Sat 12 Sep 2026, 18:30
Glentoran fought back to secure a 1-1 draw with Bangor in the Sports Direct Premiership at the BetMcLean Oval.
Lewis Francis gave the visitors a first-half lead before a Patrick Solis Grogan own goal brought the Glens level after the interval.
Substitute James Douglas played the decisive role in the equaliser, with his powerful effort striking the crossbar before rebounding off the Bangor goalkeeper and crossing the line.
Declan Devine made three changes to the side that faced Larne, with Zeno Rossi, Jack Malone and Ross Clarke coming into the starting XI.
Bangor created the first opening of a closely contested first half when a free-kick took a deflection and clipped the top of the crossbar.
The visitors threatened again shortly afterwards, but Rossi was alert to clear the danger from inside the Glentoran penalty area.
The Glens gradually began to settle into the contest, with Malone testing Solis Grogan from distance.
Glentoran thought they had taken the lead in the 25th minute when Ethan Brown found the net, but the goal was ruled out for an infringement in the build-up.
Bangor broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Glentoran were unable to clear the danger inside their penalty area, allowing Francis to convert from close range.
Clarke almost produced an immediate response, but his effort went narrowly wide as the visitors carried their slender advantage into half-time.
Clarke almost produced an immediate response, but his effort went narrowly wide as the visitors carried their slender advantage into half-time.
Glentoran emerged with renewed purpose after the restart and began to apply sustained pressure.
Conor McMenamin forced Solis Grogan into a save before Douglas was introduced from the bench as Devine looked to add further attacking impetus.
The substitute played a decisive role as the Glens drew level in the 56th minute. Douglas unleashed a powerful strike which hit the crossbar before rebounding off Solis Grogan and into the net.
Glentoran continued to push in search of a winner, but clear opportunities became increasingly difficult to create against a determined Bangor defence.
Jordan Stewart came closest to securing all three points for the hosts, but his late header went narrowly wide as the sides were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Glentoran 1-1 Bangor
Glentoran: Crellin, Brown (Douglas), Cooney, Rossi (Larmour), Kane (C), Singleton, Malone (Daniels), McMenamin, Stewart, Gallagher (Sloggett), Clarke (Jenkins).
Substitutes: Mills, Rogers-Duffy,
