Sat 26 Sep 2026, 18:29
Jordan Jenkins struck twice in the first half as Glentoran beat Carrick Rangers 2-0 at The BetMcLean Oval to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
The forward, whose late goal won last Saturday’s game at Cliftonville, opened the scoring after eight minutes and added an excellent second on 26 minutes.
Carrick had chances to respond after the break, but the Glens held on for another three points under caretaker managers Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann.
McCourt and McCann made two changes to the side that won 2-1 at Solitude, bringing James Singleton and Jenkins into the starting XI.
Both teams appealed for a penalty in a lively opening five minutes. Carrick’s Paul Heatley went down as he challenged Marcus Kane inside the area, before a cross at the other end appeared to strike Kym Nelson’s arm after rebounding off his leg. Referee Tony Clarke waved play on each time.
Glentoran took the lead soon after. Daniel Larmour flicked on Ryan Cooney’s long throw from the right and Jenkins was waiting at the back post to poke the ball beyond Nathan Gartside.
Jenkins’ second was a fine finish. Ross Clarke carried the ball through the Carrick defence before losing possession on the edge of the area, but it broke to Jenkins, who curled a right-footed shot high into the far corner.
The Glens almost had a third six minutes later. A scramble in the Carrick box ended with Clarke shooting from close range, only for Gartside to react quickly and parry his effort.
Carrick threatened immediately after the restart. A deflected cross from Ben Buchanan-Rolleston caused problems in the Glentoran area and, when the ball fell to Heatley, he drove a low shot narrowly wide.
The visitors went closer still with just over 20 minutes remaining. Danny Gibson broke down the right and squared for Adam Lecky at the back post, but the striker hit the upright from close range.
Glentoran saw out the closing stages to secure a second successive victory and clean sheet.
Glentoran 2–0 Carrick Rangers
Starting XI: Mills, Cooney, Kane (c), Clarke, Stewart (Daniels), Sloggett (Kelly), Brown (Rogers-Duffy), Jenkins (Gallagher), Larmour, Douglas (McMenamin), Singleton.
Subs: Crellin, Sule,
