Tim McCann: Glentoran should have scored more goals but cup football is all about winning
Tim McCann says he would have loved to have seen Glentoran score more goals – despite progressing through to the quarter-final of the BetMcLean Cup at the expense of Crusaders.
The men from east Belfast netted within the first minute as David Fisher’s delivery was on the money for Jonny Russell to head home at the back post.
The hosts dominated large spells of the first-half and saw Liam Burt’s shot cleared off the line, as well as a Ryan Cooney free-kick go close.
However, they got the second goal their play deserved on 42 minutes as Fisher slotted home from Jordan Jenkins’ cross.
Declan Devine’s side nearly put the game to bed on 71 minutes but James Singleton could only watch on as his low effort struck the post.
But Crusaders ensured there would be a nervy end with Kurtis Forsythe’s goal but the Glens held firm for a 2-1 success.
Speaking to Glentoran’s social media platforms after the game, assistant boss McCann said: “We probably had the large scale of the chances and the play.
"I thought some of the play tonight was excellent. To go in 2-0 up and then come out again, we caused Crusaders problems by getting in behind them
"It was just unfortunate in certain aspects of the game, especially in our forward play, not to kill the game off and maybe score the third or the fourth and even the fifth with the chances that we had.
"But listen, we're in the next round and that's all that matters.”
McCann also hailed the squad depth at The Oval as Russell and Fisher marked their returns to the starting line-up with goals, as well as a debut for new ‘keeper Billy Crelin between the posts.
"I think Jonny (Russell) was knackered for about 10 minutes after he scored because he ran around that much and I think that's his first goal.
"But no, the two of them were excellent. They came in and they did well and that's what you want when players are asking for their chance and they come on and they do it.
"It gives the manager a headache and that's all you can do is go on and stick a claim for a place – and the two of them did that tonight.
"I thought Billy was excellent and came for a couple of crosses, corners as well. He made a couple of crucial saves at the end there as well.
"I thought Billy conducted himself brilliantly for his debut and it's always difficult making your debut for a new club, but, you know, I thought he was excellent in some of the things that he did.”
Glentoran, who are second in the Premiership standings, make the journey to basement side Glenavon this weekend.
He stated: “I love it when there's a load of games because you want to keep building that momentum.
"We want to go to Glenavon, we want to obviously do better in certain aspects of the game, maybe especially in the final third, and try and score a few more goals, and just try and go and get three points.”