Glentoran’s 2024/25 campaign came to a close on Wednesday evening as Cliftonville edged a closely contested European Play-Off Semi-Final 2-0 at The BetMcLean Oval.
The visitors, playing just four days after their Irish Cup Final appearance, struck twice in the closing minutes through Jack Keaney and Eric McWoods to seal their place in Sunday’s final.
Before kick-off, both teams paused for a minute’s silence in tribute to former Glentoran player-manager Peter McParland, whose passing was marked with great respect across the ground.
On a bright evening in East Belfast, both sides started cautiously with few clear-cut chances in the early exchanges. Cliftonville’s Ryan Curran had the first real opportunity on 20 minutes, but his effort from a corner drifted wide.
At the other end, Glentoran looked to test the Reds’ defence through set-pieces, with Kodi Lyons-Foster rising to meet a Jonny Russell long throw, though his header lacked the power to trouble stand-in goalkeeper Lewis Ridd.
The Glens went closest before the break when Joe Thomson unleashed a powerful strike from distance that beat the goalkeeper but flashed narrowly wide. Shortly after, David Fisher forced a smart save from Ridd after connecting with a dangerous cross.
Half-Time: Glentoran 0-0 Cliftonville
Glentoran began the second half brightly, with Danny Amos firing over the bar following good work from substitute James Singleton.
The game became fragmented midway through the half as both teams battled for control, with a flurry of yellow cards disrupting the rhythm.
Cliftonville created their first major opening of the half through captain Rory Hale, but Frankie Hvid produced an excellent interception to snuff out the danger.
With extra-time looming, the breakthrough came on 87 minutes. Hale played a short free-kick to Keaney, who turned well and finished low into the bottom corner.
Glentoran’s hopes of a late response were dented further in stoppage time when Cammy Palmer was shown a second yellow card.
Moments later, Cliftonville added a second on the counter through McWoods to round off the scoring.
Full-Time: Glentoran 0-2 Cliftonville