Glentoran continue to lead the way in the early stages of the Lisburn League Under 12 section with three wins from three games.

The terrible playing conditions at Orangefield Park on Saturday morning proved to be a great leveller between the teams as the game turned into somewhat of a battle against the elements.

With a driving wind blowing across the pitch the normal passing game of the young Glens was interrupted and they struggled to find their feet in the game. The Crues had done their homework and packed their midfield to counteract the threat of Peter McMullan, Aidan Moloney and Callum Carson in the middle for the Glens and this made the game very tight and congested.
It was no surprise then, that the Glens got most of their joy in wide positions with Padraig Slane proving to be a thorn in the side of his former team mates in the first half.

Given the conditions the young players had to adapt and learn how to adjust their technique to suit the conditions and to their great credit they done this very early in the game and it helped them stay one step ahead of the dangerous Crues.
Padraig Slane cut in from the left after 5 minutes and struck a low shot that was well saved by the keeper, the ball bounced kindly for Poggy but his right foot snap shot went just over the bar. Padraig again was the threat a few minutes later when Peter’s perfect pass split the Crues defence but the referee harshly called offside when it looked as though Padraig would score.
The Glens didn’t have to wait long too much longer for the opener though and again Padraig was the danger man as he evaded two challenges and cut inside along the by line, his low cross was deflected to the edge of the box where Callum Carson displayed the most perfect example of playing against the elements when he exhibited superb technique to strike a low drive into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards.

The Glens continued to put pressure on the Crues hoping that the first goal would see the Crues collapse but to their credit they continued to battle and close the Glens down quickly and played their way back into the game as the half wore on. Indeed the Crues almost fashioned an equaliser when Crusaders number 12 was allowed too much space in the middle – he managed to get a shot away that struck Zak Clarkes left hand post.

Half time 1-0 Glentoran

The second half continued in a very similar fashion to the first with the conditions playing a big part.

The Glens however pinned the Crues back and piled on the pressure looking for the all important second goal. Aidan Moloney and Padraig Slane went close before finally the Glens got the crucial second. Connor Maxwell chipped a lovely ball over the top of the Crusaders rearguard and Peter McMullan stormed into the box before casually flicking the ball over the head of the onrushing Crusaders keeper – a truly superb finish that is fast becoming a trade mark for Pete!

The Glens seemed to switch off at this point however and allowed the Crues back into the game. Matthew Torrens demonstrated once again his importance to the team putting in an instrumental display at the back sweeping up all that Crusaders could offer, ably assisted by Gregg Parker who had dropped into defence to cover for injured Captain Ryan Doherty, Matty was strong in the tackle, dominant in the air and majestic in possession as he kept the Crues under control.

The game seemed to be drifting away to a 2-0 win and the players paid the price for losing concentration when with 5 minutes to go Crusaders big bustling number 12 made amends for his earlier near miss by firing a super shot into the top corner – the first goal to breach Zak Clarks net in the league this season.

A nail biting 5 minutes followed but it was the Glens who looked more likely to score again with Chris Mallett shooting just wide of the near post and Peter McMullan seeing another chipped effort well saved by the keeper.
Thankfully the Glens held on for a hard earned three points to stay unbeaten and remain joint top of the early league standings with the much improved Portadown.

Next up is a league game away to Loughgall on Wednesday night.

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