Glentoran Seconds remained at the summit of the NIFL Premiership Development League with a 4–0 victory over Glenavon Reserves at Mourneview Park on Monday evening, highlighted by a hat-trick from the team’s leading league scorer, James McClure.

Glentoran arrived in Lurgan on 33 points from 13 matches, holding the league’s best attacking and defensive records.

The Glens welcomed goalkeeper Milo Beimers back into the starting line-up following his return from the FIFA U17 World Cup with Canada.

McClure and in-form forward Cal Weatherup also started, both featuring prominently in the club’s strong early-season form.

Glenavon enjoyed the brighter start, but Glentoran took the lead midway through the first half against the run of play. A free-kick delivery from Reece Bell found McClure, who steered a flicked effort beyond the goalkeeper to put the visitors 1–0 ahead.

Glentoran managed the remainder of the half well and held their advantage at the interval.

Glentoran increased their control after the break and doubled their lead through McClure.

Caolan Hardy drove into the penalty area and cut the ball back for the forward, who finished low into the bottom corner. Hardy was substituted shortly afterwards due to injury sustained in the build-up.

A well-constructed move on the right produced Glentoran’s third goal. Cal Weatherup picked out Zak Magowan at the back post and his lay-off allowed McClure to convert from close range, completing his hat-trick and taking him to 11 league goals for the season.

The Glens added a fourth late on. Substitute Rory Magee delivered from the left and Weatherup applied a first-time finish for his seventh league goal of the campaign.

The result maintains Glentoran Seconds’ position at the top of the Premiership Development League and next face Portadown Reserves on Monday 1st December at Ashfield Boys’ High School.

Full-Time: Glenavon Reserves 0–4 Glentoran Seconds

Starting Line-Up: Beimers (GK), McCann, Drennan, Rogers-Duffy (C), Hardy, Faloona, Bailie, Bell, Magowan, McClure, Weatherup.

Substitutes: Grummit, Magee, Irvine, Fitzsimons.