Singleton and Malone strike as Glens make it three straight wins

Glentoran secured a third successive Premiership victory as James Singleton and Jack Malone struck in a 2-0 win over Dungannon Swifts at the BetMcLean Oval.

Singleton headed the Glens ahead five minutes before the break, while Malone’s composed stoppage-time finish sealed the points and lifted Tim McCann and Paddy McCourt’s side to fourth in the table.

Dungannon had created the better chances before the opening goal and threatened an equaliser when Kealan Dillon struck the crossbar in the second half. But Glentoran held firm to record back-to-back clean sheets before Malone settled the contest late on.

The interim management team made one change to the side that beat Carrick Rangers 2-0, with Malone replacing Marcus Kane, who was absent from the matchday squad.

The visitors threatened first when Junior released Sean McAllister, whose low ball across the face of goal went untouched. Dillon then fired a long-range effort narrowly wide.

Glentoran’s first opening came when Jordan Stewart was inches away from connecting with Ross Clarke’s cross. Stewart then created a chance for Jordan Jenkins, who slipped as he struck his shot and sent the ball wide.

Andrew Mills was called into action at his near post, reacting sharply to keep out Jamie Glackin’s flick from a Leo Alves delivery.

The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute. Stewart turned and worked space for a cross, which Singleton met with a header to put the Glens in front.

Clear chances were harder to come by after the interval, but Dungannon came close to levelling midway through the half when Dillon’s powerful volley crashed against the crossbar.

With the visitors still within reach, Glentoran went in search of a second goal. Jenkins almost provided it in stoppage time, only for Adam Glenny to clear his header off the line.

Malone supplied the decisive finish moments later. Breaking through the Swifts’ defence, he lifted the ball over Alex Henderson to secure another three points for the Glens.

Glentoran 2–0 Dungannon Swifts

Starting XI: Mills, Cooney, Clarke (McMenamin), Stewart (Daniels), Sloggett, Brown, Larmour, Singleton (c) (O’Rourke), Malone, Jenkins, Douglas (Kelly).

Subs: Crellin, Gallagher, Rogers-Duffy.