Eastern promise

Barry Gray expects a typically stern test from Glentoran when Cliftonville visit east Belfast tomorrow but says his players will make the journey buoyed by an upturn in performances and results in recent weeks.

The Reds head to The Oval looking to extend a five-game winning run and the Manager believes his team are capable of victory at a venue that has not been particularly kind over the years.

“The players deserve the credit for what’s happened over the last number of weeks,” he explains.

“We’d had a tough time of it and results weren’t anything near what we’d want but there was a determination to draw a line under it and build from there, which is what has happened. It’s only been a few games but you have to build from somewhere and we’re certainly in a better place than we were a month ago.

“To keep building on it, we’ll have to produce a high level of performance against Glentoran. I’m told Cliftonville’s record at The Oval isn’t great, but you should never be concerned or distracted by stats like that or there’s no point in turning up.

“A game against Glentoran will be a test no matter where it’s played but we’ll go there in confident mood and believing we can get something.”

Supporters Information
Fans are asked to note Glentoran’s advice that views from the Railway Stand will be obstructed due to the positioning of television gantry scaffolding.

Sean Graham’s Weekend Preview