Declan Devine has called for a strong response from his Glentoran players after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Crusaders at the BetMcLean Oval.

The Glens created several clear opportunities during a dominant opening period but fell behind to Owen Wardell’s goal two minutes before half-time.

Ben Gallagher headed home his first league goal for the Club to restore parity in the 68th minute, only for substitute Aaron Reid to secure the points for Crusaders with two minutes remaining.

Devine was frustrated by Glentoran’s failure to capitalise on their first-half opportunities and the timing and manner of the two goals conceded.

“Look, I’m disappointed,” said the Glentoran manager.

“I thought we caused our own problems. There were glimpses of good attacking play in the first half and we created three or four opportunities that we should be putting away.

“They were big opportunities. It’s too easy just to say that we missed them, and that is really frustrating for me.

“Our game management was naive. We conceded two minutes before half-time and two minutes before the end, and the manner of both goals was unacceptable.”

Gallagher’s equaliser came when he powered Ryan Cooney’s delivery beyond Sean Callister with an emphatic back-post header.

Devine praised the quality of the finish but felt the Glens did not build sufficiently on the momentum generated by the goal.

“It was a brilliant header and probably the most difficult chance Ben had in the game,” he said.

“It was a great cross into the box and a brilliant finish, but we didn’t do enough in the second half.

“We changed our shape to a 3-5-2, tried to play forward more quickly and looked to cause them problems, but ultimately we were responsible for the goal we conceded.

“Having come back from a goal down, if you’re not going to win that game, you certainly shouldn’t find a way to lose it. We found a way to lose it, and that is the biggest disappointment for me.”

Glentoran’s injury problems were compounded when captain Marcus Kane and Ross Clarke were both forced off during the first half.

Despite those setbacks, Devine highlighted the performance of James Douglas, who impressed after being handed a starting place.

“We’re missing a huge number of players who are currently on the treatment table, but the game presented an opportunity for others,” he added.

“I thought James Douglas was excellent. He showed great character and real ability to get on the ball and make things happen.

“To lose Marcus Kane and Ross Clarke during the first half epitomises the bad luck we’re experiencing at the moment.

“There isn’t a team in the country that could easily absorb the number of players we’re currently missing. That is frustrating, but it doesn’t excuse our game management or the manner in which we conceded the goals.

“We have to reflect honestly and take a good look at ourselves. No matter how many players we’re missing, losing at home in that manner is unacceptable.”

The Glens now turn their attention to Tuesday evening’s County Antrim Shield meeting with Linfield at the BetMcLean Oval.

Devine expects his players to demonstrate an immediate reaction in the first Big Two encounter of the season.

“It will be a tough ask to put a squad out on Tuesday night given the number of players and bodies we have available,” he said.

“But if you need motivation for a Big Two game, especially after losing at home on the Saturday, then there is something wrong.

“I expect a huge reaction and a big push from the players. We created plenty of opportunities against Crusaders, but we found a way to give them two goals. That was completely unacceptable and we have to respond.”