A 56th minute goal by Daire Kelly cost a relatively experienced Glens team the points in this NIFL Under 20 Premiership game at the Bet McLean Oval.
Unlike last week at Inver Park, a number of senior squad players – Patrick McClean, Josh Kelly and Junior were given a run out to build up match fitness. Loughgall also took the opportunity to get valuable game time for a few first team players.
The first half was a scrappy affair. Loughgall battled strongly and defended as a unit from front to back. Early in the half Rhys Walsh and Casey Smyth caused trouble on either wing but unfortunately couldn’t hit the target or find the strikers to create any clear-cut goal scoring opportunities.
The second half started in a similar manner, with both teams batting to get control off the second ball. On 56 mins Loughgall scored what would prove to be the winner with Kelly’s back post header. The goal forced the Glens boys to up the tempo in the push for an equaliser. Over the last 30 minutes Glentoran missed three or four half chances but couldn’t hit the target.
Glentoran Seconds: Lorcan Donnelly, Leon Boyd, Jonathan Russell (captain), Odhran Bell, Patrick McClean, Josh Kelly, Rhys Walsh, Casey Smyth, Bailey Locke, Junior, Jordan Jenkins.
Subs: Callan Farley (for Junior 46), James Douglas (for Boyd 59),Tony McIlhone (for McClean 73) , Jude Johnson (for Kelly 46), John Paul Lagan (for Bell 73)
Photography by Johnny Caldwell