Mon 7 Sep 2026, 22:30
Glentoran Seconds suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Cliftonville Olympic in the NIFL U20 Premiership Development League at Solitude.
The Glens led through Lekan Sule before the hosts scored twice to move in front. Substitute Finlay Grummitt brought Glentoran level, but a late penalty ultimately decided an entertaining contest.
Cal Weatherup had an early opportunity to open the scoring before Sule put the visitors ahead with a well-taken finish.
Jay Forsythe’s delivery fell towards Sule near the penalty spot and the winger turned before directing a controlled half-volley into the bottom corner.
Cliftonville responded after winning possession in midfield and breaking forward, with a strike from the edge of the penalty area bringing the hosts level.
The home side then completed the turnaround to establish a 2-1 advantage, but Glentoran continued to push for a way back into the game.
Rory Magee and Grummitt were introduced from the bench and combined to produce the equaliser. Magee delivered the ball into the area, where Grummitt rose to direct an excellent header into the top corner.
The contest was decided when Cliftonville were awarded a penalty late in the game and converted from the spot to restore their lead.
Glentoran pushed for a second equaliser during the closing stages but were unable to find it as Cliftonville held on to secure the points.
The result leaves the Seconds sixth in the table with seven points from their opening five league fixtures, having recorded two wins, one draw and two defeats.
Glentoran will look to return to winning ways when they host Dungannon Swifts Seconds in their next league fixture.
The Seconds have also been drawn at home to Linfield Swifts in the next round of the Steel & Sons Cup after victories over East Belfast and Drumaness Mills.
Cliftonville Olympic 3-2 Glentoran Seconds
Starting XI: Watt; White, McCreery, Rogers-Duffy, Anderson, Faloona, Bell (captain), Lindsay, Weatherup, Forsythe, Sule.
Subs: Grummitt, Sitnicki, Davidson, Magee, Rainey.
