Irish Premiership

Glentoran 2 – 0 Limavady United FT

Second-half goals from Jordan Stewart and Pat Hoban ensured Glentoran began the new Irish Premiership season with a victory, though they faced a tough challenge from newcomers Limavady United.

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It took Glentoran until after the hour-mark to break the deadlock, with substitute Jordan Stewart scoring just moments after entering the match.

Only two minutes later, last season’s top scorer Pat Hoban made sure of the points by heading in Jack Malone’s cross.

Facing a team making its first top-flight appearance since 2008, the home side commenced strongly, with Marty Gallagher forced into action within two minutes to save a long-range attempt from new signing Zeno Rossi after Aaron McEneff’s initial cross had been cleared.

Five minutes later, Joe Thomson missed a great chance by sending a low shot past the post, following good setup play by Ross Clarke.

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Tiarnan Boorman played a crucial role in keeping the score level at the 16-minute mark as he prevented Hoban’s bundled effort from crossing the line, reacting quickly to clear following another delivery from Clarke.

Glentoran continued to push for an opening goal leading up to the half-hour mark, with Malone narrowly missing the target from distance and James Singleton crossing the ball across the Limavady goal, begging for a touch.

As the half approached its end, Declan Devine’s side faced another setback, as Gallagher managed to tip Thomson’s long-range shot over the bar.

Just 20 seconds into the second half, Limavady displayed their attacking intent when Oisin Duffy found space in the box, but his angled shot was parried away by home goalkeeper Billy Crellin.

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Shortly after, Glentoran appealed for a penalty when Clarke went down in the box after being overwhelmed by Boorman and Rodney Brown, but referee Michael McKenna ruled it a foul by Clarke instead.

The Roesiders gained confidence, with Philip Lowry nearly scoring on the 53-minute mark; however, his chipped effort went onto the roof of the net.

Lowry then had an even clearer opportunity three minutes later, but he uncharacteristically shot over from 10 yards after being set up by Leon Boyd.

Devine opted to introduce Stewart, replacing Jordan Jenkins, and the substitute made an instant impact by glancing Ryan Cooney’s corner into the net on the 61st minute.

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This lifted Glentoran, and just two minutes later, Pat Hoban capitalized on Malone’s cross to extend their lead and secure the win on opening day.

What the managers said

Glentoran manager Declan Devine: “Full credit to Limavady; they dug in and made it difficult for us.

“A win’s a win and a clean sheet [too]. At times some of our play was really good.

“For the first competitive league game of the season, it was mission accomplished, and we’ll get back in on Monday and keep working hard.

“If you had offered me a 2-0 win at the start of the game, I’d have bitten your hand off.”

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Limavady boss Paul Owens: “I think Glentoran probably deserved to win overall.

“The most disappointing aspect was our performance from 45 to 59 minutes; it was likely our best spell, where we linked up well.

“A minute before the first goal, we had a massive opportunity when Philip Lowry, known for scoring those kind of goals, missed.

“Conceding from a set-piece is disappointing, and the second goal soon after felt like it finished the match.”

Irish Premiership

Glentoran 2 – 0 Limavady United FT

Second-half goals from Jordan Stewart and Pat Hoban made sure Glentoran kicked off the new Irish Premiership season with a win, but they were made to work all the way by new boys Limavady United.

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It took until after the hour-mark for Glentoran to find the breakthrough with substitute Jordan Stewart nodding home only moments after coming off the bench.

Just two minutes later, last season’s top scorer Pat Hoban made the points safe when he headed home Jack Malone’s cross.

Against opposition making their first top-flight appearance since 2008, the hosts made a bright start with Marty Gallagher called into action inside two minutes to deal with new signing Zeno Rossi’s effort from outside the box after Aaron McEneff’s initial cross had been headed clear.

Joe Thomson spurned a great opportunity five minutes later as he whistled a low drive past the post following good work by Ross Clarke to tee him up.

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The Roesiders had Tiarnan Boorman to thank for keeping the score goalless on 16 minutes as the defender got back to hack Hoban’s bundled effort off the line from another Clarke delivery.

The Glens continued to knock at the door towards the half-hour mark with Malone firing narrowly over from distance before James Singleton drilled another ball across the face of the Limavady goal that was just begging to be touched home.

Approaching the break, Declan Devine’s side were denied again as Gallagher reacted well to tip Thomson’s long-range effort over the bar.

Only 20 seconds into the second half Limavady showed their first attacking intent as Oisin Duffy found space in the box, but his shot from the angle was pushed away by Billy Crellin in the home goal.

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Minutes later Glentoran were calling for a penalty as Clarke went down in the box after being crowded out by Boorman and Rodney Brown but referee Michael McKenna deemed it was the Glens winger who had committed the foul.

The Roesiders were growing in belief as Philip Lowry almost snuck in to grab a trademark goal on 53 minutes but his dinked effort looped on to the roof of the net.

The former Linfield man had an even better chance three minutes later after Leon Boyd had picked him out in front of goal, but Lowry uncharacteristically blazed over from 10 yards.

Devine then looked to his bench with Stewart coming on to replace Jordan Jenkins and he made an immediate impact, glancing home Ryan Cooney’s corner on 61 minutes.

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That was the boost Glentoran needed as just two minutes later Pat Hoban got on the end of Malone’s cross to double their advantage and seal the opening day win.

What the managers said

Glentoran manager Declan Devine: “Full credit to Limavady, they dug in and made it difficult for us.

“A win’s a win and a clean sheet [too]. At times some of our play was really good.

“For the first competitive league game of the season it was mission accomplished and we’ll get back in on Monday and keep working hard.

“If you had have offered me a 2-0 win at the start of the game, I’d have bitten your hand off.”

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Limavady boss Paul Owens: “I think over the piece probably Glentoran deserved to win.

“The most disappointing thing was from 45 to 59 minutes was probably our best spell, we started putting together a lot of passes and a minute before the [first] goal had a huge, huge chance when Philip Lowry has made a career of scoring those.

“To concede a goal from a set-piece is obviously disappointing and then the second soon after probably killed the game off.”