GLENTORAN captain Jess Foy returns my phone call apologising for missing my call and out of breath. I ask her if she is getting some last-minute shuttle-runs in before tonight’s crunch clash with Cliftonville.
“Nah,” she says, almost dismissively. “I’ve been chasing around after my new puppy.”
It appears Finn, the Cockapoo, is former Down GAA star Foy’s new training partner for the foreseeable future.
And it might just do the trick to sharpen up those reflexes and give her side the edge against Marissa Callaghan and co at the Blanchflower Stadium tonight, in the first mouthwatering league clash this season between the big two.
The Glens currently lead the way on 18 points, having won all their six games so far.
However, the Reds sit three points behind but with a game in hand, also having made a clean sweep against all five of their opponents thus far.
Something is clear – both teams can’t retain their 100% record come full-time.
“Yeah, someone’s record will have to go, that’s for sure.” Foy quipped.
“Neither of us really exploded into life in the all-island tournament, going out in the group stages, but we kind of figured that into our equations that it would be tough given the earlier start this year.
“But we finished strongly away to Sligo, winning 5-1, and we have taken that as a springboard into the campaign so far, where we have been pleasingly ruthless.”
Ex-Northern Ireland international Foy has had an impressive start herself to the season, scoring two goals already, as Kim Turner introduces a more expansive game plan to the east Belfast outfit that has allowed the full-back to push further up the field.
“I’ve been very happy in my role so far this season,” she said.
“Kim has brought in a new style of play that lends itself to an attacking mindset and I have managed to make the most of it.
“Both my goals have come from open play too.
“I think that with the likes of Demi (Vance) ahead of me, she takes a lot of the interest from defenders and lets me get myself in some nice attacking positions.”
It’s not just Foy who is scoring goals for Glentoran. They have an incredible five of the current top 10 scorers in the league, with Kerry Beattie leading the way on 11 strikes – a phenomenal return which equates to almost two goals in every game.
With Vance and Rachel Rogan also on the list, the Glens will give Cliftonville plenty to think about. “We’ve built a fantastic squad with threats all over the park,” she said.
“The likes of Casey Weir have also come along so far this season, breaking through, and her impact off the bench highlights how we value the squad as a whole and not just the starting 11.
“These games are the ones you want to be a part of and offer the challenge that you need.
“Cliftonville have been superb again this season. They also have built a depth in their squad that will see them through an entire season, and we know we will be in for a battle come kick-off time.
“But we will do our homework and hopefully come away with the three points,” she added.
Fresh from their League Cup success last weekend, having defeated Lisburn Rangers, coach John McGrady will be desperate to make another big statement tonight and bring the points back to the north of the city.
The McGuinness sisters, Caitlin and Kirsty, have scored 12 goals between them, and the Glens will know all about their threat going forward.
This one is almost too close to call, with home advantage perhaps swaying it for the Glens.
Foy will be hoping any dog days remain firmly at home.
