Glentoran Seconds moved four points clear at the top of the NIFL Premiership Development League with a composed 3–0 victory over Glenavon Reserves at Ashfield Boys’ High School on Monday evening.

The young Glens went into the fixture leading the table by a single point from Linfield Swifts on 64 points and produced a controlled performance to extend their advantage after Linfield were beaten 2–1 by Crusaders at Seaview.

Cal Weatherup returned to the starting line-up following his recent involvement with the Northern Ireland Under-19 training camp. Weatherup and Jack Faloona had also travelled with the Northern Ireland Schoolboys to Airdrie last week for their Centenary Shield clash with Scotland, which ended in a 1–1 draw.

The opening stages were tight and competitive, with both sides probing for an early breakthrough. The Glens eventually made the pressure count after nine minutes when James McClure confidently converted from the penalty spot to give the hosts the lead.

Glenavon responded with a dangerous break forward soon after, but Milo Beimers produced an excellent save to preserve the advantage.

The Glens struck a crucial second goal just before the interval. Daniel Beatty reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly slotted his finish into the bottom corner in the 42nd minute to give the home side a deserved two-goal cushion at the break.

Glentoran controlled proceedings throughout the second half and continued to create opportunities. Their dominance was rewarded in the 70th minute when Jake Drennan broke forward down the left before drilling a low finish into the centre of the net to seal an impressive victory.

It was a mature and disciplined display from the league leaders, who controlled the contest for long periods and were rewarded with three goals and a clean sheet.

The result sends Glentoran Seconds four points clear at the top of the Development League table as the title race continues to gather momentum. Next up for the Glens is a trip to Taylors Avenue where they will face Carrick Rangers Reserves.

Full-Time: Glentoran Seconds 3–0 Glenavon Reserves

Starting XI: Beimers (GK), Campbell, Drennan, Rogers-Duffy (C), McCann, Faloona, Nelson, Bell, McClure, Weatherup, Beatty.

Substitutes: Sawyer (GK), Magowan, Hardy, Dolan, Irvine, Magee.