Glentoran Seconds began the defence of their NIFL Premiership Development League title with a 1–0 victory over Crusaders Reserves at Seaview on Wednesday night.

Captain Reece Bell scored the only goal midway through the first half, curling a free-kick from around 20 yards into the far corner.

The Seconds entered the new campaign as reigning champions after losing only three league matches and scoring 100 goals during an impressive 2025/26 season.

The squad has undergone considerable change since then, with a number of players moving on or progressing towards the first team.

Jack Faloona, Cal Weatherup and Ciaran Rogers-Duffy were among the players involved in last season’s title success, while James McClure signed a new contract with the Club before joining Ards on loan.

That provided opportunities for several younger players to make their Seconds debuts at Seaview.

Bell, who signed a professional contract with Glentoran during the summer, captained the new-look side and delivered the decisive moment of an evenly contested game.

Clear chances were limited, but Glentoran defended well to protect their advantage.

Goalkeeper Jack Watt, who was among the first-team substitutes for Saturday’s Premiership victory over Limavady United, kept a clean sheet behind a youthful defence, while debutant Alfie Davidson also produced an impressive performance.

The final whistle secured all three points and an encouraging start to the season for the reigning champions.

Crusaders Reserves 0–1 Glentoran Seconds

Glentoran Seconds: Jack Watt (GK), Zach White, Jamie McCreery, Carter Campbell, Jayden Anderson, Charlie Heron, Reece Bell (captain), Archie Irvine, Rory Magee, Alfie Davidson, Finlay Grummitt.

Substitutes: Jacob Sawyer (GK), Jack Quail, Damian Sitnicki, Saul Harvey, Cori Harbinson, Zach Cowan.