Teenage midfielder James Douglas scored a dramatic last-gasp winner as Glentoran sent ‘Big Two’ rivals Linfield crashing out of the BetMcLean Cup at the National Stadium.
The 19-year-old displayed ice-cool composure in the 87th minute, volleying home the decisive goal to spark wild celebrations among the travelling support and secure the Glens’ place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Declan Devine’s squad, holding a perfect record against their cross-town rivals this season, made it three wins from three in yet another tense ‘Big Two’ encounter.
The match began with both teams displaying urgency and intensity, engaging in individual battles for possession that set the tone for a hard-fought opening period.
Euan East delivered a series of crosses from the left flank, but the Glentoran backline consistently intercepted any threat as both defences began to assert their dominance.
The first clear chance of the game came when Joel Cooper cut inside from the right and unleashed a shot that sailed just over Daniel Gyollai’s goal.
Glentoran, however, posed a significant threat on the counterattack. A moment of brilliance from Danny Amos carved out a chance for David Fisher to break through on goal, but Fisher was forced wide, allowing Linfield’s defence to recover and stop the danger.
Moments later, the Glens pressed high to win the ball back, but Fisher’s ensuing effort was expertly saved by Chris Johns.
The remainder of the first half was evenly balanced, with both teams creating chances.
Linfield’s Matthew Fitzpatrick worked his way to Glentoran’s right byline, delivering a dangerous low cross that was well smothered by Gyollai.
Glentoran responded in the 36th minute with a swift counterattack, as Douglas and Fisher combined to set up James Singleton, who narrowly missed the target.
As the teams headed into halftime, the game remained finely poised.
Half-Time: Linfield 0 – 0 Glentoran
Linfield started extremely brightly in the second half, with Joel Cooper creating space at the edge of the box to flick a skilful drive just over the bar.
The home side maintained their momentum, earning a series of set-piece opportunities in the first fifteen minutes after the restart. Kirk Millar continually stepped up to test the Glentoran rearguard with a host of crosses.
However, Glentoran gradually grew into the game as the second half progressed.
Amos crafted a chance just after the hour mark, delivering a precise free kick into Singleton. His inviting flick-on found Jay Donnelly free in the box, but the striker’s rasping shot narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Joel Cooper responded with a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past two defenders into the box before forcing an outstanding save from Gyollai.
Linfield continued to apply pressure in their search for an opener. A miscommunication in Glentoran’s midfield left Cooper free in the 75th minute, but Gyollai produced another excellent save to deny the winger.
Moments later, a trademark Millar corner threatened to cause havoc before being decisively cleared by Marcus Kane.
With thirteen minutes remaining, Devine rolled the dice, replacing Dylan Connolly with Jordan Jenkins to inject fresh energy into Glentoran’s attack.
The substitution almost paid off instantly. Aaron Wightman whipped an excellent ball in from the wide right, and Jenkins’ deflected effort in the six-yard box forced a corner.
Then came the decisive moment. With just three minutes remaining, Fuad Sule and Donnelly combined brilliantly in midfield to release Fisher on the right. His cross, deflected into the box, fell perfectly for Douglas. The teenager volleyed the ball through a crowded area and into the bottom corner, igniting jubilant celebrations among the travelling support.
Linfield mounted a desperate late charge, but Glentoran’s defence, marshalled by captain Marcus Kane, stood firm.
As the final whistle blew, the Glens players celebrated passionately with their fans, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the BetMcLean Cup.
The Glens return to action in the Sports Direct Premiership on Saturday when they host Ballymena United at the BetMcLean Oval.
Full-Time: Linfield 0 – 1 Glentoran
Photography by PACEMAKER and ADAM HARWOOD