Irish Premiership: Conor McMenamin suffers leg fracture as Glentoran go top with feisty draw
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‘It’s a leg-breaking tackle’ – McDermott angry about McMenamin injury
Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin has suffered a fractured leg after being stretchered off late in the first half of Glentoran's feisty 0-0 draw with Coleraine at the Showgrounds on Friday.
The in-form Northern Ireland player was taken to hospital to undergo scans.
The goal-less draw saw his side return to the top of the table although Larne could reclaim to spot if they overcome Portadown at Shamrock Park on Saturday.
Bannsiders defender Dean Jarvis was shown a yellow card for the tackle on McMenamin, with the away side appealing for a red as their player was treated for a lengthy spell before being stretchered off.
Glens defender Paddy McClean was sent off after being shown a second yellow card by referee Steven Gregg in second-half injury time, while Coleraine's Lyndon Kane may have been fortunate to stay on the pitch earlier after a late tackle on Bobby Burns.
Coleraine came closest to scoring in a tight encounter of few chances, with striker Matthew Shevlin hitting the post with a first-half header from a deep right-wing cross.
The draw sees Mick McDermott's men, who suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat by Glenavon on Tuesday, go top of the table again, jumping ahead of Larne on goal difference.
McClean's second yellow card, which came in the 90th minute, was awarded for a foul on Conor McDermott.
Both sides had chances to score, with McMenamin forcing two good saves from Coleraine keeper Gareth Deane in the opening half.
Kane went close for the home side on the hour mark but blazed his shot wide of the target from the edge of the box.
The Bannsiders dominated large periods of the second half but could find no way through a well-marshalled Glentoran defence.
Glens boss Mick McDermott will be hugely concerned over the seriousness of McMenamin's injury, which was the main talking point of the match.
Coleraine remain sixth, level on points with fifth-placed Linfield who are at home to Glenavon on Saturday while second-placed Larne travel to Portadown. Dungannon Swifts are at home to Cliftonville and Newry City host Carrick Rangers.
