Glentoran striker David Fisher has more of an axe to grind than most as he prepares to play Larne at Inver Park today.
The Glens play the reigning league champions in the Sports Direct Premiership this afternoon before the two teams meet again on Tuesday in the Co Antrim Shield Final at Seaview.
Fisher (23) has seven goals and three assists in his 23 appearances this season but none of his goals were scored against the Invermen.
In fact, the Reigate man is conscious of a stat that makes him keen as mustard to beat Larne today.
“Put it this way, I’ve lost every game to Larne since I’ve been here, so it’s definitely one that I need to look at and say, right I haven’t beaten them yet”, said Fisher.
“If we prepare properly and keep doing the things we have been doing, I’ve no doubt we can go to Inver Park and give them a good game.
“They’re a good side. They don’t have the Conference League to worry about any more so they’re going to be fully focused in the league.
“It’s going to be a difficult game but it’s one that we really want to show that we are there.
“Obviously we didn’t know at the start of the season that we would be playing Larne in the Shield Final after playing them in the league.
“It’s two games back to back but we’re going to focus on today’s game first and foremost.
“There are three points on the line and the cup final isn’t going to be on our minds until after today.
“I actually enjoy playing game after game after game rather than training during the week.
“When games come thick and fast, especially when you’re in good form, you just want the next game to come as soon as possible.
“We just want the games to keep on coming and hopefully with results too.”
Fisher signed for Glentoran in 2023 after leaving AFC Wimbledon and scored 13 goals in his first campaign, making him a fans’ favourite in East Belfast.
Not many Irish League players speak Czech and wear tight shorts that were popular in the 80s and Fisher has an explanation for both.
“My mum was born in the Czech Republic and lived there until she came over to England as an au pair.
“Then obviously she met my dad so I’m half and half that way.
“The shorts, is there a story? Kind of and not really.
“I just did it in pre-season because it was hot, I scored a goal so I thought I might as well just stick with the shorts.
“I kept seeing comments from people getting triggered by it so I thought I’d keep on wearing them.
“If it annoys people, why not?
“I got a bit of stick about them at the start, but it’s all good now – though it’s a bit colder.”
