At the third time of asking, Duncan Ferguson has finally recorded a win as Glentoran manager. After two draws to open his tenure in the Irish Premiership, the former Everton striker's home debut at the Oval under the Friday night lights produced late drama. Jordan Stewart, dubbed the "wee man" by Ferguson after his first game, celebrated his contract extension by scoring the opening goal, and for much of a largely uneventful match it looked like that would be the difference.
That changed when Ben Cushnie, a former Glentoran player, equalised for Bangor in the 83rd minute. Three minutes from time, 18-year-old Cal Weatherup raced onto a long ball and slotted the winner between the legs of Patrick Solis Grogan, securing Ferguson's first win as boss. The teenager had replaced Pat Hoban midway through the second half. "I'm delighted to get my first three points at home, I'm absolutely made up," Ferguson said. "The boys kept on going until the very end."S1S2
The result came after a delayed start. Ferguson's first league game, at home to Ballymena United on 24 October, was postponed by Storm Boelo and a waterlogged pitch. Stewart then scored the equaliser at then-leaders Coleraine the following week, and Glentoran were held to a goalless draw at Carrick Rangers before Friday's win. Ferguson, 54, said his side had "sat too deep" before Bangor's equaliser, adding, "We showed good character. We showed a bit of resilience."S1S2
Given their mixed start, a challenge for the Irish Premiership title looks a long shot, though keeping pace with those above remains important for the Glens' aspirations of a first Gibson Cup since 2009. Leaders Linfield and Coleraine both won comfortably on Friday, while Larne beat Dungannon Swifts. Glentoran are 14 points behind the Blues but have a game in hand. Ferguson acknowledged that the team must improve its attacking output: "We're not conceding many goals, but we just have to create more."S1S2
Glentoran next face Cliftonville at home next Friday, another tricky test as they look to build on the win over Bangor.S1S2
