Menu
24/07/2003
Glens European dream is Finnish-ed
Irish League champions Glentoran were in philosophical mood today following last night's 1-0 defeat by HJK Helsinki in their first round, second leg qualifying game in Finland.
The Glens needed only a score draw to progress through to a second qualifying round tie against MTK Hungaria. However, a 73rd minute strike by HJK's Juho Makela was enough to see another Irish League side knocked out of an opening round European fixture.
Glentoran winger Tim McCann and midfielder Michael O'Neill both felt the Glens should have got something more out of the game, describing the Finnish side's goal as "scrappy".
McCann said: "You just feel as though it’s the same every year, we just don’t get the rub of the green. We do so well and if we had taken our chances at home we would be in the next round because there is no way they would have scored two goals against us."
O'Neill added: "There is a very, very fine line between success and failure. We were in the game right up until the death and to be honest, them scoring didn’t really change the game because we still needed to score anyway."
Last night's match in the Pohjola Stadion was an evenly-contested game, much in the same vein as the first leg in Belfast which finished without a goal.
However, despite some fine efforts by Scott Young and Colin Nixon it wasn't the east Belfast side's night. Roy Coyle's men must now turn their attention to defending their Irish League title with the new campaign beginning next month.
(MB)
The Glens needed only a score draw to progress through to a second qualifying round tie against MTK Hungaria. However, a 73rd minute strike by HJK's Juho Makela was enough to see another Irish League side knocked out of an opening round European fixture.
Glentoran winger Tim McCann and midfielder Michael O'Neill both felt the Glens should have got something more out of the game, describing the Finnish side's goal as "scrappy".
McCann said: "You just feel as though it’s the same every year, we just don’t get the rub of the green. We do so well and if we had taken our chances at home we would be in the next round because there is no way they would have scored two goals against us."
O'Neill added: "There is a very, very fine line between success and failure. We were in the game right up until the death and to be honest, them scoring didn’t really change the game because we still needed to score anyway."
Last night's match in the Pohjola Stadion was an evenly-contested game, much in the same vein as the first leg in Belfast which finished without a goal.
However, despite some fine efforts by Scott Young and Colin Nixon it wasn't the east Belfast side's night. Roy Coyle's men must now turn their attention to defending their Irish League title with the new campaign beginning next month.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 August 2004
Glens face Euro struggle following defeat
Glentoran face an uphill struggle to qualify for the first round proper of the Uefa Cup after losing 1-0 to Swedish side Elfsborg in their second qualifying round, first leg tie at the Oval last night.
Glens face Euro struggle following defeat
Glentoran face an uphill struggle to qualify for the first round proper of the Uefa Cup after losing 1-0 to Swedish side Elfsborg in their second qualifying round, first leg tie at the Oval last night.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
17 October 2002
Ukraine hold NI to draw at Windsor
Northern Ireland failed to score for their fifth successive match last night after being held to a 0-0 draw by Ukraine at Windsor Park. In what was a lively game, Sammy McIlroy's side gave a good account of themselves following Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Spain.
Ukraine hold NI to draw at Windsor
Northern Ireland failed to score for their fifth successive match last night after being held to a 0-0 draw by Ukraine at Windsor Park. In what was a lively game, Sammy McIlroy's side gave a good account of themselves following Saturday's 3-0 defeat by Spain.
23 August 2001
Irish clubs face UEFA Cup test
UEFA Cup hopefuls Glentoran and Glenavon enter tonight’s second leg of their European qualifying ties with every chance of progressing through to the first round proper. Irish Cup winners Glentoran entertain Danish club FC Midtjylland in Belfast after a 1-1 aggregate score from the first leg game.
Irish clubs face UEFA Cup test
UEFA Cup hopefuls Glentoran and Glenavon enter tonight’s second leg of their European qualifying ties with every chance of progressing through to the first round proper. Irish Cup winners Glentoran entertain Danish club FC Midtjylland in Belfast after a 1-1 aggregate score from the first leg game.
25 August 2004
Glens confident despite uphill struggle
Glentoran manager Roy Coyle feels his side can upset the odds and knock Elfsborg out of Thursday night's second round second leg Uefa Cup qualifying tie in Sweden. The Belfast side go into the game 1-0 down having conceded a late goal in their first leg tie at the Oval two weeks ago.
Glens confident despite uphill struggle
Glentoran manager Roy Coyle feels his side can upset the odds and knock Elfsborg out of Thursday night's second round second leg Uefa Cup qualifying tie in Sweden. The Belfast side go into the game 1-0 down having conceded a late goal in their first leg tie at the Oval two weeks ago.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
