McDonald delight at making semis

Alan McDonald was happy with Glentoran's display at the Oval

Glentoran manager Alan McDonald praised his players after a 1-0 win over St Pat's put the club into the Setanta Cup semi-finals for the first time.

"St Pat's are a fabulous team and it is a testament to the players that they coped with them, although we needed a bit of luck at times.

"It is strange - it's the Setanta semis and Glentoran are there.

"We've done ever so well in this Setanta Cup campaign and we'll give it our best shot against Drogheda."

Daryl Fordyce headed in the only goal after six minutes while Glentoran's Shane McCabe and Keith Fahy of St Pat's were sent-off late in the game.

The East Belfast outfit finished runners-up in Group Two behind Derry City.

Glentoran's semi-final encounter with Eircom Premier Division side Drogheda United will take place next Monday or Tuesday..

"It made up for the disappointment of being 3-1 up at St Pat's with five minutes left and drawing 3-3," added McDonald.

"It is sweet for the team because I felt we deserved to beat them down there.

"We've played poorly over the last few years in this competition but certain records have been broken over the last six to eight months at this club for the right reasons."