Ferguson records first Glentoran win as late Weatherup goal beats Bangor

Duncan Ferguson claimed his first three points as Glentoran manager as a late goal from teenager Cal Weatherup gave the Glens a 2-1 win over Bangor at the Oval on Friday night. It was Ferguson's home debut in the Irish Premiership, following two draws at the start of his tenure, and he said afterwards he was "absolutely made up" to get the result in front of the home support.

Jordan Stewart, who signed a contract extension, opened the scoring and the lead looked likely to hold in what Ferguson described as a largely controlled first half. Bangor equalised through former Glentoran player Ben Cushnie in the 83rd minute, before 18-year-old substitute Weatherup ran onto a long ball and finished between the legs of goalkeeper Patrick Solis Grogan with three minutes left.

Ferguson acknowledged his side had sat too deep before the equaliser but praised the character and resilience his players showed to recover. He said he was delighted for Weatherup, who replaced Pat Hoban in the second half, and stressed that no team can dominate an entire game at any level.

The result follows a disrupted start for Ferguson, whose scheduled home league debut against Ballymena United on 24 October was postponed because of Storm Boelo and a waterlogged pitch. A draw at Coleraine, in which Stewart equalised, and a goalless draw at Carrick Rangers preceded Friday's win. Ferguson also said the team needs to improve overall, creating more chances while remaining solid defensively.

Glentoran remain 14 points behind leaders Linfield, who won comfortably on Friday, though the Glens have a game in hand. Coleraine and Larne also picked up wins. Ferguson said his side must keep going and keep winning for a big club whose supporters expect it, and he is taking the campaign one game at a time, with Cliftonville visiting the Oval next Friday.

Source: BBC Sport

Image: Pacemaker / BBC Sport