Josh Kelly says Glentoran must respond to Saturday’s disappointment when they face Linfield in the first round of the County Antrim Senior Shield at the BetMcLean Oval on Tuesday evening (kick-off: 7.45pm).

The Glens suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Crusaders despite creating the better opportunities for much of the contest.

Ben Gallagher cancelled out Owen Wardell’s first-half opener, but Aaron Reid struck with two minutes remaining to secure all three points for the visitors.

Kelly believes the players must take responsibility for the result and use the quick turnaround as an opportunity to deliver an immediate response.

“Saturday was extremely frustrating because we created enough opportunities to get something from the game,” said Kelly.

“We had some very good chances during the first half and, on another day, we could have gone into the interval in a completely different position.

“Instead, we conceded just before half-time and then again right at the end. Those are difficult moments to accept because we felt we had worked our way back into the game and were pushing to win it.

“We have to be honest with ourselves because, regardless of the chances we created, we came away with nothing.

“The positive thing is that we have another game so quickly. There is no time to dwell on Saturday because our full focus has to be on Tuesday night and producing the reaction everyone expects.”

Glentoran recovered from a goal down when Gallagher powered Ryan Cooney’s delivery into the net in the 68th minute.

Kelly felt the equaliser reflected the pressure the Glens had placed on Crusaders but acknowledged that the team must become more clinical when opportunities arise.

“We showed character to get ourselves back into the game and, after Ben scored, it felt as though the momentum was with us,” he said.

“It was a brilliant header and a great delivery from Ryan. At that point, we felt there was an opportunity to go on and win the game.

“We created several good openings over the course of the afternoon, but games at this level are decided by what happens in both penalty areas.

“We have to be more clinical when the chances come and manage the important moments better. Those are the margins that can decide matches, and we know we have to improve.”

Kelly has started Glentoran’s last two fixtures after missing the opening-day victory over Limavady United through injury and being named among the substitutes at Linfield.

The versatile 26-year-old produced a Player-of-the-Match performance on his first start of the campaign as late goals from Aaron McEneff and Marcus Kane secured a 2-0 victory at Ballymena United.

He retained his place against Crusaders and came close to scoring when his looping first-half delivery struck the underside of the crossbar.

“I have really enjoyed being back in the team and getting proper minutes under my belt,” said Kelly.

“It was frustrating to miss the opening game because you work throughout pre-season to make sure you are ready, but sometimes you have to be patient and wait for your opportunity.

“To come back into the side at Ballymena, help the team keep a clean sheet and get the victory was really pleasing. Being named Player of the Match was a nice personal recognition, but the result was the most important thing.

“I was delighted to retain my place on Saturday and would obviously have loved the one that hit the crossbar to go in. I was trying to put the ball into a dangerous area, but when it came back off the underside of the bar, I thought it might drop over the line.

“The main thing for me now is to keep working hard and contribute wherever the manager asks me to play.”

Kelly’s return to the starting XI follows a challenging period in which injury interrupted his progress at the BetMcLean Oval.

After committing his future to Glentoran earlier this year, he joined Cliftonville on loan for the remainder of last season to build his match fitness through regular Premiership football.

He returned to East Belfast during the summer determined to compete for his place in Declan Devine’s side.

“It has been a difficult period at times, particularly with the injuries, but those experiences make you appreciate every opportunity to play,” he added.

“The loan last season was important because I needed regular football and the chance to build my sharpness and confidence again.

“I always knew I would be coming back to Glentoran determined to fight for my place. This is where I want to be and I want to play my part in helping the Club succeed.

“There is strong competition throughout the squad, so you have to perform whenever the opportunity comes. You cannot take your place for granted.”

Tuesday’s first-round tie will be the second Big Two meeting of the season following Linfield’s 2-1 league victory at the Clearer Twist National Stadium earlier this month.

Jordan Stewart scored for the Glens in stoppage time, but the late goal proved only a consolation on a disappointing afternoon for Declan Devine’s side.

“We know we were well below the standards expected of us that day,” said Kelly.

“We didn’t perform well enough or impose ourselves on the game in the way we wanted. By the time we scored, we had left ourselves with too much to do.

“We have to learn from that performance because we know a similar display will not be good enough on Tuesday.

“We need to start with the right intensity, compete for everything and show far more quality and purpose when we have the ball.

“Big Two fixtures always have an edge, but the fact that this is a knockout tie adds even more importance.

“We want to compete for every trophy available to us, so our full focus is on producing a strong performance and earning our place in the next round.”

Kelly also believes a strong home support can play an important role as the Glens look to respond and secure a place in the quarter-finals.

“The supporters will be disappointed after Saturday, just as we are, but Tuesday gives us the chance to respond together,” he said.

“Big Two games at the Oval are always special, particularly under the lights, and we know the atmosphere our fans can create.

“It is up to us to give them a performance they can get behind from the first whistle.

“We know what the game means to everyone connected with Glentoran. We have to show that in our attitude, our intensity and our determination to get through the tie.”

Tickets for Tuesday evening’s County Antrim Senior Shield fixture against Linfield are available at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/