Glentoran Under 20s continued their fine form in the Premiership Development league with a 2-0 victory over Portadown at The Oval.
In recent games the Glens were quicker off the block and scored early on but it wasn't the case against a Portadown side with 3 first team players in their back 4.
Jack McLaren should have put Glentoran in front after a great delivery in by Paddy Cafolla but McLaren just couldn't get on the end of it.
McLaren once again found himself within shooting range when a Noel Healy corner was cleared, however the left wing back's shot went wide.
Glentoran went 1-0 ahead seconds before half time. Tiarnan McAuley's cross was spilled by the Ports' keeper and Noel Healy pounced to put his side in front.
Glentoran were a lot better in the second half. There was an early chance following good link up between Steven Gordon and Paul O'Neill but the latter had his shot saved.
Jack McLaren continued to threaten; after receiving a pass from Karl Hamill he made his way on goal but his effort was comfortably saved.
Conal Delaney deputised in the midfield following his recent move from Glenavon and he found himself in front of goal following a Cafolla delivery, however he couldn't get the connection he was looking for.
Midway through the second half McLaren fed a ball through to centre back turned striker Lee Newell, his shot was well saved by the Ports' keeper.
Glentoran made it 2-0, and what a goal it was. McLaren drilled his corner to Cafolla just outside the box who curled it into the top corner with a fine right footed shot.
A much improved second half performance for the Glens keeps them top of the table. However the focus turns now to Saturday's game in the Steel and Sons cup against Brantwood FC.
Manager Mark Clougherty's thoughts on the game: "Not our best performance to date, but still created chances and played well at times. Boys can take plenty of positives from the result when not at their best. And they are still a young side learning."
Starting XI
R Clougherty, Gordon, Ferrin, Hamill, McAuley, McLaren, Delaney, Cafolla, Healy, O'Neill, Hughes
Used Subs
O'Connor, Newell, Herdman
Match highlights from GlensTV