Glens 'deserve huge credit' after RFS loss - Devine
Quick summary
Glentoran received praise from Devine after a narrow defeat to Latvian side RFS in a European qualifying match.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGlentoran manager Declan Devine says his side will "take huge confidence" into the second leg of their Conference League first round qualifier against RFS.
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What happened
Glentoran lost to RFS in a European competition qualifying tie, but the performance drew positive comments from Devine, who said the team 'deserve huge credit' for their effort. The result means Glentoran face an uphill battle in the return leg. RFS, experienced in European competition from Latvia, were favoured but were pushed hard by the Northern Irish side.
Chance analysis
Despite the loss, the tone of the article is one of encouragement for Glentoran, suggesting they performed above expectations against a technically superior opponent. This is a Conference League or Europa League qualifying round matchup where aggregate results matter. A narrow deficit gives Glentoran a fighting chance in the second leg, though RFS's away goal (if any) could prove decisive.
Glentoran's European campaign is at stake in the second leg, while RFS are in a strong position but warned against complacency.
Glentoran travel to the second leg with a narrow deficit and morale intact; RFS are favourites but cannot be complacent given the competitive first-leg performance.