Defeat at Glentoran
Ballymena United suffered a 2‑0 Premiership loss to Glentoran on Friday night, ending a promising start that included a 3‑0 win at Linfield. Aaron McEneff calmly slotted a late penalty and Marcus Kane celebrated his 500th Irish League appearance with a goal in the dying minutes. The defeat followed consecutive losses to Crusaders and Glentoran, leaving the Sky Blues with a three‑match losing streak.
Manager’s Reflection
Manager Oran Kearney said the team “are moving in the right direction” despite the result. He highlighted how late goals can change a game, describing the situation as “a bit chaotic, like a basketball game where you’re trying to open it up.” Kearney admitted that a change of formation in the second half did not produce the desired effect and that the late goals left the team “tired and it’s tough to react.” He stressed that “little moments” can cost the side, noting that the team had a right‑on‑half‑time chance that was not capitalised on.
Squad Changes and Future Plans
Five of Ballymena’s summer signings started the match, while Finley Thorndike made his debut off the bench after a move from Crusaders earlier in the week. Kearney said there has been a lot of change and many new players, but he sees positives in the squad’s performance. The club will not play again until a trip to Bangor on September 5.
Looking Back and Forward
Kearney recalled the Crusaders game, where a 15‑minute disappointing spell in the first half was offset by character in the second half and a “really good equaliser.” He believes the signs are there that the team is improving, but acknowledges a “bedding‑in period” remains. The manager remains optimistic that the Sky Blues will continue to develop and that the recent results are a stepping‑stone rather than a setback.
