Ferguson earns first Glentoran win as Weatherup beats Bangor late on

Duncan Ferguson won for the first time as Glentoran manager on Friday, as teenager Cal Weatherup scored three minutes from time to beat Bangor 2-1 at the Oval in east Belfast. It came at the third attempt, after two draws to begin his Irish Premiership tenure.

Late drama on a home debut

Jordan Stewart put Glentoran ahead, scoring the opener just after agreeing a contract extension. In a largely uneventful game, that looked likely to be enough.

Ben Cushnie, a former Glentoran player, levelled for Bangor in the 83rd minute. Weatherup, 18, then ran onto a long ball and finished between the legs of the onrushing Patrick Solis Grogan for his first goal of the campaign. He had replaced Pat Hoban midway through the second half.

Ferguson, 54, said afterwards: “I'm delighted to get my first three points at home, I'm absolutely made up.” He added: “The boys kept on going until the very end.”

“We showed good character. We showed a bit of resilience.”

A stop-start beginning

Ferguson's first league game was meant to be at home to Ballymena United on 24 October, but Storm Boelo and a waterlogged pitch delayed his debut.

Stewart scored the equaliser at then-leaders Coleraine the following week, in his first outing in the dugout. Glentoran were then held to a goalless draw at Carrick Rangers.

Ferguson felt his side “sat too deep” before Bangor's equaliser. He accepted they came under pressure in the second half, saying: “that will happen.”

What it means for Glentoran

BBC Sport described a title challenge as a long shot given Glentoran's mixed start. The club have not won the Gibson Cup since 2009, so keeping pace with the sides at the top will be important if they are to have any hopes of ending that wait.

For Ferguson, the former Everton striker, the result gives him something to build on. Whether it becomes the start of a run is the next test.

Can Ferguson turn Glentoran into title contenders? Tell us in the comments.