, seems somebody's doin a bit of clearin out!. When you get there, select 'Business Equipment', then 'View ADS' .......... now click HERE
27th Feb 03. Wisla Kraków v Lazio - tonight is OFF!! Kraków is in the grip of a winter chill and snow and ice have made the pitch unplayable. The tie will now take place next Wednesday, 5th March - but it may have to go to a neutral venue! ......... And to think I got me napper burnt in August !!
Benefit nite write-up - is now online HERE folks, very sorry for the delay :-)
Find out - what Fear-Us thinks after Monday's Shield semi-final, once again at the 'Read my Mail' link above.
26th Feb 03. Portadown - pics from Saturday, and Ballyclare pics from the Irish Cup are now on the PHOTO PAGE
Castlereagh GSC Quiz - The dates and draw for this years Castlereagh GSC quiz can be found HERE
25th Feb 03. Coleraine - have beaten Distillery 2-1 tonight to move within 6 points of the Banjo Pluckers in the league while still having a game in hand.
24th Feb 03, 11.00pm. Scum 0 Glentoran 1
Altogether now "We've got a pro vooooo on our team, we've got a pro vooooo on our team", Tim McCann (1), on as a sub for his first game in a month gets a 'golden goal' winner at the swamp to send the wee Cock n' Hens into yet another Cup Final, this time at the Oval next Tuesday night against Ballymena United, and keep the dream of a clean sweep of this season's trophies well on track! Oh happy days :-) DJ REALLY MUST STAY The match report is now HERE
BTW - Have a look at the pathetic excuse for support for the 'biggest' (Hahahaha) club in the Country HERE
Neil Armstrong Auction - The AUCTION PAGE has now been updated with ALL the final bids each item fetched on the night. I'll do a full page on the evening in a few days when I have all the relevant info on board.
Shield Semi-Final - Coming thick and fast now aren't they, it's off to Whinger Park tonight to face the scum in their 'game of the season' so far. The Glens remember are holders of this trophy and will be very keen on going all the way to yet another Final, against Ballymena United on March 4th (I think). No winding up needed for this one of course, the scum will be desperate for a result over us, if only to salvage a wee bit of pride from what's been a real hum-dinger of a season for BIG DAISY at the swamp ;-) While we seem to be involved in one every week, this is their Cup Final. I told you yesterday that Gary Smyth and Nicky were doubtful and that is still the case. There'll be quite a few Glentoran players out there tonight with memento's of Saturday's clash with Portadown - surely the dirtiest team in the League! The Glens of course will want to win this match for that other minor incentive, a clean sweep of all this season's silverware! To be honest I think it's a game too soon for us, we could really have done with playing this one tomorrow night but then there ya go. It won't matter though, as usual everyone will be well up for this game, expect another hectic hundred miles an hour job, I don't know who the referee is but I hope he uses a bit of sense and doesn't ruin it. The game will be played to a finish with the 'Goalden Goal' rule and penalties if required.
Kick off tonight is 7.45pm and Ballymac's bus leaves Wilgar Street @6.45, other buses can be found at the link above.
Match betting: Linfield 15/8, Glentoran 11/8 and a draw 21/10 - All odds supplied by TOALS bookmakers
We're off !! - An Extraordinary General Meeting will be held in the Oval on Thursday March 13th. The Club are seeking permission from shareholders to go ahead with the sale of The Oval to 'Girona Developments Limited' (I'll let you guess for yourself who that is ;-), then relocate to a new stadium - said to possibly be Laburnam Playing Fields.
Chief Executive.Stafford Reynolds says "It's now a matter of obtaining the shareholder's approval, sorting out the problems, gaining community support, meeting with various funding organisations and other bodies. We want to see this not solely as a football ground but part of the community" Then interestingly adds, ''This will not be just a facility for football but one that can and will provide for other sports"
If the plans get the go-ahead from the share-holders, work will start immediately on a planning application for a 10,000 all-seater stadium, then if planning permission is granted it's hoped to start building in 18 months and be ready for the 2004/5 season. It is the intention to apply for grand aid, and be hopeful of receiving lottery funding. The new Oval facilities would also meet all the requirements for Eufa specification for modern stadia. ........ Well I never !!!!!
