FOOTBALL: Glens seal much-needed win
RICHARD Clarke kept Glentoran's Carling Premier League challenge on the boil at the Oval.
The midfielder grabbed a priceless winning goal against battling Institute – just when it appeared the champions were running out of ideas.
Clarke produced a wonderful piece of skill to lob goalkeeper Gavin Cullen from 22 yards that eased the tension that hovered over the east Belfast venue.
Institute shocked the home fans by taking the lead after only 16 seconds, but Gary Hamilton levelled on 22 minutes.
It was new boss Scott Young's first victory. The 32-year-old Scot was handed the position only last week following Alan McDonald's surprise exit.
But following a horrible debut against cross-two rivals Linfield at the weekend, when the Blues coasted into the semi-finals of the JJB Sports Irish Cup, Young at last has something to smile about.
His team undoubtedly looked like a side still suffering the effects of that result. To make matters worse, Glentoran's Darly Fordyce and opposing defender were dismissed on 45 minutes following an off the ball incident.
Young wielded the axe following the weekend debacle with big James Taylor was reinstated between the posts with Johnny Black, Daryl Fordyce and Michael Halliday handed starting shirts.
However, the Oval was silenced after only 16 seconds with that dramatic Semple goal.
Eamonn Seydak's cross picked out the former Linfield man. His first touch was good. His second was class and his finish was clinical.
But it was totally a one-sided affair after that, with Glentoran guilty of squandering a number of excellent opportunities.
Hamilton miscued in front of goal after four minutes – and that set the trend.
Colin Nixon's header from a Hamilton – he was involved in every attack – cross caused chaos in the Institute box, but no one was available to touch home the loose ball.
Glentoran were right out of luck seven minutes later when that man Hamilton produced a sensational scissors kick, but could only look on in horror as the ball cannoned off a post.
The visitors were under the cosh and Richard Clarke held his head in shame on 20 minutes when he drilled the ball wide from only 10 yards when put free inevitably by Hamilton.
However, Glentoran fans at last had something to cheer on 22 minutes when referee Simon Craney pointed to the spot when Clarke was hauled down by Ruairi Boyle.
Even though Institute protested vehemently, Hamilton held his nerve to cheekily flick the ball over the diving Gavin Cullen.
Institute at last managed to create something at the other end – and they missed a wonderful opportunity of regaining the lead.
Declan Divin wriggled his way into the box and was brought down by the outstretched leg of Sean Ward.
Taylor, however, produced a magical save from David Ogilby's spot kick.
Cullen conjured up another inspirational moment on 35 minutes, somehow clawing away a sweetly struck 30 yard volley from Clarke.
In keeping with a hectic 45 minutes, Fordyce and Ruairi McClean were both dismissed after clashing in the middle of the park.
It was the visitors that began the second period with renewed vigour and Taylor rescued his team on 53 minutes when brilliantly beating away a Kevin Ramsey drive with his legs – a real let-off for the home side.
Then a woeful error by Clarke let Sean Holmes totally free. The former Glentoran midfielder's shot was again superbly clawed out by the big shot stopper.
But Clarke more than made up for howler with that wonderful finish on 72 minutes.
Hamilton almost added another, but Cullen was equal to his low drive.
Glentoran: James Taylor 7, Nixon 6, Clarke 6, Leeman 6, Ward 6, Fordyce 5, Halliday 6, Hamilton 8, Black 6, Hill 6 (Fitzgerald 57, 6), Gillespie 6 (Martyn 87, 5) Subs: Morris, Burrows, Jon Taylor.
Scorers: Hamilton pen 22, Clarke 72
Institute: Cullen 7, Wray 6, Seydak 6, Boyle 6, McClean 5, Ogilby 6, Semple 6 (McClements 67, 6), Holmes 5, Ramsey 6 (Lowry 60, 6), McCready 6, Divin 6.
Subs: McLaughlin, Ryan, Blackburn.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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