Glentoran Seconds strengthened their position at the top of the NIFL Premiership Development League with a disciplined 1–0 victory over Carrick Rangers Reserves at Taylors Avenue on Monday night.

The young Glens arrived in Carrickfergus holding a four-point advantage at the summit and, with captain Ciaran Rogers-Duffy unavailable, Jack Faloona led the side. In attack, prolific duo Cal Weatherup and James McClure spearheaded the visitors’ push to extend their lead.

Glentoran controlled much of the first half, enjoying the majority of possession and dictating the tempo. McClure came closest to breaking the deadlock, narrowly missing the target with a driven effort from 25 yards, while Weatherup also fired over from a promising position.

Despite the Glens’ dominance, Carrick fashioned the clearest opening of the half, but goalkeeper Milo Beimers was equal to it, producing a comfortable save to ensure the sides went in level at the break.

The decisive moment arrived early in the second half. McClure’s strike took a telling deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the net to give Glentoran a 1–0 lead.

The remainder of the contest developed into an open, end-to-end affair, with both sides creating opportunities. However, the Glens showed resilience and organisation to see out the game and secure another important three points.

The result moves Glentoran Seconds onto 70 points from 29 matches, extending their lead at the top of the table to seven points ahead of Linfield Swifts, who play later this week. The Glens also maintain an impressive goal difference of +46 as the title race enters its decisive phase.

Next up, the Glens travel to face Crusaders Reserves at Ashfield Boys’ High School on Monday 23rd March.

Full-Time: Carrick Rangers Reserves 0–1 Glentoran Seconds

Starting XI: Beimers (GK), Dolan, Drennan, O’Neill, McCann, Faloona (C), Heron, Bell, McClure, Weatherup, Beatty

Substitutes: Belshaw (GK), White, Irvine, Magee, Grummit