Glentoran continued their preparations for the new season with a competitive 1-1 draw against Welsh champions The New Saints at The BetMcLean Oval on Wednesday evening.

With just over two weeks to go until the Club’s UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round tie against Latvian champions RFS on Thursday 9th July, Declan Devine’s side were given another demanding examination against opponents who are also preparing for European competition.

The visitors made the brighter start and took the lead after just nine minutes when Jordan Williams delivered an inviting cross from the right and Ben Wilson arrived inside the six-yard box to convert.

Clear-cut opportunities were limited during the opening period, although former TNS winger Joshua Daniels came closest for the Glens midway through the half with a strike from the edge of the area that was well held by Nathan Shepperd.

Glentoran deservedly drew level 11 minutes before the interval. An excellent delivery from the right found Jordan Jenkins, who powered a header beyond the goalkeeper to continue his encouraging pre-season form.

Both managers made a host of changes during the second half as valuable minutes were shared across their squads.

The New Saints almost regained the lead early in the second period when Brad Young burst through on goal, but Billy Crellin produced a fine save to keep the scores level.

The Glens responded well and Marcus Kane came close on 67 minutes, directing a header onto the roof of the net following a corner.

James Douglas almost snatched victory five minutes from time when his low effort was smartly turned away by Connor Edwards, ensuring the contest finished all square.

While there was no winner, the evening provided another valuable workout for Devine’s squad as attention now turns to Thursday night’s UEFA Conference League opener against Latvian champions RFS.

Glentoran 1 – 1 TNS

Glentoran: Billy Crellin; Ryan Cooney, Daniel Larmour, Trialist, James Singleton; Joe Kelly, Jack Malone, Aaron McEnuff; Jordan Jenkins, Pat Hoban, Joshua Daniels.

Substitutes: Joe Thomson, Ben Gallagher, Ciaran Lindsay, James Douglas, Marcus Kane, Ciaran-Rogers Duffy, Cal Weatherup, Jack Faloona, Jude Johnson, Jamie Drennan, Andrew Mills.