23rd Feb 03. Hola Amigo's, y como estás!! - just remember when you next hear a Spanish (well that's what they speak in Venezuela isn't it?) accent, that you read it here first. Right, that's enough clues, I'm gonna have to stop this glass of wine after meals on Sunday's, I also almost told you about the new stadium announcement this week... DOH !!!
What a night!! - Neil Armstrong's benefit at the Ballymac last night was an absolute cracker!! The club was bunged to the hilt for the big lad and and when we do a final tally-up of all the money that came in I reckon Neilly will be better off to the tune of more than £3,000!!! The Auction by the way lifted £1,055, details of which I'll post tomorrow when I have confirmed all the bids. Incidentally, the Glens shirt was bought by big Neilly's mate Don Magarry for £130, he promptly donated it back to the club to auction for charity and Nationwide's Ian Milligan bought it for £150 !! Ian had already donated two tickets to the auction on behalf of Nationwide for the Glens forthcoming 'Legends' night, then promptly produced 8 pairs of tickets for the Irish Cup Quarter, Semi and Final matches!! A super night all round - except for stumpy's singin of course!! There'll be quite a few sore heads this morning I can tell ya... especially in North Down ;-)
Update - Should've said by the way, the only online bid to hold up on the night was that for the Framed print of 'That' Goal (£50), The Ballot for Neil's shirt was won by Connsbrook GSC
Glentoran 1 Portadown 0 - Match report can now be found HERE
Linfield Swifts 1 Glentoran II's 4 - Easy peasy, the scum's second eleven yesterday included Judas McBride, Collier, Scates, Picking ........ no less than SEVEN of their first team squad, and the wee Glens wopped their ass !!!
22nd Feb 03. Omagh - beat Cliftonville 2-1 last night to heat up the battle for errrr... 4th and 5th place with the scum :-)
21st Feb 03. Walker signs on for 4 more!! - Chris Walker has today commited himself to the Glens for another 4 years. It's fantastic news for Glentoran in the season's run in, big Chris is the best centre-half in the league (next to Gary Smyth) and would have walked on to any side here had he chosen to leave. All the more amazing when you consider he only came off the transfer list last season!! ......... (That's if you believe he was ever really on it of course ;-)
Glentoran Seconds - also have a big game this weekend. While the first team are trying to take a giant step at the Oval towards the Premier League title, it seems to have escaped everyone's attention that the Seconds will be trying to do exactly the same when they play Linfield Swifts at Midgely Park. The wee Glens are currently 9 points clear at the top of the Reserve League table South, but second placed Linfield have three games in hand!
Here's hoping we've cause for a double celebration tomorrow night!
Portadown game - 30 points to play for and 9 in front - were that to become 27 and 12 ..... well.........!
Ronnie McFall's hillbilly entourage will arrive at the Oval tomorrow with one thing on their minds 'If we lose today it's over !' And I'll tell ya what, I reckon if we do beat them tomorrow they're absolutely right! There will be nine left to play after that and Portadown WON'T win them all. Don't forget, among other things the Ports will have to go to Coleraine again, if they win tomorrow and Portadown don't, the Bannsiders will only be 9 points behind them with two games in hand!! That UEFA Cup spot is still very much there!! There's also the fact the Glens will then have to lose 4, maybe 5 games out of the last 9, and one of those is against the Ports!! No ....... 3 points for us and for me the fat lady's off to rehearsals!
On the other hand ......... ;-) In the 7 meetings between the sides over the last two seasons it's 3 wins apiece and one draw, in the League it stands at 3-2 to them - 2-0 this season, although we did knock them out of the League Cup back in November. Far as I'm aware both teams (with the exception of Mental Mickey) will be at full strength for this one, there'll be no room to hide that's for sure, the atmosphere will be white hot and with confirmation coming in that Leslie Irvine will be in charge, the chances of finishing with 22 players on the field look ever more remote!!
At the end of the day though, as always it's who wants it most ........ I can assure you the Glens want it very bad indeed!
As luck would have it it's big Neilly's benefit night at the Ballymac tomorrow too, what a night that could turn out to be!!
BTW - remember you've only got till noon tomorrow if you're gonna bid online in the auction.
