Glentoran Seconds advanced in the Steel & Sons Cup following a dramatic 5-4 victory over East Belfast FC at The BetMcLean Oval.

Rory Magee scored an 89th-minute winner before teenage goalkeeper Jacob Sawyer saved a penalty deep into stoppage time to secure Glentoran’s place in the next round.

The Seconds fielded a young side featuring several Academy players, alongside Ciaran Rogers-Duffy and returning Academy player Rhys Walsh, who has rejoined the Club from Sunderland.

East Belfast created two early opportunities and almost opened the scoring when Sawyer made an excellent save at his near post, turning the ball onto the crossbar.

Glentoran responded by scoring three times inside seven minutes.

Jamie McCreery opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Magee doubled the home side’s advantage three minutes later. Charlie Heron then added a third in the 15th minute.

East Belfast fought back and moved 4-3 ahead, with Rico and Noah each scoring twice for the visitors.

The Seconds drew level through Reece Bell in the 80th minute, although East Belfast subsequently struck the crossbar as both sides searched for a decisive fifth goal.

That goal arrived in the 89th minute when Magee found the net for the second time to restore Glentoran’s lead.

There was still time for further drama when East Belfast were awarded a penalty deep into added time. Sawyer produced an excellent save and held the ball to preserve Glentoran’s 5-4 advantage and send the Seconds through.

Glentoran Seconds 5-4 East Belfast FC