Diamond McAllister seals win with sparkling finish

Gareth Scott’s men picked up where they left off last season by bagging all three points courtesy of the 1-0 victory in the season’s curtain opener at the Riada Stadium.

A well-marshalled Glebe side battled throughout the 90 minutes against the visitors who are tipped by many as one of the sides to watch this year.

Their resolute defence stood strong, repelling any Ballinamallard forays into Glebe’s defensive third.

And with the game heading towards a 0-0 draw, up popped McAllister to sweep home a Stuart Moore cross-come-shot to the delight of the Glebe faithful.

“Craig McAllister was making his debut along with three others and he took his goal excellently,” Scott told Times Sport

“It was a great finish from a tight angle. I think he is a real unpolished diamond and we’re delighted to have him at the club.”

Glebe came roaring out of the blocks from the first whistle, denying the visitors a chance to settle on the ball in the early stages.

However, Ballinamallard came into it more as the half progressed but were unable to carve an opening through the resilient Glebe backline.

The away side played some neat football in the first half but lacked a cutting edge up front.

On the stroke of half-time McVicker almost put the home team ahead when he cut inside but his shot flew just over the bar.

Brian Kane produced a fantastic save at the start of the second half to deny the visitors but in truth it was mostly one way traffic throughout the 45 minutes.

“Every team has their own spells in games but they didn’t create many chances,” said Scott

“I thought our defence was very, very disciplined.

“During the whole game I thought our discipline was absolutely top class.

“Going out for the second half I thought we had to have that wee bit more belief and I thought we were the better side throughout the half.”

McAllister settled Glebe nerves when he opened his account with a well-taken finish and it could have been two but for a last-ditch clearance by the Ballinamallard defence when Trevor Parkhill seemed destined to score.

“Trevor Parkhill went around their ‘keeper and while he usually scores they did well to clear off the line,” said Scott.

“But it was very, very pleasing to get a win. I was delighted with the result.

“I thought the last twenty minutes the fitness really told.

“We had a good crowd again and we are grateful for their support.

“As I said to the players afterwards, what we gave on Saturday was the bare minimum of what we have to put in every week.

“If we do then Glebe Rangers can be a match for anyone.”

Scott also singled out his goalkeeper for praise following his world class save and a commanding performance throughout the match.

“Brian Kane made a superb save from their chance, he is a first class ‘keeper,” he said.

“He is the number one at the club and he showed why.”

Next up for Glebe is a Steel and Sons Cup first round game at home to Newington Rangers this Saturday from 2.30pm.

Scott said: “They are a good side. They work hard and have a good coaching staff.

“It will be a challenge. We approach every game the same, with the same level of intensity and with the same preparation.”

Then on Monday, the locals head to H&W Welders in the league, kick off 7pm.

Meanwhile, Glebe Rangers goalkeeper Joel Maddison has joined Portstewart on loan.