Glentoran Seconds produced a strong display last night, defeating Linfield Swifts 3–0 in the NIFL Premiership Development League at Midgley Park.

The result keeps the Glens firmly in the title race just one point behind Crusaders  at the top of the table with two games in hand. It also marked a confident response to Saturday’s Steel & Sons Cup defeat to Rosario.

Cal Weatherup opened the scoring in the first half, rising well to meet a Casey Smyth cross and directing a header into the top corner.

Weatherup then doubled his tally shortly after the restart, reacting quickest to finish from close range after the Linfield goalkeeper had saved Cillian McCann’s initial shot.

The third goal came from substitute Owen O’Neill, who met a Ryan Baillie corner with a precise header to round off a composed team performance.

There were late concerns with injuries to Cal McGloin (knee) and Ciaran Rogers-Duffy (ankle).

The match also saw goalkeeper Milo Beimers feature for the final time before departing to join Canada national under-17 team for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Starting Line-Up: Beimers (GK), Hvid, Hardy, Faloona, Rogers-Duffy (C), Douglas, Lindsay, McGloin, McClure, Weatherup, Smyth.

Subs: Watt (GK), O’Neill, McCann, Bell, Baillie, Magowan