Glentoran suffered their first defeat of the new league campaign as Linfield claimed a 2-1 victory in the season’s opening Big Two derby.

Darragh Leahy’s 18th-minute header gave the hosts a half-time lead before Kirk Millar doubled their advantage with 13 minutes remaining.

Jordan Stewart pulled a goal back for the Glens in stoppage time but was subsequently shown a red card as Linfield held on to secure the points.

There was an unexpected inclusion among the Glentoran substitutes, with goalkeeping coach and Club legend Elliott Morris named on the bench as Andrew Mills remained unavailable.

Morris made 743 appearances for the Glens between 2002 and 2021, winning three league titles, four Irish Cups, four League Cups and three County Antrim Shields during an outstanding playing career.

Striker Pat Hoban also missed the game, with Stewart, who came off the bench to open the scoring in last weekend’s victory over Limavady United, replacing him in the starting line-up.

The Glens appealed for a penalty during the opening minutes when Chris Johns collided with Jordan Jenkins inside the area, but nothing was given.

At the other end, Kieran Offord tried his luck from outside the penalty area, but his effort failed to trouble Billy Crellin.

Linfield took the lead after 18 minutes when Leahy rose to head Adam Frizzell’s corner beyond Crellin.

The hosts continued to pose a threat on the counterattack, with Marcus Kane producing an important block to deny Offord.

Glentoran created the first opportunity after the restart when Stewart delivered from the right, but Jenkins’ header was directed straight at Johns.

Crellin was then alert to block an effort from Matthew Fitzpatrick as Linfield threatened to extend their advantage.

Fitzpatrick later attempted to catch the Glentoran goalkeeper off his line from distance, but his effort drifted wide.

Linfield doubled their lead in the 77th minute. Crellin produced a good save to deny Offord, but Millar reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

Glentoran continued to push forward and Stewart gave the travelling support late hope when he halved the deficit in stoppage time.

The forward was then shown a red card moments later following a clash with Leahy, leaving the Glens to finish the game with 10 men as Linfield saw out the closing stages.

Linfield 2 – 1 Glentoran

Starting XI: Crellin, Cooney, Kane, Rossi, Thomson (Gallagher), Clarke, McEneff, Singleton, Stewart, Malone, Jenkins.

Substitutes: Morris, Kelly, Larmour, Weatherup, Faloona, Douglas.