Revitalised Glentoran no longer a soft touch, says Herron
MIDFIELDER John Herron believes Glentoran are now a match for any team in the league.
The east Belfast boys again bared their teeth in Tuesday night’s thrilling BetMcLean League Cup win over Coleraine at The Oval.
They looked to be heading in the direction of the exit door in an extraordinary third round tie when trailing 3-2 in extra-time.
But their never-say-die attitude surfaced once again with striker Curtis Allen grabbing a stunning equaliser to send the game into a penalty shootout.
And it was Ronnie McFall’s braves that held their nerve to claim a tense win.
Former Celtic man Herron, who scored one of the goals in normal time when the game finished 2-2, reckons the only way is up for the Glens.
“The match took a bit of time to ignite, but it turned into a thriller after that,” said the 24-year old. “Cup games are usually cagey and that one was no different — no team likes losing at that stage.
“In games like that it’s all about getting your name into the hat for the next round, regardless of how well or poor you play. In the end, we got the result we deserved, especially with a couple of big refereeing decisions going against us.
“I think the referee, or his linesman, thought one of our boys played the ball to the Coleraine lad (Jamie McGonigle) for the Coleraine equaliser. It was actually the big lad up front (Eoin Bradley) who played it.
“Then the referee awarded a penalty against James Ferrin, who was no more than one yard away when Bradley shot — he had no chance of getting out of the way.
“Decisions like that have been happening on a consistent basis over the last month or so, but the boys stuck at it, they worked hard to get the result.”
Glentoran are now producing a battling spirit — a passion and determination that was missing from their game last season.
Herron added: “I can’t speak for last season — I can only comment on what I’ve seen since I’ve been at the club. We have a great squad, with great unity. The manager, the players and the backroom staff are all pushing in the one direction — we all have the same goal.
“That has been reflected in the team’s performances. Apart from the Crusaders game (at Seaview), when we were poor, we’ve produced some good displays without getting the result we’ve deserved.
“But it’s a stepping stone. I think everyone can see we are pushing in the right direction.”
Herron admits that Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership clash with Cliftonville can’t come quickly enough.
“It’s another massive game,” he said. “But nothing is easy in this league. Perhaps we’ ll be a little bit tired because we had extra-time for the second time in a week (the Glens were beaten by Linfield in the Shield the previous week).
“I don’t know a lot about Cliftonville apart from the fact that I was in the Celtic squad that played them on a few occasions. But we’ ll go there full of confidence and hopefully get the three points to get us further up the league table.
“We haven’t set any particular goals at this stage. Being new to this league, every week is different for me. We just look after ourselves and keep improving.”
After defying the odds by bouncing back after serious injury, Herron is loving life at The Oval.
“I’ve been welcomed with open arms by everyone, which includes the manager, backroom staff, players, board and supporters,” he added. “I fly in on Thursday, train that night. I’ve got a membership in a gym, which I use. Then I fly home after the game on Saturday.
“I’m loving it — I’m back playing football and enjoying it. That is what I focus on. I feel I’m gradually getting back to where I was. I was recovering from a bad injury and was advised to retire.
“The boss has been patient. I knew it was going to take time. I felt I was doing well in parts of games, but my fitness just wasn’t there yet. But I’ve worked hard. I train every day back home. I’m now reaping the rewards.”