Glentoran Seconds maintained their commanding position at the summit of the NIFL Premiership Development League with a fully deserved 2–0 victory over Larne Olympic on Monday night at Ashfield Boys’ High School.

The Glens went into the fixture sitting four points clear at the summit and, despite naming a much-changed and youthful side, produced a performance full of discipline and intensity.

Cal Weatherup and Jack Faloona were unavailable due to Northern Ireland Schoolboys commitments, while Adam Nelson, Mason Ayre and Finlay Grummit missed out through injury. James McClure was only named among the substitutes due to minor injury.

In difficult, windy conditions, the opening half was scrappy with clear-cut chances limited. Glentoran made their pressure count just before half-time when Charlie Herron’s corner caused problems in the Larne area and Rory Magee reacted quickest to head home at the front post.

The hosts doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Daniel Beatty drove down the right before conceding a free-kick, which Larne attempted to take quickly. The ball broke to Magee on the edge of the area and he showed good composure to slot home his second of the night.

Magee was denied a hat-trick on 70 minutes, his acrobatic scissor-kick superbly turned away by the Larne goalkeeper, while Reece Bell went close late on with a powerful effort from distance that narrowly cleared the bar.

The young Glentoran front line worked tirelessly throughout, preventing Larne from building play, while a composed defensive display, superbly marshalled by goalkeeper Milo Beimers, ensured the Glens remained in control to the final whistle.

A fully deserved win for Glentoran Seconds, whose work rate and organisation once again underlined their position at the top of the Development League.

Next up for Glentoran Seconds is a trip to Clandeboye Park to face Bangor Reserves on Monday 9 February.

Full-Time: Glentoran Seconds 2 – 0 Larne Olympic

Starting XI: Beimers (GK), McCann, Drennan, Rogers-Duffy (C), Hardy, Herron, Irvine, Bell, Magowan, Magee, Beatty.

Substitutes: Fitzsimons, Dolan, White, McClure, McBride.