Away trip to Glentoran a ‘free hit’ says Newry City boss Barry Gray as they look to improve on encouraging performance

The pressure is all on Glentoran for this afternoon’s clash, says Newry City boss Barry Gray, as his side goes in search of an unexpected result.

Bottom-placed Newry are 15/1 underdogs, but come into the game with a sense of encouragement after a strong defensive display in their 0-0 draw against Loughgall on Tuesday night.

Newry trio Donal Scullion, Lorcan Forde and Barney McKeown all came off with knocks and niggles on in that game, but Gray is hopeful that none of their injuries are too serious.

Last time the two sides met at The Oval was on December 16, where Newry had more possession than the pre-match favourites, after Aidan Wilson was sent off half an hour into the contest, but Shay McCartan’s early goal was enough for the Glens to win 1-0.

Few are expecting the visitors to pull off an upset result today, but the Newry manager says that will suit his team, who have been impacted by the pressures of a relegation battle in recent weeks.

“It’s a free hit for us,” he said.

“Let’s be fair, the pressure is on Glentoran. It’s a game that everyone associated with Glentoran will see as a win.

“So, we need to look at our performance tonight [against Loughgall], and see if we can build on that against a very good side.

“The Oval is a tough place to go to, as everybody knows. But there is always a chance of an upset.

“There is always that scenario of when there is no pressure on us per say, the players particularly, that we can play with freedom and see can we frustrate them and catch them with something that is unexpected, who knows?

“The players inside that dressing room are good enough to compete with Glentoran. The question is in their heads, whether they’re going to be up for that battle – fingers crossed that they will.”