Glentoran deliver latest statement to rivals with decisive first-half flourish

Having clocked up derby delight twice within a week over defending champions and league leaders Linfield - either side of a defeat of Dungannon Swifts - the Glens secured a fifth consecutive league win off a blistering start to see off spirited Carrick.

Jay Donnelly’s quickfire brace fired Glentoran into two-goal control inside the opening 14 minutes as the visitors hit half-time clear by 5-0 to effectively cement the three points.

Caolan Loughran’s deflected long-range free-kick drive forced Glentoran goalkeeper Dayle Coleing into an early save at a stretch.

However, the Glens grabbed control when Donnelly displayed clever control inside the area before finding the net off a left-foot drive on the run.

Coleing was alert to protect the clean sheet after good work by Carrick’s Daniel Kelly and Lloyd Anderson but Donnelly doubled his personal tally moments later.

Having broken the deadlock on 11 minutes, he slotted in his second on 14 after Glentoran won possession in midfield and Dale Gorman’s forward ball allowed the striker a chance to round goalkeeper Aaron Hogg and convert.

The pain continued for Rangers on 17 minutes when Glentoran added number three.

Gorman was central during the build-up play and a slick reverse pass by Rory Donnelly presented supporting full-back Caolan Marron with a sight of goal - with his low shot drifting wide before Reece Glendinning turned it over his own line after racing back in a clearance attempt.

Rory Donnelly squandered a gilt-edged opening, off another searching Gorman pass, when he blasted over the target from a promising position.

However, he delivered another assist around the half-hour mark by connecting to a pass into the danger area, with Conor McMenamin attacking the bouncing ball with a looping close-range header beyond Hogg.

McMenamin required treatment after appearing to turn his ankle but ultimately recovered to continue his role in Glentoran’s slick start.

Hogg was on hand to deny Rory Donnelly but, in the closing stages of the half, the Glentoran player added his name to the scoresheet with a composed finish.

Carrick offered greater resolve after the interval and Jordan Jenkins fired goalwards from distance before Glentoran carved out additional openings.

Hogg left Rory Donnelly frustrated with a fine stop before Gorman’s attempt from a wide angle proved wide of the mark.

Another Hogg save prevented substitute Cameron Stewart from increasing the away side’s margin of victory but the 5-0 success left Glentoran third in the table.

CARRICK RANGERS: Hogg, Loughran, Chapman, Kelly, Smith (Neale, 53), Glendinning, Gibson, Anderson (Storey, 51), Jenkins (Millar, 66), Ramsey, Friel.

Subs (not used): McKinty, McKenna, Cherry, McMullan.

GLENTORAN: Coleing, Marron, McCullough, McClean, Kane, O’Connor, Gorman, Bigirimana, McMenamin (Stewart, 52), R.Donnelly (Crowe, 67), J.Donnelly (McDonagh, 37).

Subs (not used): Brown, Marshall, Clucas, Plum.

Referee: Steven Gregg.

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