Glentoran played out a 1–1 draw with Carrick Rangers in horrendous conditions today at the BetMcLean Oval, as they remained top of the Sports Direct Premiership.

The Glens dominated possession but fell behind in the first half to a Paul Heatley strike, before Jordan Stewart levelled on the stroke of half-time for Declan Devine’s men.

After a slow start, it took 20 minutes for the first real efforts on goal – and three arrived in quick succession.

First, Marcus Kane saw a goalbound header deflected behind, then Shane McEleney was unable to connect with a Danny Amos free-kick when well placed. Moments later, Liam Burt forced Carrick keeper Nathan Gartside into a fine save.

Picture by Pacemaker Press

Glentoran continued to press but were punished on 35 minutes when Heatley broke the deadlock. The striker latched onto a lofted ball over the top from Joe Crowe, outpaced the Glentoran defence and slotted beyond Andrew Mills into the bottom corner.

The Glens restored parity in first-half injury-time when Jordan Stewart darted across the six-yard box to meet a cross from the left, his deft touch taking the ball beyond Gartside.

Just after the restart, Josh Kelly directed a corner from the right into the net with a sweet half-volley, but the referee’s assistant raised his flag for offside.

With 15 minutes remaining, Amos whipped a free-kick just wide of the left upright, with the home fans on their feet expecting the net to bulge. Substitute David Fisher, making his return from injury, delivered a series of excellent crosses from the right in the closing stages, but Carrick stood firm.

Next up for the Glens is another home tie on Tuesday evening in the Co Antrim Shield against Championship side Ards.

Full-Time: Glentoran 1 – 1 Carrick Rangers

Glentoran: Mills, Cooney, Kane (c), Kelly, Palmer, Stewart, McEleney, Burt, Amos, Singleton, Jenkins.
Subs: Urminsky, Fisher, Douglas, Hoban, Ferris, Lindsay, Russell.

Picture by Pacemaker Press