Glentoran Under 20s progressed through to the third round of the Toal's Bookmakers Steel and Sons Cup following a 2-1 win over Ballymena Provincial Intermediate side Brantwood.
The Glens freshened things up resting Paul O’Neill and Padraig Hughes who have seven goals between them in their opening four games. That presented Mark Herdman the chance to start after patiently waiting in the wings.
Glentoran got off to a good start early on playing good football as always. First team player James Ferrin had a chance in the opening ten minutes, however he had his shot excellently saved by the Brantwood keeper.
Karl Hamill, who played up front, was then put through on goal but was unlucky not to score as he had his shot gathered by Brantwood's number 1.
Glentoran went in front midway through the first half, with Brantwood passing the ball around at the back Herdman intercepted and excellently chipped the keeper to put his side ahead.
The Glens limited Brantwood to a few chances inside the first half, however the Skegoneil Avenue outfit levelled with a fantastic volley from 30 yards that left Rhys Clougherty with no chance.
Half Time Brantwood 1-1 Glentoran
The opening 15 minutes of the second half were very even with neither side having any clear cut chances.
Glentoran went in front shortly after, Jack McLaren down the left hand side cut the ball back to the penalty spot towards Conal Delaney who scored to make it 2-1.
Front man Hamil had the chance to score following a scramble in the box however his shot was saved on the line.
Brantwood upped their game in the last 20 minutes and put the Glens under pressure, Clougherty was on hand to pull off a number of saves to deny the Skegoneil Road outfit.
Glentoran managed to see the game out winning 2-1, a good victory over an experienced senior side. That win gives them a home tie against neighbours Dundela in round three.
Starting XI - R Clougherty, Ferrin, McLaren, Newell, Lennox, McAuley, Cafolla, Delaney, Healy, Hamil, Herdman
Subs – Anderson, O’Neill, Kerr, Hughes
Manager Mark Clougherty's thoughts on the game: “Good battling performance, the boys did really well up against an experienced senior team, it will help them in their progression this season. Looking forward to the next round against Dundela.”