On an afternoon conversation centred around Duncan Ferguson’s imminent appointment as Glentoran’s new boss, The Oval outfit left it late to secure maximum points against Limavady United with Saturday’s 1-0 Premiership triumph.

The Glens extended their unbeaten league run under interim manager Paddy McCourt to five matches - a streak which now includes four wins after Daniel Larmour tapped home from close range in the dying seconds.

It’s expected former Rangers and Everton striker Ferguson will be in place for next weekend’s visit of Ballymena United – the Scotsman will be looking to build further on current momentum.

Here’s all you need to know from Saturday’s match:

placeholder image — Limavady's Lewis Tosh is closed down by Glentoran's Jack Malone and Gregory Sloggett. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

TOP RATED

Glentoran (Ross Clarke): It was an underwhelming afternoon for the hosts as they failed to test Limavady goalkeeper Martin Gallagher with any regularity, but a number of potential chances came courtesy of Clarke deliveries.

The winger forced Gallagher into a save in the first half after cutting in off the left and whipped in a number of crosses which were crying out for decisive contact in the box.

Limavady United (Kieran Farren): The Roesiders had only kept one clean sheet in their previous 10 Premiership matches – and came within seconds of making that two away at a full-time team.

Former Coleraine centre-back Farren put his body on the line, blocking a number of shots and showing composure under pressure, while partner Tiarnan Boorman also impressed.

BIG MOMENT

In a major boost for Glentoran, star striker Pat Hoban, who finished his debut Premiership season as top goalscorer last term having netted 26 times, made his return from injury as a half-time substitute.

The 35-year-old hadn’t featured in the league since the opening day – which was also against Limavady – and will provide the incoming Glens boss with crucial firepower.

LINE UPS

GLENTORAN: Andrew Mills, Ryan Cooney, Marcus Kane (Ciaran Rogers-Duffy, 75), Ross Clarke, Aaron McEneff (James Douglas, 66), Greg Sloggett (Pat Hoban, 46), Ethan Brown, Daniel Larmour, Conor McMenamin (Ben Gallagher, 66), Jack Malone, Jordan Jenkins (Josh Daniels, 61)

Subs: Billy Crellin, Jack Faloona

LIMAVADY: Martin Gallagher, Jay Riley (John Butcher, 66), Kieran Farren, Tiarnan Boorman, Philip Lowry, Stephen Lowry (Aaron Jarvis, 80), Jamie McGonigle, Lewis Tosh, Ruairi Boorman, Daniel Lafferty, Ronan Wilson

Subs: Fintan Doherty, Oisin Duffy, Adam Mullan, Luke Fleming

Referee: Steven Gregg

MATCH STATS

Goals

Glentoran: None

Limavady: None

Cards

Glentoran: Jack Malone (69), Ciaran Rogers-Duffy (86)

Limavady: Daniel Lafferty (59), Jamie McGonigle (90+1)

TALKING POINTS

Glentoran manager search almost over: The 90 minutes on Saturday was undoubtedly overshadowed by reports that the Glens’ month-long search for Declan Devine’s successor is at an end.

Former Rangers and Everton striker Duncan Ferguson is set to take over at The Oval, returning to management after a two-year absence – he left his position as Inverness Caledonian Thistle boss in October 2024.

The ex-Forest Green Rovers chief is certainly a high-profile appointment and will enhance the Irish League’s profile.

Limavady strides: The Roesiders rocked up at The Oval on the opening day of the Premiership season after booking their return to Northern Ireland’s top-flight for the first time in almost two decades, suffering a 2-0 defeat.

In the 70 days between Glentoran visits, Paul Owens’ side have clearly settled into life amongst the elite and built confidence through a solid run in recent weeks.

Defensively resolute, experience throughout their squad and possessing an attacking threat in Jamie McGonigle, Limavady look comfortable in the Premiership.