Daniel Larmour's stoppage-time header gave Glentoran a dramatic 1-0 victory over Limavady United at The Oval on Tuesday. The late winner keeps the Glens in third place in the Premiership standings with 20 points from 12 games, maintaining their recent unbeaten run. Their record of six wins, two draws, and four losses has them 11 points behind leaders Coleraine FC.
Larmour rose highest to meet Ben Gallagher's corner in the 93rd minute, powering the ball home for his first goal of the season. The defender's decisive intervention broke the deadlock in a match where clear chances were scarce for the home side. Goalkeeper Martin Gallagher had earlier preserved the clean sheet with a smart save to gather a curling effort from Ross Clarke.
Limavady's early threat
Limavady had started brightly and thought they had taken the lead inside the opening ten minutes. Jamie McGonigle found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. The visitors continued to probe, with Ronan Wilson forcing an early stop and McGonigle later testing the keeper with a free-kick. Glentoran struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with Jack Malone unable to connect with a dangerous flick from Clarke.
Interim manager Paddy McCourt introduced striker Pat Hoban at halftime for his first league appearance of the campaign. Hoban's presence offered a new focal point, and he soon forced a save with a headed attempt. The match seemed destined for a draw until Larmour's late intervention from a set-piece.
League position and run of form
The three points extend Glentoran's unbeaten league run to five matches, a sequence that includes four wins and a draw. This recent form, following a draw with Portadown and wins over Dungannon Swifts, Carrick Rangers, and Cliftonville, has seen them score 16 goals and concede only 10 this season. They now sit 11 points behind leaders Coleraine but have consolidated their position in the European qualification places. The victory also sees them keep pace with the chasing pack, as they aim to close the gap at the top.
Managerial speculation and next fixture
With speculation continuing over the permanent managerial position, linked with former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson, the team's focus now turns to Saturday 24 October. They host Ballymena United, who are currently sixth, at The Oval in their next Premiership fixture. McCourt's side will look to build on this momentum in front of their own supporters.
