Glentoran produced a dramatic late turnaround to secure all three points at Seaview on Saturday, with substitute David Fisher striking in stoppage time to seal a 3–2 victory over Crusaders in this Sports Direct Premiership encounter.

Declan Devine’s side delivered a dominant first-half display and took a deserved lead through Jordan Jenkins, but Crusaders battled back after the interval to turn the game on its head. However, late goals from Ryan Cooney and Fisher ensured the Glens left north Belfast with a memorable win.

The Glens started brightly and pinned Crusaders back in the early stages, controlling possession and territory. A strong penalty appeal was waved away when James Singleton appeared to be bundled over in the box after clever link-up play with Pat Hoban.

The breakthrough arrived shortly afterwards. Ciaran Coll’s corner from the left was met by Jenkins and the striker made no mistake with a close-range finish to give Glentoran a 1–0 lead after 24 minutes.

Devine’s side continued to create chances before the break. Cameron Palmer’s clever through ball released Jenkins, whose header went narrowly over, before Palmer himself flashed a low drive wide of the post.

Crusaders came out with renewed intent after half-time and began to apply pressure. The equaliser came when a cross from Kurtis Forsythe wasn’t dealt with and Fraser Bryden turned the loose ball into the net off the post.

The hosts completed their turnaround when Bryden rose highest to meet Elliot Dunlop’s cross from the right and head home his second of the night to make it 2–1.

Glentoran responded positively and pushed for a way back into the game. Ryan Cooney went close with a free-kick from the edge of the area before the equaliser finally came two minutes from time. Hoban showed great composure inside the box to set up Cooney, who smashed the ball into the net to level the contest.

The Glens weren’t done yet. In stoppage time, the ball broke kindly inside the area for Fisher, who kept his cool to fire home and complete a stunning comeback.

There was still one final scare to navigate for the Glens as Bryden’s header cannoned off the crossbar deep into injury time, but Devine’s men held on to secure a vital and hard-earned three points.

Glentoran return to action next Friday evening when they host Portadown at The BetMcLean Oval.

Full-Time: Crusaders 2–3 Glentoran

Starting line-up: Mills, Cooney, Kane, Kelly, Connolly, Palmer, Hoban, Coll, McEleney, Singleton, Jenkins.
Subs: Watt (GK), Burt, Fisher, Russell, Pattisson, Ferris, Kamara.