In closing - We've waited nearly 4 years for this moment, last year we came soooooo close, this time it's almost here.. Let's make one helluva racket at the Oval tomorrow ............... Le jeu avant tout !!
Match betting: Glentoran 11/10 - YES 11/10!!, Portadown 9/4 and a draw 11/5 - All odds supplied by TOALS bookmakers
I give up!! - The Ballymac Bulletin Board has now become the 'Fear-Us' Board, I've received so much mail from him over the past season I sorta feel obligated!! I've told him the page is now his.......... God I hope I've done the right thing!
Latest rant's just in, get it at the 'Read my (HIS) Mail' link above!!
20th Feb 03. Wisla Kraków - continue their remarkable UEFA Cup run tonight with arguably their stiffest test yet, away to Sven-Göran Eriksson's old side, Italian giants, Lazio! It's a first leg tie at the final 16 stage of the competition, if they can get through this one ...... who knows!! This time they're up against it though - the Polish League takes a winter break and Wisla haven't played since the start of December!! Click the 'LIVE' goals link above for updates - kick-off is 8.00pm
Update - Wisla have drawn 3-3 at Lazio, 2-1 down at the break, two second half penalties from ZURAWSKI (remember him!) ensures the Poles now only need a 0-0 result in their home leg to reach the Quarter-Finals. Remember too, this is the side who needed a dodgy 75th minute penalty and a second 2 minutes from time to see off the Glens at the Oval !!!
In the News - AGAIN!! - First it was the Daily Mirror, now it's Northern Ireland football mag 'Total Football' who have finally wised up and caught on to BallymacGSC.com!! AND I QUOTE "Quite often first with the latest Glens news, the Ballymacarrett GSC site - www.BallymacGSC.com threatens to knock your monitor off it's stand!!" "Updated on a daily basis too - no mean feat!!" (Martin Harris - Total Football Magazine & IFL Webmaster) So the penny drops eh ;-) Remember folks - NO BULL and NO BLUE ................. someday all websites will be made this way :-)
19th Feb 03. LET'S HEAR YEZ!! - The Quarry GSC have decided to take the initiative and have asked me to invite ALL of you to join them this Saturday in making a helluva racket. Supporters are asked to meet in the City end of the Main Stand (by the fire exit) from 2.15 onwards, bring whatever you need to make a noise and let's cheer the wee Cock n' Hens on to a vital 3 points against the Hillbillies in the title race! I'm sure it would also help if you'd a few pints in yee ;-)
18th Feb 03, 10.45pm. Distillery 1 Glentoran 3
Just the nine!! Ten games left now and 9 points clear.......... a win over Portadown at the Oval on Saturday, and ...........?
Bring on the HILLBILLIES - the fat lady's clearing her throat !
The Distillery match report has now been moved HERE
Mission Impossible? - Not bloody likely! Look what just landed in my mailbox!! HERE (speakers preferred!!)
YOU'RE A LIAR!! - When the Glens travel to play Omagh on March 15th we are to be BANNED from both the main stand AND the covered terracing at the far end of the ground!! According to 'Motor Mouth' McCreadie the decision was entirely down to a Police recommendation - well you can believe what you like, I think he's a liar! You may recall last time we travelled to Omagh's 'stadium', the Glenmen made so much noise it was almost like a home match, Omagh were completely overrun and I believe the 'Mouth' got his eyes opened that day, so much so he even rallied the coat trailing anti-Glentoran press around him with over-the-top accusations of 'sectarian' abuse. No, the Police may well have been involved, but 'recommendations' only come after 'consultation', and I reckon the biggest 'Mouth' in the league had the final say! It's my ball and I'm goin home!!' .. What a sad, embittered and lonely old man... LEST WE FORGET
Distillery game - If we win tonight we go 9 points clear with ten games left to play ............... scary innit! Distillery on the other hand can go 6th if they beat us, and only 5 to go before the break! A bit of a dilemma really, if the Whites qualify for the top 6 we'll have them at home in the run-in, if they don't, and at the break the league table stays as it is, we'll have 4 away games out of the last 5!! Not to worry though, I have the perfect solution - 16 points clear at the break and we'll put out the Seconds for the last 5 games ;-)
The Whites will have other ideas though I'm sure, we were here just three weeks ago and weren't at our best, we won the game 1-0 but Paul Kirk reckoned his side were a wee bit hard done by on the day and will fancy another crack. This is a BIG one for us, if we go into the weekend Oval clash against the hillbillies 9 clear of them they'll really have to beat us. That incentive alone for the Glens should make tonight a very interesting contest indeed, in a way tonights game is every bit as important as the one coming up on Saturday, these three points are MASSIVEI There's nothing more to say really
............ told you it was about to get interesting!
