Tim McCann insists Friday night's resolute display against Crusaders should be a benchmark for Glentoran's players.
The Glens came from behind to record an impressive 3-1 win at the BetMcLean Oval, in what was their first home game of the season.
Coach McCann believes wining at the Oval should be a non-negotiable for his side, and insists the focus this season will be on claiming maximum points in every game on Mersey Street.
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In 16 home fixtures last season, Glentoran won 10, drew two and lost four, claiming an average of two points per game, lagging behind title rivals Linfield and Cliftonville (both 2.5 ppg).
Asked what the message has been over the summer for Glentoran's players, McCann told Glens TV: "The focus has been: 'This is the Oval'. We win games at the Oval, and that's it.
"This is our home pitch and we want to make it a fortress. And to see the way those boys threw their bodies on the line (against Crusaders), especially late in the game.
"And every player to a man, from the smallest to tallest, went and won nearly every single ball. First balls, second balls, and they showed what it means to wear that jersey.
"It was helter skelter at times, but that's what you have to do. You have to man up and do it, and to be fair every single player in that changing room did it.
"It is a message to us. We don't care what anyone else thinks in the league. We just care about ourselves.
"And if we get more performances and results like we did tonight, then we will be okay."
McCann praised the players for bouncing back so quickly after Ross Clarke had given Crusaders a fifth-minute lead, with Rory Donnelly's equaliser arriving just three minutes later.
"Their early goal took us by surprise. I actually thought it was against the run of play," he added.
"But to see the players' reaction and get a goal back so quickly really helped us in the game."
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