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Gareth Fullerton

Glentoran 1-0 Linfield: The Conor McMenamin catchphrase that came true in Big Two derby

Mick McDermott joked that match hero Conor McMenamin lived up to his own billing after the winger scored the winning goal in Friday night's Big Two derby.

McMenamin tapped home in the 60th minute after Jay Donnelly's initial shot had been blocked.

It would prove the defining moment in an edgy clash with title rivals Linfield, and sends the Glens three points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership.

McDermott revealed McMenamin's catchphrase is 'big games, big names' - and the former Cliftonville man proved the headline act at the Oval.

"As Conor says, big games, big names," McDermott smiled.

"And he stepped up again. He has been super this season, as has Jay with 23 or 24 goals, Conor with 13 or 14, Robbie (McDaid) has chipped in in recent weeks.

"It is nice they are spreading it out a bit and midfielders are getting some goals too. So we are delighted with Conor and the performances of all three front men tonight. They all put in a shift.

"It is nice that the players are performing consistently, and it's hard for players lilke Shay McCartan, Joe Crowe - big name players as well who will play their part.

"And we will use them."

Also speaking to the BBC, McMenamin said: "It was a massive three points. Great occasion for the league.

"We were all disappointed to drop two points on Tuesday night, but we made up for it tonight.

"We know the league wouldn't be won and lost tonight, but it was a big step.."

On his goal, McMenamin joked that he was "going to kill" teammate Donnelly for not squaring the ball to him.

Donnelly opted to shoot, with the ball coming off Conor Pepper and falling into the path of McMenamin to finish off, with Linfield keeper Chris Johns stranded.

"I couldn't believe the ball came to me. It doesn't matter where you score from they all count, and to score in front of all these fans was brilliant," McMenamin said.

"Jay did great. I was going to kill him because he didn't square it, but he has been brilliant and he has created the goal and I was there to tap it in."

McMenamin added: "Hopefully we do look back on this result at the end of the season. Linfield beat us here quite comfortably earlier in the season and to get one over them tonight is a big momentum changer and a big swing. But it is three points and we move on.

"At a big club like this and the squad we have we have to deal with the pressure and try and win the league. That's why I came here, to try and win titles.

"The fans were mazing tonight. They follow us in their numbers and tonight they dragged us over the line."

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