Glentoran manager Declan Devine knows title rivals were “hoping and praying” they dropped points against Carrick Rangers – but hailed the “relentless” nature of his side as MJ Kamson-Kamara struck late to secure a 1-0 Premiership victory over Carrick Rangers.

The Glens have now moved into second and sit five points adrift of leaders Larne, who they’ll face in the Irish Cup quarter-finals on Friday, with one match in hand in what promises to be a thrilling race for Gibson Cup glory.

Devine’s men have lost just one of their last eight league matches – a 1-0 defeat to ‘Big Two’ rivals Linfield – as they look to end the club’s 17-year wait for a league title.

The Glens haven’t finished above third since claiming the Premiership crown in 2009, but are gaining momentum at the right time – no top-flight team has picked up more points than the East Belfast outfit (32) across the last 15 matches played by each side.

placeholder image — MJ Kamson-Kamara celebrates scoring Glentoran's winner against Carrick Rangers. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

Carrick sit fifth on that list with a stunning run of form putting Stephen Baxter’s side in the race for a European play-off position and Devine knows just how crucial victory was.

"It was a huge three points for us,” Devine told the club’s media channel. “There were a lot of teams hoping and praying we dropped points.

"It was important we went about our job in the right manner.

"The pleasing aspect for me is that nobody got anxious or on the edge of their seat, the fans were magnificent, they stayed with the team, got right behind the team, the noise they made, we need more of that.

"The players didn’t stop, they didn’t feel the anxiety of the game running away from us, we were relentless in our pursuit of the points.

"Full credit to the players because they never stopped. Our work ethic was outstanding, we came up against a very low block, a team which was frustrating us and killing time, we just kept going.

"Any other night, that could have been a dire 0-0, but there’s a real appetite and hunger in the group.

"It’s only three points, but it’s an important three points. We’ll dust down and get ready for a big game on Friday, but tonight was about everyone in The Oval pulling together.

"I’m absolutely delighted with the application of the players, it’s a magnificent three points.”

Glentoran have kept fewer clean sheets (11) than Larne and Linfield (both 16) but have now registered four in 10 league matches across 2026.

They’ll round out their pre-split league schedule against Bangor, Cliftonville and Coleraine – the Glens also have an Irish Cup quarter-final and BetMcLean Cup final coming up – and Devine stressed the importance of defensive solidity.

"We need to get back to clean sheets, that’s important,” he added. “We were disappointed we gave a goal away on Saturday when we were so dominant, we were disappointed with the goal we gave away at Windsor when we were really dominant for spells in the game.

"If you keep clean sheets, I think this team has goals in it. It was a magnificent effort.”