Jordan Stewart fired the hosts ahead in the 24th minute, but substitute Ben Cushnie looked to have rescued a point for the Seasiders with a late equaliser.

However, Weatherup had the final say, racing onto Ross Clarke's long ball before drilling a low effort past Patrick Solis Grogan to secure all three points for the Glens.

The result ended Ferguson's wait for a first victory following successive away draws against Coleraine and Carrick Rangers, while Bangor's hopes of a third consecutive league win were dashed.

Ferguson celebrates dramatic home debut

Glentoran enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and made their dominance count when Aaron McEneff burst down the right before drilling a low cross into the box, which evaded James Douglas but fell invitingly for Stewart to blast home.

The hosts suffered a setback shortly after the half-hour mark when Conor McMenamin was forced off following a collision with Bangor's Harry Lynch.

Bangor threatened before the interval with Steven McCullough testing Andrew Mills from distance before curling another effort narrowly wide following a corner.

The visitors showed greater attacking intent after the restart with Lewis Francis directing Lynch's cross into the path of Ben Arthurs, whose awkward effort drifted wide.

Stewart also fired wide for Glentoran, while Arthurs had appeals for a penalty waved away after going to ground inside the box.

Bangor eventually levelled when Mackenzie Strachan's ambitious effort was parried by Mills into the path of Cushnie, who fired home from close range.

However, there was more drama to come after Clarke's long ball caught out Lynch, who slipped as he attempted to intercept, allowing Weatherup to race clear and drive home the winner.

Iestyn Hughes fired wide in stoppage time as Bangor searched for another equaliser, but the Glens held on to give Ferguson a memorable first night in the home dugout.