At the third time of asking, Duncan Ferguson is finally up and running as Glentoran manager.

After two draws to start his tenure in the Irish Premiership, a home debut for the former Everton striker had late drama under the Friday night lights at the Oval.

Jordan Stewart, dubbed the "wee man" by big Dunc after his first game, celebrated his contract extension by scoring the opening goal and, in a largely uneventful game, it looked like that would be the difference.

However, that all changed when Ben Cushnie equalised for Bangor in the 83rd minute, but there was more drama to follow as Cal Weatherup raced onto a long ball to slot home the winner with three minutes remaining and secure a first win for Ferguson as boss.

"I'm delighted to get my first three points at home, I'm absolutely made up," Ferguson said after the game.

"The boys kept on going until the very end."

Ferguson's first game in the Irish League was meant to be at home to Ballymena United on 24 October, but Storm Boelo and a waterlogged pitch delayed his highly-anticipated debut in the league.

Stewart scored the equaliser at then-leaders Coleraine in his first outing in the dugout the following week, and the Glens were then held to a goalless draw at Carrick Rangers.

But on Friday, Ferguson finally announced himself to the home support in east Belfast.

Despite a controlled first half and Stewart's opener, Ferguson felt that his side "sat too deep" before Bangor's equaliser, which came through former Glentoran man Cushnie.

But it was teenager Weatherup who was ultimately the difference, with a finish that Ferguson would have been proud of in his playing days as he slotted the ball between the legs of the onrushing Patrick Solis Grogan for his first goal of the campaign.

Ferguson said he was "made up" for the 18-year-old, who replaced Pat Hoban midway through the second half.

"We showed good character. We showed a bit of resilience," added the 54-year-old.

"They put us under pressure in the second half but that will happen. You're not going to dominate a game for the whole game at any level.

"I was delighted the boys showed character and resilience to get back into the game."

'We have to keep going'

Given their mixed start to the season, a charge at the Irish Premiership title is going to be a long shot.

But if the Glens are to have any aspirations of a first Gibson Cup since 2009 then it is important for them to keep pace with those above.

Leaders Linfield and nearest challengers Coleraine both were comfortable winners on Friday, while Larne bounced back from their poor recent win to beat Dungannon Swifts.

Glentoran are 14 points off the Blues but have a game in hand, and they face another tricky home test against Cliftonville next Friday to try and build upon the win over the Seasiders.

As he reflected on his start to the league, Ferguson admitted "I think we need to get better overall.

"We're not conceding many goals, but we just have to create more.

"That's the hardest part of the game, but we look solid and that's the main thing.

"I'm happy with the group and the league is very close together, from top to bottom".

With that in mind, especially as he continues his early steps in the league, it's just "one game at a time" for Ferguson, rather than thinking too far ahead.

"We've just got to keep going. I think that is seven or eight games undefeated now," he added.

"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."