Nathaniel Ferris opened his Glentoran account with a second-half strike to secure a 1-0 win against Ballymena United at The BetMcLean Oval in this evening’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture.
The win ensures Glentoran remain in second place in the standings, five points ahead of nearest rivals Dungannon Swifts.
The visitors put up a stubborn resistance throughout the game and could have led after only four minutes.
A Ballymena corner caused a real scramble in the home box with Stephen O’Donnell’s header drawing a tremendous reaction save from keeper Daniel Gyollai, before the ball was eventually cleared.
Seven minutes later and the Glens came close to opening the scoring themselves. Cameron Palmer found space 25-yards out from goal, but his curling effort went just beyond the right-hand post.
On the half-hour mark, United defender Daithi McCallion attempted to head Finley Thorndike’s deep cross to safety but almost put through his own goal, and moments later Frankie Hvid’s first time effort from a Danny Amos corner crashed off the woodwork, as the scores remained level at the break.
Half-Time: Glentoran 0-0 Ballymena United

With just seven minutes on the clock after the restart Ferris could have grabbed the opener. The January signing intercepted a poor defensive pass, but O’Donnell managed to backtrack and dispossess the striker before he could get a strike away.
All was forgiven for Ferris on 55 minutes however. Amos sent the ball into the box from the left wing for the forward, who unleashed a trademark stinging strike past Sean O’Neill to break the deadlock.
United nearly found a late equaliser in stoppage time when substitute James Hood delivered a pinpoint cross to O’Donnell, whose header was met by a superb reflex save from Gyollai, ensuring Glentoran held on for a well-earned three points.

Full-Time: Glentoran 1-0 Ballymena United