Glentoran must prove midweek win isn’t one-off, says McGuigan

GLENTORAN midfielder John McGuigan insists it’s important his team back up one of their most impressive performances of the season with another slick showing against basement side Carrick Rangers at the Oval tomorrow.

Amid all the speculation and uncertainly regarding the managerial situation at the club, the East Belfast boys, under temporary boss Ronnie McFall, turned in a display of power, determination, passion and no shortage of skill, to defeat Dungannon Swifts in midweek.

McGuigan racked up his fifth goal of the campaign in their impressive 4-2 victory and he believes there is still more to come from a team that has flattered to deceive at times.

Although the Glens cannot improve on their seventh position in the Danske Bank Premiership table, they are guaranteed to be part of the end of season European qualifiers.

With that in mind, McGuigan believes it’s vital they end their league commitments with two wins — against Carrick, who dropped into the relegation slot in midweek, and Ballinamallard United next weekend.

“The midweek win was probably our best performance at home this season,” he said. “We haven’t been great in recent weeks.

“There has been a bit of an upheaval at the club over the past few months, with the change of manager and then a change of system on the pitch. It was difficult to get a winning run together.”

McGuigan insists it’s important the Glens keep their foot on the gas from now until the Euro play-offs. He added: “There is nothing to gain or lose in the next two games — we can’t improve on our position.

“But we have to sustain that level of performance with the play-offs coming up. We have certainly got a chance. We’ve done well against the top teams this season, so we will go into the play-offs confident.

“There is no reason why we can’t go on and win it — and get a European spot.”