Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ALLEN EASES GLENS’ CURT OVER CRUES
STRIKER Curtis Allen insists Glentoran are back in the groove after shrugging off the disappointment of their midweek mauling by Crusaders.
Allen was quick off the mark, requiring a mere 60 seconds to shoot Gary Haveron boys into a lead they never relinquished against struggling Ards.
“We needed a response after the performance against the Crues,” said the hitman. “The boys knew we let everyone down so we knew what was required against Ards. It was crucial we got back on track.”
Allen gobbled up a long Elliott Morris punt, which was helped on by Robbie Mcdaid, before lobbing goalkeeper Sam Johnston for the winner.
“It put us on the front foot right from the start,” Allen added. “It helped settle us because Ards can be difficult to play against and recently frustrated Crusaders at Seaview.
“We really should have added a few more but their keeper made a few good saves. We maybe became a wee bit jittery at times but we got the job done.”
Although it was never a dirty game, both teams finished with 10 men. Mcdaid was dismissed for speaking out of turn while Ards’ Jonny Frazer saw red for a foul on Conal Delaney.
Jude Winchester and Chris Curran earned
Cliftonville a 2-0 win over Warrenpoint while Ryan Mayse netted the winner as Dungannon recorded a 2-1 victory over Ballymena at Stangmore Park.
Leroy Millar had shot the Sky Blues ahead before Paul Mcelroy converted a penalty that resulted in United’s Willie Faulkner being sent off.