Battle of "the big two"

[weymouthPIE]

Big game on Sky Sports 2 tonight from Northern Ireland, as Glentoran host bitter rivals Linfield. Two clubs I visited in the summer, and traditionally Ulster's big two clubs.

 

This is a big rivalry in Ulster, based not on religion, but on footballing tradition. The two have won the Northern Irish league & Cup more than anyone else, and there's rarely a dull game between the two. There's rarely a game ending with 11 players on each side either!

 

This season Glentoran are struggling for consistency with a poor home record, and have lost their last 2 matches to 2 of the bottom 3. They're currently 5th and their aim will be to finish in the top 3 for Europa League football.

 

Linfield are second, 1 point below league leaders Cliftonville with a game in hand. Added spice is that Linfield's manager of 17 years David Jeffrey announced he will retire at the end of the season last week, and he's desperate to go out with one more title.

 

So give it a watch if your at a loose end, this promises to be a fiesty affair.

 

By the way, look out for a familier face in the Linfield line-up - Ivan Sproule, played here on loan under Paul Ince in 2011

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

Last time I watched one of their games Glentoran defeated the team I betted on, I wasn't happy. Very scrappy game!

I'm still not happy with them

[weymouthPIE]

1-0 win for Linfield that in truth should have been far more comfortable. A full blooded derby with the tackles flying in, great stuff

[Fan of Big Tone 𝕏 @mainstandpie]

I haven't got Sky, I've often thought of subscribing but I don't think Mrs. H. would like it if I was watching wall to wall football every night. Apart from that I can't stand Rupert Murdoch.

[ivansneck]

You are too young to remember Linfield's real rivals Belfast Celtic!

A friend of mine, from the Falls road, played for them in the same team as Ron Greenwood in the 40's

[weymouthPIE]

Belfast Celtic were a brilliant side, such a shame they left the scene

[super_ram]

Blimey @ivansneck ,you're going further back than me and @tonyhateley.

[ivansneck]

My mate Father Bill Boyd is 91 now!!

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

1-0 win for Linfield that in truth should have been far more comfortable. A full blooded derby with the tackles flying in, great stuff

Ha! had I have bet on the game, they'd have lost and so would I.

I was expecting more goals.

[liampie]

dony any sides beat each other is the irish leagues? 1-0. not much in it.

was it good game wey?