Glentoran Seconds were crowned NIFL Premiership Development League champions on Thursday night following an impressive 3–1 victory over Portadown Reserves at Shamrock Park.

The result secures the title with a game to spare and caps off a superb campaign for the young Glens, underlining the strength, depth and quality within the Club’s player development pathway.

It has been a season defined by consistency and attacking quality, with the side losing just three league games and scoring almost 100 goals on their way to the title.

On a night where silverware was within reach, it was Portadown who started on the front foot, applying early pressure and creating a number of openings inside the first 20 minutes.

The hosts looked to disrupt Glentoran’s rhythm, but the visitors remained composed and disciplined.

As the half settled, the Glens began to assert themselves and made the breakthrough with a moment of real quality.

Daniel Beatty showed pace and intent down the flank before delivering into the area, where Marcus Fitzsimons produced an intelligent touch to set Cal Weatherup.

The forward did the rest, driving a precise left footed finish into the bottom corner to hand Glentoran a deserved lead.

That advantage remained intact at the break, with the visitors taking a 1–0 lead into half time.

Portadown responded early in the second half and found a leveller to bring the contest back to 1–1, setting up a decisive final half hour with the title on the line.

But this Glentoran side have shown resilience and character throughout the campaign and they responded in style.

Reece Bell’s delivery caused problems in the Portadown defenceand Owen O’Neill reacted superbly to restore the lead with a composed finish.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Glens went in search of a third and sealed both the victory and the title in emphatic fashion.

Cillian McCann produced a brilliant driving run, gliding past challenges before releasing Rory Magee, whose delivery found substitute Finlay Grummit. Showing excellent control and composure, Grummit finished confidently from the edge of the box to make it 3–1.

At the final whistle, celebrations began as Glentoran Seconds were confirmed as league champions, a reward for months of hard work, consistency and high-level performances across the season.

A huge congratulations must go to Reserve Team Manager James Dickson, whose leadership and commitment have played a massive role in guiding this group to the league title. James has been brilliantly supported throughout the season by Andy Mathieson, Willie Garrett, David Bryson and Michael Brown.

Full Time: Portadown Reserves 1–3 Glentoran Seconds

Starting XI: Beimers (GK), McCann, Hardy, Rogers Duffy (C), O’Neill, Faloona, Bell, Fitzsimons, McClure, Weatherup, Beatty.

Subs: Watt (GK), Irvine, Magee, Heron, Dolan, Grummit.