Glentoran boss Mick McDermott believes his team have a score to settle tonight.
Ballymena United left the Oval with three points last month – ending Glentoran’s home record of not having lost a league game at their East Belfast base for 12 months.
Since then, McDermott’s boys have forged their way back into the title chase, winning their last four games – inching them to within three points of second placed Coleraine.
It means there will be no room for error at Ballymena tonight.
“They beat us at the Oval a few weeks back, so we know what to expect,” said the Glentoran chief.
“They are a talented team . . . they are well organised and well-managed.
“Ballymena are always difficult to breakdown...I watched their game against Crusaders on Friday night, they were very resilient, although over the 90 minutes I think the Crues deserved to win.
“Even though they have had injuries, the players that have stepped in know the system well. We are expecting a tough, tough game.”
McDermott reckons Glentoran fans are about to see the best of striker Ruaidhri Donnelly, whose two goals helped the Glens racked up an impressive 4-0 win against Portadown at the weekend.
“Ruaidhri had a difficult time when he came to us in January last year,” said McDermott. “He only played a handful of games when the lockdown arrived. He was brilliant for us before he then picked up an injury.
“Now we are seeing the real Ruaidhri Donnelly . . . he’s a brilliant lad and he’s playing with a smile on his face again. He’s so positive, he probably puts pressure on himself because he wants to do well, but for me, he’s been brilliant since he came here.
“There are a lot of games coming up and the good thing is, the squad is almost 100 per cent healthy, apart from Conor McMenamin. I was also pleased for Andy Mitchell who got his first goal for the club
“He’s had a difficult time since joining us from Glenavon. He had an inflamed groin problem that plagued him. Thankfully he is now also back pushing for a place.”
