Match report: Glentoran 29th Arpil 2000
            Another abysmal performance from the Reds leaves us in a similar predicament of another situation of playing against First Division opposition in a Relegation/Promotion two legged play-off match. A defeat for Cliftonville, and wins for Lisburn and Ballymena would have prematched meant that Cliftonville would be plying their trade in the First Division next season. The final day was greeted with sunshine in Esat Belfast for the arrivial of Cliftonville to the Oval, home of Glentoran FC. At least a point was required, and the Glentoran players didnt suceed to give the Cliftonville players what they wanted-security and another season in the Premier Division.                                                                                  A good start by the 'Ville,  with pressure on Glentorans goal, early in the first half, it came with out reward as GLentoran took the lead in the 33rd minute with a Stuart Elliot header giving the Glens a 1-0 lead. Good running from the goal scorer Elliot,  resulted in a fine placed cross onto the right foot of Rory Hamill who shot past Liam Hartly to give the Glens a commanding 2-0 lead on the 44th minute, just before half-time.
             A dour period of play from both teams resluting in poor passing, poor over-all play and one goal. Armstrong providing the nail in the coffin for Cliftonville as he bundled the ball home, and gave Oval a third goal to cheer for as they went 3-0 ahead. FInal whistle went, and the attention turned to the radios of the Cliftonville and Glentoran fans alike as a UEFA berth was to be earned by the Glens, and the Reds place in the Premier was in jeprody. A cheer as the final whistle went at the New Grosvernor as Lisburn went back down to the First Division and Ballymena who beat Portadown at Shamrock Park stayed up on merit of their superior goal difference in contrast to Cliftonvilles.
             This means, Cliftonville play Ards another North Belfast team on May 2nd  in a relegation/promotion two legged play-off. Last year, Cliftonville beat Ards in the same fixture 5-2 on aggregate with a Peter Whitnell hat-trick. Hopefully a good result can be obtained on Tuesday and a good send off for the season with a win infornt of the Solitude crowd on Saturday the 6th. Lets hope the Reds can do the business on the park on Tuesday. Up the REDS!!!
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