County Antrim Shield Finale: Mick McDermott Says Glens Got What We Wanted From The Game

Glentoran manager Mick McDermott said his team got what they wanted from the Co Antrim Shield final despite losing to Larne on penalties.

Last week McDermott threatened to withdraw from the final after criticizing Co Antrim FA for the decision maker’s date and place.

“I thought we got what we wanted out of the game,” he told BBC Sport NI.

After complaining about the final schedule, McDermott made eight changes to his starting lineup since winning over Dungannon Swifts on Saturday.

“We knew that with four games in 11 days we would have to mix the group a bit and we did it,” he continued.

“Some players haven’t played for a while and some players were getting one of their first matches. Young Mal Smith was right back and it’s an Irish Cup final he played in and now a Co Antrim final too. Shield.

“It was a game for the players to show what they can do and have done. Yes, we are disappointed not to get the win in the end, but to play against a full Larne team and create opportunities against them in terms of set pieces. , and keeping them for a limited number of occasions, was nice.

“It wasn’t a great football match to tell the truth, but overall we came out what we wanted.”

After a match of very few chances, Larne goalkeeper Conor Devlin saved penalties from Jay Donnelly and Joe Crowe to leave skipper Jeff Hughes to score the penalty spot that won the first major trophy in 33 years for his club. home town.

“You always want to win games, whatever game you go, but all credit to Larne,” added McDermott.

“I have a lot of respect for the project they are involved in, I think what they are doing is brilliant for Irish League football. We are trying to do that and it is forward looking people like [Larne owner] Kenny Bruce and our owner Ali Pour who are looking to improve football here.

“Every game is important, but the championship is of the utmost importance. We are back here, I think in 65 hours and for that I thank the Co Antrim committee. We will be back for our fourth game in 11 days and we can’t wait. ”