Glentoran concluded their early pre-season preparations with an entertaining 3-3 draw against local rivals Dundela at Wilgar Park on Saturday afternoon, as Declan Devine’s side completed their final outing before Thursday night’s UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round first leg against RFS at The BetMcLean Oval.

In a competitive local derby played at a high tempo, the Glens were given another valuable test by a spirited Dundela side, while Devine was able to give important minutes across his squad ahead of the Club’s return to European action.

The visitors made a bright start and took the lead after 11 minutes. Jordan Jenkins showed excellent strength to hold off his marker before rifling an emphatic finish beyond the Dundela goalkeeper.

Pat Hoban, who regularly dropped into deeper areas to link the play, almost doubled the advantage six minutes later, rising highest to meet a cross only to see his header well saved.

Dundela responded strongly and levelled on 25 minutes after Marcus Kane had initially produced an excellent goal-line clearance, with the loose ball eventually forced home through a crowded penalty area.

The hosts turned the game around on 37 minutes with a superb curling effort from outside the box, but Andrew Mills ensured the Glens remained firmly in the contest with two outstanding saves before the interval.

The goalkeeper first denied a fierce strike after Dundela’s attacker cut inside before reacting brilliantly to keep out a point-blank header from the resulting corner.

Glentoran began the second half on the front foot and restored parity when Aaron McEneff converted from the penalty spot after his effort had been blocked by a defender’s hand inside the area.

Jenkins then grabbed his second goal of the afternoon, rifling home to restore Glentoran’s lead at 3-2.

Devine made a number of changes throughout the second half, with Billy Crellin, Ben Gallagher, Joshua Daniels, Jack Malone, Jude Johnson, Jack Faloona, Reece Bell, James McClure and a trialist all introduced as preparations continued for Thursday’s European opener.

Faloona made a lively impression following his introduction, looking sharp and inventive in possession as he looked to drive Glentoran forward.

Dundela continued to ask questions and found a late equaliser after being awarded a penalty. Crellin produced an excellent save from the spot, but the rebound was bundled home to ensure the contest ended level.

An entertaining afternoon brought Glentoran’s early pre-season programme to a close, with full focus now turning to Thursday night’s UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round first leg against RFS at The BetMcLean Oval.

Dundela 3 – 3 Glentoran

Starting XI: Mills, Cooney, Larmour, Kane, Duffy, Thomson, McEneff, Lindsay, Weatherup, Hoban, Jenkins.

Substitutes: Crellin, Gallagher, Singleton, Daniels, Trialist, Johnson, Malone, Faloona, Bell, Drennan and McClure.