Glentoran Seconds remain top of the NIFL Premiership Development League after a goalless draw with Ballymena United Reserves on Monday evening at Ashfield Boys’ High School.

Fielding one of the youngest Glens Seconds sides in recent seasons, the league leaders produced a disciplined and encouraging display, with attacking options limited by the absence of Jude Johnson, Cal Weatherup and first-team squad member Charlie Lindsay.

Milo Beimers returned between the posts, with Jack Watt named among the substitutes, while Caolan Hardy continued at the heart of the defence in place of suspended Ciaran Rogers-Duffy.Jack Faloona again captained the side in Rogers-Duffy’s continued absence.

In a contest short on clear-cut chances, Glentoran arguably enjoyed the better of the play, controlling large spells without finding the decisive breakthrough.

The closest opening came shortly after the restart when the young Glens’ top scorer in the league James McClure was presented with a half-chance, but Ballymena managed to escape unpunished.

Despite the lack of goals, the performance reflected the maturity of a youthful group, many of whom are still building experience at this level.

The result was a third consecutive draw for the Glens, following last week’s 3–3 stalemate with Bangor Reserves and an earlier 2–2 draw against Linfield Swifts.

Crucially, Glentoran Seconds remain top of the table at Christmas, holding a four-point advantage at the summit. Next up for the young Glens is a trip to Seaview to face Crusaders Reserves on Monday 29 December.

Full-Time: Glentoran Seconds 0-0 Ballymena United Reserves

Glentoran Seconds: Milo Beimers (GK), Reece Bell, Jake Drennan, Caolan Hardy, Cillian McCann, Jack Faloona (c), Ryan Bailie, Adam Nelson, James McClure, Zak Magowan, Daniel Beatty

Substitutes: Jack Watt (GK), Adam Dolan, Rory Magee, Archie Irvine, Mason Ayre