News

GLENTORAN will be looking to close the gap on the teams above them tonight as they entertain Ballinamallard United at the Oval (8pm).

The East Belfast side currently find themselves in fifth place in the Danske Bank Premiership, six points behind Cliftonville and a further point behind Portadown who are both fighting for the Europa League spot that third place guarantees.

Steven Gordon scored twice in a 3-1 Glentoran win against the Mallards in December, however the Fermanagh side won their league Cup Quarter-Final meeting on penalties one month earlier.

Whitey Anderson’s side are in decent form in their last five games including draws against Institute, Portadown and Linfield as well as a win at home to Coleraine. Their last outing was a 3-1 defeat to in-form Glenavon.

Johnny Lafferty returns from suspension for the Mallards and could feature up front while Glentoran defender, Calum Birney is back in contention after sitting out the Portadown game last week.

Form Guide

Glentoran   -   DDLWD

Ballinamallard Utd  -  LDWDD

Last five meetings

Glentoran  3  -  1 Ballinamallard Utd  -  6/12/2014

Ballinamallard Utd   1  -  1  Glentoran  *Ballinamallard Utd won 4-1 on penalties  -  11/11/2014

Ballinamallard Utd   2  -  2  Glentoran  -  23/8/2014

Ballinamallard Utd   0  -  3  Glentoran  -  15/03/2014

Ballinamallard Utd   1  -  4  Glentoran  -  23/11/2013