Glentoran got their Premiership title bid off to a perfect start by beating newcomers Limavady United 2-0 with prolific Pat Hoban opening his goal account at The Oval.

Two goals in as many second half minutes – Jordan Stewart got the opener moments after coming off the bench before Hoban struck – helped set Declan Devine’s men on track for victory.

From top performers to match stats and much more, here’s the full verdict:

TOP RATED

placeholder image — Glentoran's Pat Hoban celebrates his goal. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

Glentoran (Jack Malone): Malone made a solid start to his first full season with Glentoran by producing a fine all-round performance.

The ex-Glenavon midfielder contributed in both defence and attack, helping to break up Limavady attacks and almost scored his side’s opener – but was denied by Martin Gallagher.

Joe Thomson also impressed while Ross Clarke made an impact being before replaced, whipping in a number of dangerous crosses.

Limavady United (Tiarnan Boorman): Limavady were defensively solid for the first 60 minutes of their Premiership return with Boorman clearing a Hoban attempt off the line in the first half.

The defender threw his body on the line with Kieran Farren and summer signing Stephen O'Donnell also impressing.

Sean Carlin covered a vast amount of ground in his first match since joining from Glenavon and Leon Boyd caused a threat down the right.

BIG MOMENT

Philip Lowry had an opportunity to put Limavady ahead early in the second half after a pinpoint cross from Leon Boyd, but sent his effort over the crossbar from close range. Could have made it nervy for the Glens if he’d converted at 0-0..

LINE UPS

Glentoran: BillyCrellin, Ryan Cooney, Marcus Kane, Zeno Ibsen Rossi, Joe Thomson, Ross Clarke, Aaron McEneff, Pat Hoban, James Singleton, Jack Malone, Jordan Jenkins.

Subs: Jordan Stewart for Jenkins (59), Josh Kelly for Clarke (71), Cal Weatherup for Malone (90+3)

Limavady United: Martin Gallagher, Kieran Farren, Tiarnan Boorman, Philip Lowry, Stephen Lowry, Oisin Duffy, Stephen O’Donnell, John Butcher, Rodney Brown, Sean Carlin, Leon Boyd.

Subs: Aaron Jarvis for S Lowry (61), Alfie Gaston for Duffy, Ronan Wilson for Boyd, Ruari Boorman for Carlin (all 74), Daniel Lafferty for Brown (84).

Referee: Michael McKenna

MATCH STATS

Goals: Glentoran – Jordan Stewart (61), Pat Hoban (63)

Cards: Glentoran – Jack Malone (34), Ross Clarke (47)

Limavady – Stephen Lowry (12), Sean Carlin (66), Philip Lowry (84)

TALKING POINTS

Limavady experience: Unlike many promoted teams, Limavady boast extensive previous Premiership experience in their squad with the Lowry brothers title winners at Linfield and Stephen O’Donnell spending significant time in the top flight at Coleraine and Ballymena United.

With so many players having been here before, it’s clear that know-how will help them adapt to life back in the Premiership for the first time in 18 years – don’t be surprised if they cause a few shocks.

Midfield maestros: Glentoran were dealt a major blow when they lost Cameron Palmer to Livingston this summer, and while they don’t have a direct replacement in that sitting position in terms of his quality, Declan Devine has a number of creative midfield options.

Jack Malone and Joe Thomson both had multiple attempts on goal, Aaron McEneff is capable of unlocking a defence, and Jordan Stewart made an immediate impact after coming on. It could all start to click nicely as the season progresses.

SPECIAL MENTION

Oisin Duffy’s physical presence was striking on his Premiership debut with the 20-year-old more than a match for the Glentoran defenders.

Stepping up two levels after scoring 15 goals in 23 Premier Intermediate League matches last season, Duffy’s size and pace will cause issues for Irish League defences this season.