Goals at the end of either half saw Glentoran earn a third consecutive league win with a hard-earned 2-0 win over Dungannon Swifts.

Skipper James Singleton headed the hosts in front five minutes before half-time, but they had to wait until additional time to score their second when Jack Malone waltzed through an absent Swifts defence to seal the points.

The visitors had their chances in an entertaining game with Kealan Dillon volleying against the woodwork when the score was 1-0 and Gael Bigirimana forcing a fine save out of Andrew mills in the home goal.

However, the result means the Glens add another three points under interim coaching staff Paddy McCourt and Tim McCann as they move up to fourth in the table.

Dungannon Swifts looked bright from the off and passed up a great chance to open the scoring inside the first 10 minutes as Sean McAllister's inviting delivery across the face of goal eluded everyone in a Swifts' shirt.

Kealan Dillon fizzed a low shot from distance narrowly past the post before Jamie Glackin forced a smart save out of Andrew Mills at his near post following good work from Leo Alves as the Swifts continued to impress.

At the other end, Jordan Stewart looked Glentoran's biggest attacking threat and he should have done better when presented with an opportunity by Ross Clarke.

The pair combined again midway through the half when Stewart played in the former Crusaders man, but he blazed well wide of the target from a good position.

Stewart's influence did eventually tell as the hosts broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time.

The winger got the better of his marker Shea Gordon before delivering an inviting cross into the heart of the Dungannon Swifts penalty area where James Singleton rose highest to guide his header past Alex Henderson for his first goal of the season.

The hosts picked up where they had left off following the restart, but it was Dungannon Swifts who came closest to scoring, midway through the second half.

First, Bigirimana forced a fine fingertip save out of Andrew Mills with a fierce drive from just outside the penalty area before the woodwork came to the Glens' rescue with Dillon's volley crashing off the crossbar from the resulting corner.

Leo Alves forced Andrew Mills into a comfortable save at his near post while, at the other end, Alex Henderson got down well to stop a Jordan Jenkins effort.

The three points were finally secured in added time as Malone raced clear of the Dungannon Swifts defence following a free-kick at the other end to calmly chip Henderson for his second goal of the season.

Glentoran head coach Paddy McCourt: "I'm absolutely delighted. It's been a tough couple of weeks with my close friend and the manager leaving but I thought that the spirit the boys showed there for long periods was fantastic.

"Jack Malone in the 92nd minute sprinting 50 yards and still having the composure to dink the goalkeeper typified our attitude, as did Jarlath O'Rourke returning after so long out.

"We spoke about being harder to beat as we've conceded too many sloppy goals in the early part of the season but I thought Andrew Mills was exceptional today, some of the saves he made, and that helps.

"We've tried to cut out the stupid mistakes, we've worked hard on that, and thankfully we've been able to do that today."

Dungannon Swifts head coach Rodney McAree: "I thought for large parts of the game we were very good, especially in the first half, and I thought going forward we were exceptional but we didn't show that ruthless streak and determination to put the ball in the net.

"We haven't scored enough goals this season but I can't fault the players for their effort even though it's frustrating.

"We concede a poor goal just before half-time and then concede a second late on when we're pushing for an equaliser and Glentoran capitalise.

"I'm disappointed we didn't get something out of the game in the end but I'm proud of the players."