Declan Devine praised the character of his players after Glentoran responded to last weekend’s Big Two defeat with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Ballymena United at The Showgrounds.

Aaron McEneff broke the deadlock from the penalty spot with nine minutes remaining before captain Marcus Kane marked his 500th league appearance by heading home in stoppage time.

Devine admitted the Glens were anxious during the opening period but was pleased with the greater intensity and purpose they showed after the break.

“It’s really satisfying because I thought we were a bit off it in the first half,” said the Glentoran manager.

“There was perhaps a bit of a hangover from last weekend. We were anxious in our play and gave the ball away too often.

“Tonight had to be about us. It had to be about getting a response.

“We had a chat at half-time, settled down and played with much more intensity and tempo in the second half. I thought we thoroughly deserved the win.”

Devine admitted the defeat to Linfield had hurt the players and praised their response in a difficult away fixture.

“I know the supporters were hurting last weekend, but we were hurting badly as a group when we came back in on Monday,” he said.

“This was always going to be a tough game. It was Ballymena’s first home fixture of the season and they are a good side with a lot of good players.

“Our supporters gave us that extra impetus, even when it was still 0-0. The noise they made and the backing they gave the players helped us, and the players responded with much more intensity in the second half.

“We played with greater energy and showed quality at times. Their goalkeeper had to make two or three saves and that was very pleasing.”

Devine also highlighted the contribution of substitute Ben Gallagher, who gave the Glens a focal point in attack following his introduction.

“Ben came on and made a real difference in the second half,” he said.

“He gave us a platform to hold the ball up, helped us get further up the pitch and really put himself about.

“He has not had many minutes and was behind with his fitness when he first came in, but we’re now starting to see a really fit Ben Gallagher. He will be a very good asset for us.”

McEneff eventually made the breakthrough after Scot Whiteside was penalised for handball, calmly chipping his spot-kick beyond David Walsh.

Devine joked that the audacious finish had tested his nerves but praised the midfielder’s composure under pressure.

“I was ready to kill him, to be honest,” he smiled.

“But Aaron is that type of player. He is capable of producing moments like that.

“He has taken a couple of penalties against David Walsh before and knew that he had gone to his left-hand side a few times. It was a touch of class and showed how calm and composed Aaron is.

“He will be the first to tell you that there is more to come from him, just as there is more to come from all of us.”

Kane completed the victory two minutes into stoppage time, meeting McEneff’s corner at the near post and heading beyond Walsh on a landmark night for the Glentoran captain.

“Marcus puts his body on the line in every game he plays and he never lets you down,” added Devine.

“I’m delighted for him and his family because reaching 500 league appearances is a huge milestone, particularly when you consider all the cup games he has played over the years.

“For him to cap it off with a goal, I’m so happy for him.”

The victory leaves Glentoran with six points from their opening three league fixtures, but Devine insists his side must continue improving as they prepare to welcome Crusaders to The BetMcLean Oval next Saturday.

“We’re three games into the season and have six points from nine, so we have to keep chipping away,” he said.

“We are still light and need to get bodies back. Hopefully, that will happen over the next week or two.

“We are a work in progress and there is a long season ahead. It was brilliant to come here and win, but we have to park this one now.

“We’ll turn our attention to Crusaders and prepare to have a real go next Saturday because they are another dangerous opponent.”