Glentoran striker Gary Browne squandered first-half chances

Tony Shields scored the winner from the penalty spot on nine minutes after a foul on Niall Cooke.

The Glens pressed for an equaliser but Gary Browne wasted three good chances while William McDonagh went close.

Limavady created the best second-half opening but Austin Friel dragged wide when clear through on goal.

Glentoran midfielder Sean Ward was stretchered off with facial injuries midway through the first half after he collided with a United opponent.

The reigning champions are now 18 points behind Linfield after a run of just one league win in seven games.