Remember the game is a 7.45 kick-off, Ballymac's bus leaves @ 6.45. Check out the link above for some others.
Match betting: Distillery 6/1, Glentoran 4/9 and a draw 11/4 - All odds supplied by TOALS bookmakers
17th Feb o3. Glens shirt auction - Due to unforseen circumstances, the £110 bid for the autographed Glens shirt has had to be withdrawn, the bidding has now gone back down to £90. When you consider it costs £150 to sponsor a shirt in the Glens programme, surely this one signed by the whole team in such a promising season is worth at least that !!
16th Feb 03. Just gets beter and better - Got a phone call tonight, it seems the signed Rangers shirt I have up for auction on the site in actual fact belongs to the No 6 midfielder Barry Ferguson!!
Ballyclare Comrades 0 Glentoran 3
Darren Armour (maybe), Scott Young and Andy Smith, it was 2-0 at half time and frankly I thought the Glens just went through the motions yesterday - so much so I spent most of the second half in the pub!
15th Feb 03. Man Utd - Arsenal - is on 'LIVE' at the Ballymac clubrooms today (ko 12.15) - you're all invited !! Why not nip round for a pint, watch the game on our new BIG screen then jump on the bus to Ballyclare!! Sounds good to me :-)
14th Feb 03. Ballyclare Comrades game - You can almost smell it can't you .. the romance of the Irish Cup I mean ;-)
All of 4 weeks it's been now since we last played Ballyclare, beating them 5-0 in the County Antrim Shield, but tomorrow it will be different, nobody needs reminding what this competition means to us, and a win tomorrow gets you into the last eight. You might be surprised to learn though that I'm just a wee bit apprehensive about meeting Ballyclare. The Irish Cup has always been a great leveller, and my memories of trips to Dixon Park in it are not the most enjoyable - in 1985 AND 1986, two years the Glens went on to win the competition, we almost came a cropper here. With time running out, Jimmy Cleary rescued us in 85 to earn a replay with a 2-2 draw, and in 86 it was Paul Millar, with once again a late, late goal to make it 1-1. I was at both those games and I can assure you it wasn't pretty, the Glens were BIG favourites on both occasions to brush aside the then 'B' Division side, but it was scary stuff believe me, and I'll also have you know, both ties were at the last 16 stage of the competition - the same as it will be tomorrow!! ........... gettin worried yet ;-)
Anyway - don't have nightmares, the pitch at Dixon Park in those days I remember was an absolute bog, there's also the fact we are a much much better side today than we were then, and frankly.......... Ballyclare are not!
Far as I know the Glens go into tomorrows game once again at full strength, Leeper's carrying a wee knock but hopefully should be passed fit before the game, don't expect them to treat Ballyclare lightly though, regardless of last months 5-0 win. We all know this Glentoran team has loads of ability, but their commitment and resolve have also helped carry them to what they've achieved so far this season, keep it up and who knows what they can achieve by the end of it ......... treat Ballyclare with respect by all means, but get in there to win. The quarter-finals aren't till March 8th, hopefully by then we could have done some serious damage in that championship race and be looking forward to another Irish Cup game.
It starts to get serious from here on in.
Ballymac's bus leaves Wilgar Street at 2 o'clock, some other buses going to the game can be found at the above link
Match betting: Ballyclare 10/1, Glentoran 1/5 and a draw 9/2.
To win the Irish Cup: Glentoran 15/8, Portadown 11/4, Linfield 4/1 and Coleraine 9/2 - All odds supplied by TOALS bookmakers
13th Feb 03. Oooops - Made a boo boo, the Elliott Morris Northern Ireland U21 shirt in the Auction is only signed by Elliott Morris - not the entire squad ....... sorry ;-) Got another item in though - check it out at the link above :-)
A wee quiz - One for the 50 somethings HERE, and an easy one for the errrr ..... not so worldly HERE
12th Feb 03. Andy Kirk and Stuart Elliott - are BOTH in the Northern Ireland squad to face Finland tonight, in the friendly at UNFRIENDLY park. What a feather it would be in Glentoran's cap if the ex Glenmen could both make the team and maybe even get among the goals! I'll keep you updated during the game.
