Glentoran returned to form with a 2–0 victory over Ballymena United F at the BetMcLean Oval on Saturday afternoon, with goals from Jordan Jenkins and Pat Hoban securing three valuable points for Declan Devine’s side.

After back-to-back defeats against Dungannon Swifts and Carrick Rangers, the Glens produced a controlled and professional performance to preserve their unbeaten home record and keep the pressure on at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership table.

Glentoran almost made the perfect start inside the opening minute when Ryan Cooney sent Jenkins clear with a precise through ball. The striker’s effort rippled the side netting, but it set the tone for a dominant first half.

The breakthrough came on 28 minutes. A dangerous inswinging corner from Joe Thomson caused chaos in the Ballymena six-yard box, allowing Jenkins to tap home from close range and give the hosts a deserved lead.

Three minutes before the break, the Glens went close to doubling their advantage. Cooney delivered another superb ball from the right, this time finding Hoban, whose powerful header shaved the outside of the post with Sean O’Neill beaten.

The second half proved to be a more controlled, tactical affair, with Glentoran managing the tempo and Ballymena searching for a way back into the contest.

The visitors’ best opportunity came with ten minutes remaining when Josh Kelly lost his footing, allowing Ryan McNickle to get a shot away inside the area. But Andrew Mills showed sharp reflexes to turn the ball behind for a corner.

Devine’s side then looked to kill the game off on the counter-attack. Cameron Palmer came close to doubling the advantage when he burst forward and rolled a low effort inches wide of the far post, as the home crowd urged their side on.

The points were finally sealed deep into stoppage time. Substitute David Fisher broke down the right and squared the ball across goal for Hoban, who calmly slotted home beneath O’Neill to make it 2–0 and round off a composed home performance.

The result sees Glentoran maintain second place in the table, two points behind leaders Coleraine with a game in hand. Declan Devine’s side will look to build on this victory when they travel across Belfast to face Crusaders at Seaview on Saturday 25 October (Kick-off: 3.00pm).

Full-Time: Glentoran 2–0 Ballymena United

Glentoran: Mills, Cooney, McEleney, Coll, Kane (C), Thomson, Palmer, Connolly, Hoban, Singleton, Jenkins.
Subs: Beimers, Kelly, Pattisson, Ferris, Kamara, Fisher, Russell.