Glentoran booked their place in the BetMcLean Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 5–4 penalty shootout win over Cliftonville at the BetMcLean Oval, with substitute Jordan Jenkins’ late extra-time equaliser and a decisive save from goalkeeper Billy Crellin sealing progress for Declan Devine’s side.

The Glens looked to be heading out when the visitors took the lead in the 111th minute through Eric McWoods, but Jenkins struck just four minutes later to force spot kicks, with Crellin denying Shea Gordon to complete a memorable night in East Belfast.

Glentoran started brightly and created the game’s first major opportunity when Jordan Stewart cut inside from the left and saw his deflected effort pushed wide by PJ Morrison after the goalkeeper adjusted superbly to turn the ball around the post.

From the resulting Ryan Cooney corner, Marcus Kane met the delivery on the volley, only for Morrison to again react sharply and beat the effort away.

The Glens maintained the early pressure, with Stewart forcing Morrison into another save after a direct run into the area, before Kane drilled narrowly wide from David Fisher’s lay-off.

Cliftonville’s first opening came on the half-hour when Joe Gormley broke through the middle, but Crellin stood strong and diverted the striker’s low shot with an outstretched boot.

After the break, Glentoran continued to dominate possession and territory. Cooney’s deliveries from the right caused persistent problems and James Singleton sent a dangerous cross across the front of goal that evaded everyone.

At the opposite end, Liam Burt produced an outstanding recovery tackle to deny Gormley as he prepared to shoot from close range.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match moved into extra time, where space began to open up.

Cliftonville edged in front with nine minutes remaining when Rory Hale’s free-kick was nodded down by Jack Keaney and McWoods squeezed a finish beneath Crellin from close range.

The Glens responded superbly and were level four minutes later. Danny Amos’ corner was not dealt with by the Cliftonville defence and when the loose ball dropped inside the area, Jenkins reacted quickest to steer a close-range finish into the net.

With no further breakthrough, the tie was decided from the spot.

Pat Hoban, Jordan Jenkins, Cameron Palmer, Ryan Cooney and Nathaniel Ferris all converted confidently, before Crellin saved from Shea Gordon to seal the victory and send the Glens into the last four.

Glentoran will now host Coleraine in the semi-finals in late January, with a place in the NIFL European Play-off Final guaranteed for the tournament winners.

Full-Time (AET): Glentoran 1–1 Cliftonville
Glentoran win 5–4 on penalties

Starting Line-up: Crellin, Cooney, Kane, Thomson (Larmour), Palmer, Hoban, Stewart (Amos, Ferris), Burt (Jenkins), Kamara, Fisher (Weatherup), Singleton.

Unused subs: Mills, Hvid