Aaron McEneff’s second half penalty earned Glentoran a point against ‘Big Two’ rivals Linfield.

After a tense opening half hour at the BetMcLean Oval it was the visitors who edged in front on 39 minutes through Matt Yates.

The hosts ramped up the pressure after the break and levelled matters from the penalty spot thanks to McEneff.

The Glens pushed for a winner but in the end had to make do with a share of the spoils.

Declan Devine made two changes to the starting XI following last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Coleraine with Marcus Kane and Jack Malone returning at the expense of Daniel Larmour and Jarlath O’Rourke.

It was the hosts who threatened first as Ryan Cooney’s long throw found its way through to Ross Clarke at the back post, but he shot straight at David Walsh.

That was Clarke’s last meaningful action as the Glens were forced into two early changed with him and Marcus Kane being replaced by Josh Daniels and Daniel Larmour.

As we moved towards half-time it was the visitors who edged in front as Yates slotted home from the edge of the box after Larmour had blocked Matthew Fitzpatrick’s initial effort.

Just before the break Pat Hoban tried his luck with an acrobatic effort but he couldn’t find the target.

Jordan Stewart almost latched onto a flick on at the start of the second half but Walsh was off his line quickly to deny him.

Glentoran pulled themselves level on the hour mark as McEneff slotted home from the penalty spot after Lamrour had been brought down by Isaac Baird.

The hosts almost edged in front soon after as Ben Hall deflected McEneff’s cross onto his own post.

On a rare break forward by the visitors Ethan McGee headed over after good work by Jamie Mulgrew.

And right at the death McGee had another big chance but Andrew Mills pulled off a stunning save to keep the scores level.

Glentoran 1 – 1 Linfield

Starting XI: Mills, Cooney, Kamson Kamara, Kane (c) (Larmour), Singleton, Malone (Stewart), McEneff, Palmer, Clarke (Daniels), Hoban, Amos (Gallagher).

Subs: Crellin, Burt, Jenkins.