Glentoran Seconds produced a ruthless second-half display to secure a 4–1 comeback victory over Cliftonville Olympic on Monday night, maintaining their slender advantage at the top of the NIFL Premiership Development League.

The Glens arrived at Solitude sitting one point clear of Linfield Swifts on 61 points and determined to respond to last week’s setback against Coleraine Reserves.

With Cal Weatherup away on international duty with Northern Ireland Under-19s, captain Ciaran Rogers-Duffy once again led the side.

It was the hosts who struck first. On 13 minutes, Cliftonville’s Caoimhin Frith capitalised on hesitant defending to unleash a superb strike from outside the area that flew beyond Milo Beimers and into the net.

The early setback momentarily unsettled the visitors, but they gradually imposed themselves on proceedings.

Their persistence was rewarded seven minutes before the break when Daniel Beatty was brought down inside the area following intelligent movement in the box. James McClure stepped up and calmly converted from the penalty spot to restore parity.

Glentoran emerged after the interval with greater purpose and intensity. Their pressure told when Jack Faloona showed excellent awareness to release Beatty down the flank. His cross was met emphatically on the half-volley by substitute Rory Magee, who blasted home to turn the game on its head.

Magee was not finished there. The forward doubled his tally from the penalty spot to extend the Glens’ advantage before completing a clinical hat-trick to seal a convincing victory and a statement response from the league leaders.

The result ensures Glentoran Seconds remain one point clear at the summit ahead of Linfield Swifts, keeping control of their own destiny as the title race enters its decisive phase.

Next up, the Glens host Glenavon Reserves at Ashfield Boys’ High School on Monday 9th March.

Full-Time: Cliftonville Olympic 1–4 Glentoran Seconds

Starting XI: Beimers (GK), Campbell, Drennan, Rogers-Duffy (C), McCann, Faloona, Nelson, Bell, McClure, Magowan, Beatty.

Subs: Watt (GK), Irvine, Heron, Magee, Fitzsimons, Quail.