Result: Northern Ireland 0 Finland 1 - 49mins, Hyypia. Stuart Elliott and Andy Kirk didn't start but made the bench. Stuarty came on as sub and hit the post with a header late in the game.
It's Fear-Us again folks - Poor oul Lavatory - how would you like to fall out with this guy!!! Latest rant HERE
11th Feb 03. N Ireland - under 21's defeated their Finnish counterparts by three goals to one tonight, Elliott Morris was once again on from the start and played the first half. Their goal came 3 minutes from time so Elliott kept a clean sheet.
Just on that - Elliott has donated his shirt from tonight's game for Neil Armstrong's benefit auction..
GLENTORAN AGGRO!! - I've been asked to direct you all to a new web page, set up to encourage more of an atmosphere at Glentoran home games. Nothing at all to do with BallymacGSC.com, I'm just passing it on - can't do any harm though I suppose. Have a look for yourself HERE
Elliott Morris - should get another International cap tonight as the Northern Ireland under 21 side entertain Finland in a friendly at Mourneview Park. Elliott's last outing was way back in October last year when the lads cruelly lost out to a goal in injury time away in Spain, the same weekend Neil Armstrong deputized in that 3-2 win over the scum.
10th Feb 03. More advice for Lavatory - whether he likes it or not, from your favourite shrinking violet Fear-Us! HERE
9th Feb 03. Cliftonville 0 Glentoran 2 - Better still, Portadown got tanked 5-1 at home to Coleraine to leave the Glens 6 points clear with a game in hand and only eleven games to play. If we can beat the Whites on Tuesday week, we'll be nine in front when the Ports come to the Oval on the 22nd Feb. After that game there'll only be 9 left to play
The Cliftonville match report can now be found HERE
8th Feb 03. 120,000 hits folks !! Keep er lit - Remember ........ 'BallymacGSC.com' - NO BULL and NO BLUE !!
7th Feb 03. Omagh Town have beaten Newry Town 1-0 tonight........... jeeez - bet there was some atmosphere at that!!
We are not alone! - It would seem Norwich City and Glentoran fans have quite a bit in common .... HERE
DARWIN'S THEORY OF EVOLUTION ......... is THIS the missing link !
7th Feb 03. Cliftonville game - Back to Solitude tomorrow, for the second time this season, and after what happened at the Oval a fortnight ago I think it's fairly safe to say the Reds will be well up for this one! Cliftonville if you remember had two players sent off that night, we were beating them 3-0 at the time, but tempers got a bit heated after the Glens had gotten their third with 15 minutes to go, and their keeper and centre half both walked. A couple of our goals did look a wee bit iffy to be honest, but that's how it goes sometimes, rest assured though the Reds will be out to put that right. Games at Solitude and always very tight affairs, back in September it took a spectacular Gary Smyth free kick to get us a narrow 1-0 win HERE, I suspect tomorrow will be just as tight. There's also the small matter of Cliftonville needing the points to qualify for the top six when the split comes in 7 games time. They're already 6 points off that sixth place, and although they have a few games in hand, will certainly not want to slip any further behind! We, on the other hand, need the points to keep the pressure on second placed Portadown, the Ports are at home to third placed Coleraine tomorrow - and they can't both win the game! As for us, if the Glens don't get the result it won't be the supporters fault, our allocation of 800 tickets for this game sold out weeks ago, and it could have sold out twice such was the demand.
Far as I know everybody is fit to play, at this stage of the campaign that must be music to the ears of the Manager.
There are eleven game left to play after this for the title ...... only eleven - every win now is priceless. Six to go to the split then those five against the top teams. With games running out, every three points won now are another three Portadown can't haul back, and that wee bit closer to the line........ We MUST win tomorrow at Solitude. Come on ye Glens!!
Ballymac's bus leaves the clubrooms at 2.00pm, everyone's welcome, check the link above for some other buses going.
