Limavady United’s long-awaited return to the NIFL Premiership began with a 2–0 defeat away to Glentoran at the BetMcLean Oval, in front of a crowd of 2,384.
Glentoran started the stronger of the two sides and had the better of the chances in the first half without finding a breakthrough. Joe Thomson tested Limavady goalkeeper Marty Gallagher with a low effort, Pat Hoban headed against the line from a Ross Clarke cross, and Thomson was denied again just before half-time by a fine save from Gallagher.
Limavady grew into the game after the break and had spells of real promise. Oisin Duffy forced a save from Glentoran’s Billy Crellin, and Philip Lowry twice went close — first with a flicked effort that drifted over, then with a shot from a Leon Boyd cross that also cleared the bar.
The breakthrough for the home side came in the 61st minute, when substitute Jordan Stewart glanced home a header from a Ryan Cooney corner. Glentoran doubled their lead two minutes later, Pat Hoban — last season’s leading scorer — heading in from a Jack Malone cross to the back post. Limavady pushed for a way back into the game but couldn’t find a response, and Glentoran saw out the win.
It’s a tough start, but a landmark day all the same: Limavady United’s first competitive fixture in the NIFL Premiership since losing senior status in 2008. Referee Michael McKenna took charge of the match.
Attention now turns to the first home game of the new era — see the Match Centre for the next fixture.