Glentoran beat Cliftonville 3-1 to win the inaugural JJB Premiership by one point from Linfield and claim their first league title success since 2005.

Dean Fitzgerald forced the ball in from the rebound in the sixth minute after Gary Hamilton had hit the post.

Kyle Neill fired in the second through the legs of goalkeeper John Connolly on 17 minutes and Mattie Burrows lobbed Connolly for the third on 82 minutes.

Rory Hamill slotted in a consolation for the Reds with four minutes left.

In the opening minutes of the game, Neill appeared to have his shirt tugged inside the area but the referee waved play on.

Elliott Morris made a vital early save from Barry Johnston's deflected shot to keep the match scoreless before Fitzgerald beat Connolly to break the deadlock.

Halliday hit the sidenetting, Neill made it 2-0 and Morris blocked Rory Hamill's effort.

For the second, Davy McAlinden's header back to the goalkeeper fell short, Hamilton picked the ball up and passed the ball to Michael Halliday, who set up Neill to score.

The second half petered out as the Glens contemplated their 22nd Irish League championship success but substitute Burrows took advantage of poor Cliftonville defending to chip Connolly.

Hamill scored late on for the visiting Irish Cup finalists.

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