A first half flurry of goals ensured that second placed Linfield Swifts stretched their unbeaten run in the NIFL U20 Premiership to seven games as they overcame rivals Glentoran II 3-2 on Monday night at Ashfield.
Boosted by the appearance of some first team stars, the Blues went ahead on 23 minutes through summer signing Andrew Clarke before Ross Boyd swiftly doubled their lead four minutes later. Chris McKee added a third from the spot on 29 minutes before Bailey Locke pulled one back for the Glens before half-time.
Mal Smith then reduced the deficit further with 14 minutes remaining, but Linfield held on for the victory which moved them level with leaders Crusaders, having played a game less than the North Belfast club.