Former title winning Glentoran captain Paul Leeman fears his former club risks running out of road as the Ovalmen attempt to play “catch-up” in a three-way race for the Gibson Cup.
Linfield’s last gasp 2-1 win at Warrenpoint Town on Saturday saw the Blues ease four points clear of Cliftonville and eight above the Glens who both have a game in hand.
A win at home to Carrick Rangers on Monday night would keep the Ovalmen in touch heading into the remaining five post-split fixtures against the other top six sides.
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But Leeman, who skippered the East Belfast club the last time they lifted the Gibson Cup under the late Alan McDonald in 2009, accepts there’s no room for error heading into the final strait.
“Glentoran have given themselves a lot to do and in all likelihood they might need maximum points from their remaining six games,” he said. “They can’t afford any more slip-ups.
“It’s a big ask, but it’s not over yet. They still have to play Linfield and Cliftonville after the split so there are a lot of massive games still to come.”
While Linfield and Cliftonville are both in a rich vein of form, the Glens have been pawing for momentum, taking just seven points from their last five Danske Bank Premiership outings.
“Linfield and Cliftonville have momentum when you look at recent results,” said Leeman.
“There’s no doubt the Glens are playing catch-up and that's a difficult position to be in. I’ve been there as a player and when it’s out of your hands, it’s tough.
“I remember losing the league title with Glentoran on the last day of the season (in 2002) when Portadown pipped us by one point at the top.
“We were chasing and all we could do was win our remaining games, which we did, but they also won theirs. It’s frustrating when there’s nothing you can do about it.”
While Linfield are odds-on to lift a fourth successive Gibson Cup, Leeman has been impressed by Cliftonville who lie four points below the Blues with a game in hand.
Paddy McLaughlin’s men lifted the League Cup earlier this month and are in top form having won their last 10 games in all competitions.
“All the media talk has been about Linfield and Glentoran, but Cliftonville won the League Cup, they’re a superb side, they have match winners and they are also very well coached,” he said.
“There’s no doubt they have every chance of winning the title, although Linfield have that know-how and they have been down this road before.
“They’re hitting form at the right time, they’re digging out big results and they’re also scoring a few goals, so they’re in a good place at the moment.
“The run-in is going to be fascinating. There’s a lot to play for and it’s such an interesting league this season. Whatever happens over the next month or so, it's going to be fantastic to watch.”
Glentoran's last six league games...
- March 28 - Carrick Rangers (H)
- April 9 - Crusaders (H)
- April 15 - Linfield (A)
- April 19 - Larne (H)
- April 23 - Coleraine (A)
- April 30 - Cliftonville (H)
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