Glentoran produced a dominant derby display at Seaview, with first-half strikes from Jordan Jenkins and Josh Kelly securing a commanding 2–0 win over Crusaders.
The result extends the Glens’ perfect start to the Sports Direct Premiership, four wins from four, and keeps Declan Devine’s side sitting proudly at the summit.
After a cagey opening half-hour, the deadlock was broken in the 31st minute. A dangerous delivery from Liam Burt was cleverly flicked on by James Singleton into the path of Jenkins. The striker was initially denied by the woodwork as his shot cannoned off the right-hand post, but when the home defence hesitated, Jenkins reacted quickest to emphatically fire home the rebound.
Picture by Pacemaker Press
Glentoran doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. A well-worked free-kick was glanced on by Danny Amos, and Kelly showed superb anticipation to steer the ball past Jonny Tuffey. It was a landmark moment for the forward, marking his first goal for the club since joining in 2023, and giving the visitors a commanding lead at the interval.
The Glens thought they had put the game beyond doubt shortly after the restart when Singleton headed home, only for the linesman’s flag to rule the effort out for offside.
Crusaders sought a way back and carved out their best opportunity on 54 minutes. Lloyd Anderson looked destined to score, but Andrew Mills produced a superb reflex save to preserve his clean sheet and ensure all three points would return to East Belfast.
Next up for the league leaders is a home clash with fellow unbeaten side Carrick Rangers at the BetMcLean Oval next Saturday.
Glentoran: Mills, Cooney, Kane, Kelly, Palmer, Stewart, McEleney, Burt, Amos, Singleton, Jenkins.
Subs: Urminsky, Hvid, Hoban, Ferris, Lindsay, Russell, Johnson.
Picture by Pacemaker Press