Darren Lockhart scored a late header for Glentoran against Ards

Shane Reddish's team, down to 10 men after David Fairclough's dismissal, looked like they were going to hold on for a confidence-boosting draw.

But the Glens made the breakthrough with a Darren Lockhart header in the 90th minute of normal time.

Chris Morgan scored an injury-time penalty and Ards had Aidan Watson sent-off for a comment to the referee.

So a crushing finish for Ards who have now taken just two points from their last nine league games.

With title rivals Portadown and Linfield winning, the Glens badly needed the win to stay in touch.

But they looked in danger of dropping two precious points after 89 scoreless minutes against Ards.

Then Lockhart headed in from a Gavin Melaugh corner to make it 1-0 to Roy Coyle's side.

Then in stoppage-time the Glens got a penalty when their former player Marty Hunter fouled Melaugh and Morgan tucked away the spot-kick.

Daily Mirror Irish Premier League results
Cliftonville 0-2 Portadown