Daniel Larmour's late goal secured the three points for Glentoran against Limavady United as they claimed a narrow 1-0 win at a sunny Oval.

Build-up to the game had been dominated by speculation that former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson is set to become the new boss of the east Belfast side and, if it was to be Paddy McCourt's last game in interim charge, it is not one that will live long in the memory.

Limavady came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half with Jamie McGonigle's effort ruled out for offside in the opening 10 minutes.

Then, with the last chance of the game, the home side sealed the win when Larmour fired home Ben Gallagher's corner at the back post.

The away side made a bright start with Ronan Wilson and McGonigle having good chances in the opening five minutes.

In the seventh minute, Limavady thought they had opened the scoring when the in-form McGonigle's powerful effort from the edge of the box found the top corner.

However, he was adjudged to have been marginally offside and the goal was chalked off.

As the half progressed, Glentoran began to dominate with Jack Malone unable to get the connection needed to steer home Ross Clarke's flick before Martin Gallagher was called into action to gather Clarke's curling shot.

The lively McGonigle continued to look a threat and, in a cagey closing 10 minutes of the half, his effort sailed just wide.

At the break, McCourt brought on striker Pat Hoban for his first league appearance since the opening game of the season.

However, the substitution did not have the instant impact that the home side desired, with chances to make the breakthrough few and far between.

In the only real opportunity in the opening 20 minutes of the half, McGonigle's free-kick forced Mills to make a comfortable save.

Hoban's header was then gathered by Gallagher before fellow Glentoran substitute Gallagher fired well over the crossbar.

The Glens secured the victory in second-half additional time when Gallagher's well-timed corner found the unmarked Larmour, who steered home from close range for his first goal of the season.

Interim Glentoran manager Paddy McCourt: "I thought we started OK, had a few chances in the first half and then for long period, the game went a bit flat and we struggled with the tempo.

"We went long periods without creating a lot but in fairness to the players, they stuck at it and we went right to the end and ended up scoring in the 93rd minute.

"I have to give the players credit, we've played better this season and come away with nothing, but they kept going to that last minute and got a set piece. So, I am just delighted with the three points."

Limavady manager Paul Owens: "I am just ultimately disappointed. I am more gutted to the players, I'll take it OK.

"I'll get up in the morning and start thinking about next week. That's the start of that second round of fixtures; it's been a really good first set.

"Not the result we wanted, but in terms of performance, I feel that just shows how far we've come over the three months so far."