Glentoran boss Declan Devine says his side switched off for Cliftonville’s goal as they went down to a 1-0 extra-time defeat in the BetMcLean Cup final.
Joe Gormey fired home from Ryan Corrigan’s cross to put the Reds in front on 99 minutes before Jonathan Russell shot over the bar with a late chance to equalise.
“I’m really disappointed with the manner that we lost it, we switched off,” said Devine.
“We just had a make a substitution because of an injury and within a minute or two we’re caught napping at the back post. But that’s what Joe Gormley does and has done for all of his career – that really was the difference.
“The game was calling out for someone to put the ball in the back of the net. We had a great opportunity at the end but weren’t able to take it.
Glentoran secured their first silverware in five years by winning the County Antrim Shield in January.
Devine praised his team’s effort despite falling short in Sunday’s decider at Windsor Park.
“I’m extremely proud of my players – each and every one absolutely emptied the tank but it’s not something we want to be experiencing too often [losing a cup final].
“The first goal was always going to be really important. We were just missing that one bit of quality in the opposition box.”
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