Larmour wants Glens to build on Cliftonville win

Daniel Larmour wants Glentoran to build on last weekend’s win at Cliftonville when Carrick Rangers visit The BetMcLean Oval on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The Glens ended a five-game winless run with a 2-1 victory at Solitude under caretaker bosses Tim McCann and Paddy McCourt.

Larmour is now targeting back-to-back league wins for the first time this season as Glentoran look to climb the table.

“It was a great win over Cliftonville, but also a very important one in the context of our season,” said the defender.

“Our struggles have been well documented. We haven’t found any real consistency, and that’s been a big frustration because it hasn’t been for want of trying. We know our performances haven’t been at the level required of Glentoran Football Club.

“Unfortunately, those results led to Declan leaving his post as manager, and as players that was tough for us to take. There’s so much quality in this squad, but we have to start winning games regularly or it counts for nothing.

“Our performances have improved in the last two games. We lost to Coleraine to a late goal, but I thought we played well and deserved to get something. It would have been easy to feel sorry for ourselves after that and let our levels drop against Cliftonville, but we didn’t.

“I thought we played well again, took our chances when they came and defended strongly to make sure we came away with the win.

“That was our first victory since beating Ballymena last month, which just isn’t good enough. We haven’t followed a win with another one yet this season, so that has to be our target now.

“We need to find some form and move up the table. We know it hasn’t been good enough so far, but we’re only three points off fourth. We won’t get carried away after one win. We have to back it up and put a run together.”

Larmour also praised McCann and McCourt for their work during a difficult period for the club.

“It hasn’t been easy for anyone over the last week or so. It’s horrible when a manager leaves, and Decky is such a great man,” he said.

“His departure has left a big void. I know it’s been tough for Tim and Paddy, who were part of his coaching staff and are great friends of his as well. It shows their professionalism that they’ve kept going and done everything they can for this club.

“It’s natural for the mood to be low after the results we’ve had, but the coaches haven’t let us dwell on it. They’ve reinforced the message that we need to improve while helping to restore some confidence.

“Ultimately, confidence grows with results, and the Cliftonville win was important for us. Whatever happens with the managerial position, we know things have to get better on the pitch. That’s within our control as players.

“Tim and Paddy are doing all they can to put this club in a better position. We have to work just as hard to do our part.”

Larmour expects a tough test against a Carrick side level on points with Glentoran. The centre-back has been impressed by his former club under Stephen Baxter, who also managed him at Crusaders, and is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces.

“When Stephen took over at Carrick, everyone expected them to move up the table and challenge for honours,” he said.

“What he has achieved in the Irish League over the last 20 years is hugely impressive, and he clearly still has the hunger to succeed.

“There are so many of my former teammates in that squad, players with a lot of experience in this league. We know they’ll come here looking to win and move above us in the table.

“For us, it’s about building on the standards we’ve set in the last two games and making sure we work harder than the opposition. We can’t afford to keep dropping points. It’s time to start looking up the table.”

Saturday’s fixture is proudly supported by Match Partner Haldane Fisher.

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Irish Premiership fixture against Carrick Rangers at The BetMcLean Oval, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/