Glentoran Seconds suffered their first defeat of the new NIFL Premiership Development League campaign as Portadown Reserves came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Ashfield Boys’ School.

Rory Magee fired the reigning champions into an early lead, but Portadown equalised shortly before half-time and scored the decisive goal 14 minutes into the second half.

The result brought a demanding opening sequence of three matches in six days to a disappointing conclusion for the young Glens.

They began their title defence with a 1-0 victory over Crusaders Reserves at Seaview last Wednesday before overcoming East Belfast 5-4 in an enthralling Steel & Sons Cup first-round tie on Saturday.

Reece Bell once again captained a youthful Glentoran side, which made the perfect start by taking the lead after only four minutes.

Jamie McCreery helped create the opening with a run down the left before finding Jay Forsythe. Forsythe showed excellent composure to move beyond several Portadown players and release Magee, who drove a powerful right-footed finish into the top corner.

Bell came close to extending the advantage when an effort from distance left the visiting goalkeeper stranded but drifted narrowly wide of the post.

Portadown responded and found an equaliser shortly before the interval, ensuring the teams went into the break level.

The visitors completed the turnaround 14 minutes into the second half, capitalising on a defensive clearance to finish from close range and establish a 2-1 lead.

Glentoran continued to search for a response and forced the Portadown goalkeeper into a strong save at his near post, while a couple of further half-chances went unrewarded.

The Seconds’ hopes of finding an equaliser were dealt a further blow when McCreery was shown a red card following an incident involving Portadown’s Lee Chapman.

Despite competing until the final whistle, the ten-man Glens were unable to recover as Portadown held on to secure the points.

Full-time: Glentoran Seconds 1-2 Portadown Reserves

Glentoran Seconds: Jack Watt (GK), Zach White, Jamie McCreery, Jayden Anderson, Carter Campbell, Charlie Heron, Reece Bell (C), Damian Sitnicki, Finlay Grummit, Jay Forsythe, Rory Magee.

Substitutes: Jack McAllister (GK), Cori Harbinson, Archie Irvine, Alfie Davidson, Charlie Magee.