Glentoran boss Declan Devine was over the moon with the performance of his side in their 2-0 win over Portadown on Monday night after a difficult day for the Irish League community.
Jordan Jenkins scored a double, including a sensational opener, to move the Glens up to second in the standings. Before discussing the night’s result, Devine was keen to send his condolences to all those close to Cliftonville’s Michael Newberry who died suddenly on Monday.
“Today is a difficult day for the club, for myself and a lot of the players,” the Derry native explained.
“I knew Michael very well, and we are devastated, absolutely devastated by the news.
“On behalf of everyone at Glentoran, we wish his family, and everyone associated with the club the peace and strength to get through what is a very difficult time.
“We need to come together as a league to get through this tough period.”
With regards the game itself, Devine was pleased how his squad were able to overcome injury, illness and suspensions to claim a win against a Portadown side who have been one of the league’s surprise packages this year.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the result,” he said.
“This is a very difficult venue to come to. When you look over their results here, from memory I think it is only Ballymena and ourselves who have won here, so now to have done it twice is massively pleasing, especially as we are down a lot of bodies.
“There is a lot of niggles and illnesses about the place and of course Marcus Kane is suspended, so I’m really pleased with the character of the boys who stepped up.
“Andrew Mills comes into goal and does very well. Comes for crosses, handles well and kicks really well too. Kodi Lyons-Foster has played three different positions the last three games but also adapts superbly, so really pleased.”
Devine also had special praise for the match winner Jenkins. The striker was unfortunate not to score in the scoreless draw with Linfield on St Stephen’s Day, but made sure to take his chances on Monday night.
“We are very lucky to have Jordan Jenkins,” the manager said.
“We are really delighted for him because he works so hard. The one thing you know about JJ is that he keeps going.
“He was disappointed and frustrated on Boxing Day, but he got his rewards tonight.
“His application to the game, and his hunger and desire is second to none. What I like about him is his courage and strength. Even if he misses a chance he will come again and that epitomises what we want to do here at the club.”
After what has been a largely inconsistent season from the Glens, December has brought a much better return with no defeats in their five games. Devine wants to ensure this purple patch extends into the new year.
“We park the bus after this result and look ahead,” said Devine who is mid-way through his first season in charge at the Oval.
“I know we can do better, especially with the players we have and we have to keep driving the thing forwards.
“I have asked for consistency over the last few months and thankfully we are starting to get that.
“We have come here (Shamrock Park), went to Linfield and Carrick too and got wins, but we need to do better at home, we are not scoring enough goals there and that is something we will look towards improving as we go forward.”
A bumper away crowd made the journey to Portadown for the game and Devine was keen to acknowledge the support over the Christmas period.
“I have to say a big thank you to the fans. They have travelled here in their numbers over the festive period when money is often tight and I think they really made a difference tonight.”
