“4-3” in Salonika
Glentoran turned a high-volume contest into a European away win, with Stephen Matthews shaping both sides of the game.
How did Glentoran outlast AS Aris Salonika in a match of such narrow margins? They scored four to the Greek side’s three on 16 August, despite having only 40 per cent possession and facing 17 shots. The contest was close even by the chances created: AS Aris registered 2.46 expected goals, Glentoran 2.43.
Stephen Matthews supplied the defining influence, earning player of the match with a goal, an assist and five key passes, while also winning four tackles and making four interceptions. Matthew Clarke came on at half-time and scored; Glentoran’s 4-3 win gives the Northern Irish club a result to carry into its European campaign.