Glentoran assistant manager Paddy McCourt has called for an immediate improvement in defensive concentration after the team's third league defeat of the season. The East Belfast side fell 2-1 away to league leaders Larne on Friday night, a result that leaves them with a concerning record of just one win from their last four Premiership outings.
According to a report from the Newsletter, McCourt took charge of the team at Inver Park due to manager Declan Devine's illness. The defeat followed a familiar pattern, with all three of Glentoran's losses this campaign ending in a 2-1 scoreline. The team finished second in the final 2025 Premiership table with 69 points from 33 games, but this season's start has been inconsistent, with a recent form of one win, one draw, and two losses from the last four matches.
What went wrong against Larne?
The match turned on two first-half goals conceded in quick succession. Sean Graham opened the scoring for the hosts before Matty Lusty doubled the advantage, capitalising on a through ball from Paul O'Neill after catching Glentoran defender Ethan Schilte-Brown in possession. McCourt described both goals as soft and a source of major frustration.
"Firstly, we need to stop giving away poor goals," McCourt said. He stressed the issue is a collective one, not down to individual errors. Despite pulling a goal back through an 88th-minute Aaron McEneff penalty, Glentoran failed to build any sustained pressure. McCourt noted that even after switching to a 4-4-2 formation with about 15 minutes remaining, his team struggled to advance into Larne's final third, with the hosts effectively managing the game through stoppages.
How big a factor are the missing players?
A significant injury list is hampering Glentoran's efforts. Last season's top scorer, Pat Hoban, has been absent for the last four matches, having only featured in the opening day win over Limavady United. Summer signing Zeno Ibsen Rossi has missed the consecutive defeats to Crusaders and Larne. Jack Malone is carrying a niggle, Greg Sloggett and Jarlath O'Rourke are also sidelined, and Ross Clarke was only fit enough for a 15-20 minute cameo against Larne.
McCourt acknowledged the absences but refused to use them as an excuse. "It's not an excuse to have many big players missing at once," he stated. He did, however, identify player availability as a priority for turning results around. "We need to address that first and foremost and then try and get some players back in the next few weeks and start picking up results," McCourt added. Fans can monitor the recovery progress on the club's official injuries page.
What is the current league context?
The defeat leaves Glentoran four points behind Friday's opponents Larne in the early title race. Last season, the team scored 63 goals and conceded 30 for a healthy +33 goal difference, but replicating that defensive solidity has been a challenge this term. The consecutive losses to Crusaders and Larne have checked early momentum.
McCourt pointed out the quality Glentoran are facing, noting that good players in the opposition's front four or six can hurt them, and he specifically highlighted the set-piece threat posed by Larne's Matt Ridley and Dan Bent. The immediate focus shifts to halting the losing streak and building a platform for the coming weeks.
Where do Glentoran go from here?
The next opportunity to get back on track comes quickly. Glentoran host Bangor at The Oval on Saturday, September 12th. Bangor currently sit 8th in the Premiership table, presenting a chance for McCourt and Devine's side to address the defensive issues McCourt highlighted. A full week of training ahead of that home fixture will be vital for a squad needing to regain confidence. You can view the full upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures list. The team's current position can be tracked in the live standings.
