Glentoran boss Declan Devine irked by ongoing theme as he admits: 'I've never experienced it before'

Declan Devine has been left scratching his head in disbelief in recent weeks as Glentoran have paid the penalty for not killing teams off. Remarkably the Glens have missed their last three spot-kicks with their profligacy from 12 yards proving crucial in the games against Larne and Carrick Rangers in particular.

David Fisher had already missed from the spot in the 2-0 win over Dungannon Swifts before Jay Donnelly saw his injury-time penalty against Carrick saved with the game level at 1-1. And it happened again last Saturday as the home side spurned the opportunity to draw level with Larne as Finlay Thordike ballooned his spot kick over the bar.

Devine admitted he has never experienced anything like it before as he called on his side to take advantage of being on top in games.

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"We've had three penalties missed in our games in recent weeks which I've never experienced in my life before," he said. "It's fine margins as they didn't come when you're two or three goals up, they are defining in the moments.

"One draws us level against the champions and another was to give us three points against Carrick.

"We've been so dominant in the final third but we just need that real conviction to put those chances away. We need to improve our goal difference because we are being so creative."

The Glens head to Glenavon on Saturday afternoon looking to turn performances into points.

"We review all our games and probably with the exception of Larne away we've probably been the dominant force in the rest of the games," said Devine.

"So there does come a bit of frustration, but it's right throughout the league this year. I'm sure all chairmen and managers are desperate to try and find that consistency.

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"We're playing well and I'm delighted with the players because they're been giving us a lot. We've been very brave trying to play the style of football we're looking to play.

"That was never more evident than on Saturday past against the champions at home. We dominated the game, they maybe had a spell of six or seven minutes where they got on top.

"In the first half we were so dominant, they got a break away and were awarded a penalty for a foul which was outside the box.

"Those are the type of things which are happening to us at the minute, but we also know that when we're at our levels we're more than a match for anyone.

"That has been really evident since the start of the season. Yes we've had a couple of wobbles, as most teams have had but we're looking at improving our consistency."

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