Duncan Ferguson Celebrates First Win as Glentoran Manager
After an initial challenging start, Duncan Ferguson has finally secured his first victory as Glentoran manager in the Irish Premiership. Following two draws, the former Everton striker’s home debut at the Oval unfolded with late-game excitement on Friday night.
Jordan Stewart, affectionately referred to as the “wee man” by Ferguson, marked his contract extension with the opening goal. In what was largely a quiet match, Stewart’s strike seemed to set the tone for a Glentoran win.
However, the dynamics changed dramatically when Ben Cushnie equalised for Bangor in the 83rd minute. Yet, in a thrilling conclusion, Cal Weatherup took advantage of a long ball to slot home the decisive goal just three minutes from the end, ensuring Ferguson’s first win in charge.
“I’m delighted to get my first three points at home, I’m absolutely made up,” Ferguson expressed after the match. “The boys kept on going until the very end.”
Ferguson’s inaugural Irish League match had originally been scheduled against Ballymena United on October 24, but Storm Boelo and an unplayable pitch postponed the much-anticipated debut. In his following match, Stewart scored to equalise against league leaders Coleraine, and the Glens subsequently played to a goalless draw at Carrick Rangers.
On Friday, however, Ferguson finally connected with the home fans in east Belfast. Despite a controlled first half and Stewart’s early goal, he noted that his team had “sat too deep” leading up to Bangor’s equaliser from former Glentoran player Cushnie.
Teenager Weatherup, who replaced Pat Hoban during the second half, ultimately made the difference with an impressive finish, threading the ball through the legs of the approaching Patrick Solis Grogan for his first goal of the season. Ferguson expressed pride in the 18-year-old’s contribution.
“We showed good character. We showed a bit of resilience,” the 54-year-old manager remarked. He acknowledged that the second half brought increased pressure, a normal occurrence in competitive matches.
‘We have to keep going’
With a mixed start to the season, Glentoran’s quest for the Irish Premiership title appears daunting. To maintain aspirations of clinching their first Gibson Cup since 2009, they need to stay in contention with the leaders.
Current leaders Linfield and closest rivals Coleraine secured easy victories on Friday, while Larne rebounded to defeat Dungannon Swifts. Glentoran now finds themselves 14 points behind Linfield but still has a game in hand. Next up is a challenging home encounter against Cliftonville, where they hope to build on the win.
Reflecting on the season’s start, Ferguson acknowledged the need for improvement. “I think we need to get better overall. We’re not conceding many goals, but we just have to create more,” he said. “That’s the hardest part of the game, but we look solid and that’s the main thing.”
Ferguson emphasized a focus on gradual progress, noting, “We’ve just got to keep going. I think that is seven or eight games undefeated now. We have to keep going and keep winning. We’re a big club and the fans want us to keep winning, and I’m glad we got the three points for them today.”
