Glentoran booked their place in the Second Round of the BetMcLean Cup with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Championship side Institute at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Tuesday night.
It proved to be a testing night for Declan Devine’s side, who were made to work for their place in the next round by a spirited Institute team that defended bravely and threatened on the counter throughout a competitive contest.
Devine named a strong line-up featuring several familiar faces at the Brandywell, with former Derry City players Pat Hoban, Ciaran Coll, Shane McEleney and Joe Thomson all returning to familiar surroundings.
The Glens dominated possession during the first half but struggled to find fluency in the final third. Dylan Burt and Christie Pattisson both saw efforts blocked from promising positions, while Coll’s drive from just inside the area was charged down by the home defence.
Institute created the clearer openings before the break. Caoimhin Porter twice went close, including an ambitious lob from distance that was gathered by Peter Urminský, while striker Padraig Lynch dragged a shot narrowly wide after breaking through the Glentoran back line.
At half-time, Devine introduced Daniel Amos, Cameron Palmer, Jordan Stewart and Andrew Mills to add fresh energy, changes that immediately increased the Glens’ tempo and control.
The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark. Amos delivered a teasing corner that was flicked on at the near post by McEleney and forced over the line by Jordan Jenkins from close range.
Institute continued to pose a threat, with Porter and Lynch both going close to an equaliser, but Mills and the Glens' back line stood firm. At the other end, Hoban and Jenkins each went close to extending the lead, with thee home goalkeeper producing two excellent saves to keep the scoreline at 1–0.
Glentoran saw out the closing stages to secure their place in the next round of the competition. Attention now turns back to league action as the Glens travel to Stangmore Park to face Dungannon Swifts on Saturday afternoon.
Full-Time: Institute 0–1 Glentoran
Glentoran: Urminský, Cooney, McEleney, Coll, Kamara, Thomson, Kelly, Burt, Pattisson, Hoban, Jenkins.
Subs: Mills, Amos, Palmer, Stewart, Singleton, Ferris, Lindsay.
