Glentoran Seconds delivered a commanding performance at Seaview on Monday night as they recorded a 3–1 victory over Crusaders Reserves to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the NIFL Premiership Development League.

The Glens went into the fixture sitting four points clear of Linfield Swifts, despite three consecutive draws in the league, and responded with authority to reassert their credentials at the summit.

Captain Jack Faloona once again led the side in the absence of Ciaran Rogers-Duffy, with Owen O’Neill and Cillian McCann marshalling the defence, James McClure spearheading the attack as the Seconds’ leading league goalscorer, and Cal Weatherup providing energy and invention from wide areas

The hosts opened the scoring on seven minutes after good work down the right, with a cut-back finished under the legs of Milo Beimers. Glentoran responded immediately and were level four minutes later when O’Neill powered home a commanding header from a Ryan Bailie corner.

Glentoran began to dominate proceedings, with Bailie testing from distance before Daniel Beatty drove narrowly wide.

The pressure told on 35 minutes when another Bailie delivery from a corner dropped to Caolan Hardy, who showed sharp awareness to back-heel the ball into the net and turn the game on its head.

Further chances followed before the interval. James McClure curled narrowly wide after being released by McCann, while Weatherup was denied by the goalkeeper when well-placed, leaving the Glens unfortunate not to take a more substantial lead into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Glentoran controlling possession and territory. O’Neill headed wide from a corner shortly before being withdrawn, while Beimers produced an excellent save on 66 minutes to preserve the advantage.

The decisive moment arrived on 73 minutes when McClure delivered an outstanding cross from the right, allowing substitute Rory Magee to rise and guide a composed header down and into the corner for 3–1.

Late opportunities came and went, with Finlay Grummitt unable to convert after the goalkeeper spilled under pressure, while Reece Bell glanced a header against the crossbar in the closing stages.

It was a dominant display from Glentoran Seconds, who controlled the contest throughout and deservedly took all three points to remain four points clear at the top of the table after 19 games.

The Glens return to league action on Monday 5 January 2026, travelling to Solitude to face Cliftonville Olympic.

Full-Time: Crusaders Reserves 1–3 Glentoran Seconds

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

Substitutes: Dolan, Magowan, Irvine, Magee, Grummitt.