McMENAMIN FINISH GIVES GLENS THE EDGE

Glentoran moved back into second spot in the Danske Bank Premiership with a narrow victory over Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.

A cautious opening to proceedings saw little more than half chances created, mainly by the visitors through Seanan Clucas and Shay McCartan before, with around a quarter-of-an-hour gone, the latter fired just over from the edge of the area.

McCartan threatened again soon after when he produced a couple of saves from Dwayne Nelson in quick succession while, for the Swifts, Joe McCready attempted to lob the ball over Aaron McCarey.

Both sides began to get into the game as it progressed with Conor McMenamin curling an effort against the base of the post before, just before the break, the home side had the ball in the net when Bilel Mohsni stooped to head in at the back post only for it to be ruled out offside.

However, what proved to be the only goal of the game, came on 43 minutes after Jay Donnelly forced a save from Nelson but the ball fell for McMenamin who made no mistake from eight yards.

Glens keeper McCarey was called into action around the hour to deal with a McCready strike from the edge of the area as the Swifts attempted to get back into the game before, a few minutes after that, Shane McGinty curled one just wide of the target.

At the other end Michael O'Connor saw an effort saved by Nelson but the last chance fell to James Knowles who looked to have beaten McCarey from 30 yards but the visiting keeper pulled out a fabulous save to preserve Glentoran's lead.

Dungannon Swifts: Nelson, Knowles, Mayse, McCready, Campbell, Breen, C. McGinty, S. McGinty, Devlin, McGee, Mohsni subs Groogan (not used), Coyle (not used), Glynn (replaced Breen 81), Gallagher (replaced Mayse 72), Conway (not used), Friel (replaced McCready 72), Walsh (replaced Devlin 72)

Glentoran: McCarey, Burns, Marshall, J. Donnelly, R. Donnelly, Murray, Clucas, Marron, McMenamin, McCartan, Cole subs Plum (not used), McDaid (not used), O’Connor (replaced R. Donnelly 68), Powers (replaced McCartan 58), Cushnie (not used), Glendinning (not used), Crowe (not used)