Match betting: Cliftonville 4/1 Glentoran 8/13 and a draw 5/2 All prices supplied by TOALS bookmakers
6th Feb 03. 'Mental' Mickey gets just the 7 !! - Surprise Surprise ..........NOT!! In the latest list of IFA suspensions due to begin this Monday, Portadown are losing 3 players. Michael Collins as per usual topped the list again - this time with a SEVEN game ban, they also lose Steve Douglas and Paul McAreavey for 2 games apiece. The Glens got none by the way :-)
5th Feb 03. Second semi OFF too! - Tonight's second semi-final between Ballymena United and Chimney Corner has now also been beaten by the weather. **Update: New dates have just been released for both games:
Ballymena v Chimney Corner - Tues 18th Feb, and Linfield v Glentoran - Mon 24th Feb. What is this crap with Mondays!
4th Feb 03. GAME OFF - Tonight's match is off folks, they inspected the pitch early and there's no chance.
The League fixtures Ards v Crusaders and Coleraine v Distillery are also off, although Portadown's trip to Newry is still on.
**Update, 9.45pm: Portadown have beaten Newry 3-0 tonight to close the gap to 3 points. We now have a game in hand.
Castlereagh GSC quiz - I've been asked to remind all you would be Einstein's out there of this years quiz in the Castlereagh GSC. Applications are now being taken for 4 man teams and should be in before Sat 22nd Feb. Entry costs a fiver per team and the opening rounds take place on Monday and Thursday nights in March. For more info or to enter - email Michael Fee HERE or contact the clubrooms directly on 028 90790065.
SING UP!! - What do you think of the atmosphere down at the Oval lately? Some think it's not quite what it should be in the season's important run-in and would like to hear what YOU think. There's an open meeting planned for the Oval this Thursday evening to take on board any ideas and suggestions you may have. Find out more at this LINK
Shield semi-final - Well here we go again :-) Another Trophy, another semi-final ........... and yet another HOME match for the scum!! Where else in the world.......? Anyway, just the 90 minutes away now from the chance to defend the only trophy we won last season, I remember in the not too distant past, the murmurs of 'another Micky Mouse trophy' ringing from the swamp as the Glens were chalking up all the silverware in knock-out competitions like this one............well what would big Daisy give for a Mickey Mouse trophy or two now eh? Well they'll have to get past us if they want this one! As per usual no whipping up will be required - I'd even like to beat this friggin shower at cards!!
As you know there's a major doubt over Michael O'Neill tonight, but Andy Kilmartin's not so hot either I hear, so you could see Leeper and/or Locky in midfield. I hope to hell we don't get the formation we had on Saturday though!!
If the pitch passes an afternoon inspection it certainly won't be the place for the faint-hearted. Freezing temperatures will have the surface like concrete, and I reckon there'll be a fair bit of kickin done. If we can get back to our passing game though I've no doubt we can reach that final, be a nice boost to the confidence too with some very important League games coming up. Kick-off is 7.45 and Ballymac have a bus leaving for the game at 6.45. Other buses at the link above.
Match betting: Linfield 15/8, Glentoran 11/8 and a draw is 2/1 All odds supplied by TOALS bookmakers
3rd Feb 03. My wee birdy's at it again ;-) Ok, we all know we're moving to pastures new and selling the Oval, it's simply a matter of when, but I've just been told who's buying it! I'm naming no names yet, but it's someone all of you know VERY WELL INDEED !!! Expect word to break in the next two to three weeks - he hasn't gone away ya know ;-)
O'Neill only 50/50 - Michael O'Neill is extremely doubtful for tomorrow night's County Antrim Shield semi-final. The midfielder damaged his achillies against Newry on Saturday and had to be replaced. He's to receive treatment today at Clyde - the club where he trains at in Scotland, but if he's not fit tomorrow he won't travel.
** Update: Tomorrow night's game is now subject to a pitch inspection at 1 o'clock in the afternoon
2nd Feb 03. Glentoran 2 Newry Town 1
Well ........ did you feel it? The atmosphere I mean ;-) After the Crues thing midweek I reckon everybody, including the players, were thinking the same thing - then, when Newry scored after 10 minutes!!!! ......... HERE WE GO AGAIN!
Match report has now been moved HERE
