Gary Hamilton scored twice away to Ballymena United

The Glens netted the opener after nine minutes when Rory Hamill got a slight touch on Gary Hamilton's free-kick to score against his former club.

Alan McDonald's men doubled their lead early in the second half when Hamilton headed in his ninth goal of the season.

Hamilton struck again before a mistake by United defender Gary Haveron let Michael Halliday in to make it 4-0.

Glentoran defender Colin Nixon praised the role of Hamilton in the resounding victory.

"At half-time, when we were 1-0 up, we knew if we kept working hard we would win the game," he said.

"To win 4-0 is a great result for us.

"Gary Hamilton was fantastic again. He is pivotal in our team and we are lucky to have him.

"But everyone contributed and now we can look forward to taking on Cliftonville in the Sheild semi-final on Tuesday."