Glentoran Under 20s kicked off their Premiership Development League campaign with 3 points over Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park. The Glens started out of the blocks the quicker going 1-0 up early in the first half. Jake Kerr put through forward Padraig Hughes who lobbed the oncoming goalkeeper to grab a goal on his debut for the club. The second followed shortly after, it was Hughes again on the score sheet tapping in from close range following good work by Tiarnan McAuley. Glentoran didn’t settle for the two and scored once again, 16 year old Paul O’Neill getting on the end of a ball over the top and directed his half volley into the top left hand corner. The Glens raced into a 4-0 lead before half time, Jack McLaren went on a run from midfield beating a number of Dungannon defenders only to unleash a strike from the edge of the box into the top corner. Dungannon did have a couple of chances in quick succession in the first half and credit must go to goalkeeper Rhys Clougherty who pulled off 2 great saves, notably tipping a Dungannon shot over the crossbar and saving from point blank range from the resulting corner. A mention also to the Dungannon goalkeeper who pulled of a number of saves to stop the Glens from scoring more in the first half. In the second half the Glens took their foot off the pedal and played some good possession football in parts and despite having chances to increase their lead Dungannon got what was a consolation goal as it ended 4-1. Thoughts on the game from manager Mark Clougherty; "I was really pleased with the first half performance and couldn't wish for a better start to the season. The boys began to overplay a little second half, but overall were excellent and fully deserved the win". Glentoran Under 20s take on Cliftonville on Wednesday night in the league.
R Clougherty, Kerr, Hamill, Newell, Healy, McAuley, Gaw, Cafolla, McLaren, Hughes, O’Neill