Champions Glentoran strolled to an emphatic opening-day Carling Premiership win over a poor Lisburn Distillery outfit at Ballyskeagh.

Paul Leeman headed the Glens ahead on 18 minutes after Michael Halliday had flicked on a Gary Hamilton corner.

Richard Clarke marked his Glens debut by slotting a 25th-minute penalty after Aaron Callaghan's foul on Halliday.

Hamilton tapped in Glentoran's third on 36 minutes and Johnny Taylor completed the scoring in the second half.

It was a disappointing debut for new Whites striker Glenn Ferguson who received very little service from his colleagues.

Richard Clarke celebrates after slotting his penalty at Ballyskeagh

But it was a different story for Glens debutant Clarke who produced an outstanding display.

Hamilton was also impressive for the Glens and he set up Leeman's 18th-minute opener with a pinpoint corner which was flicked on by Halliday to the centre back.

Clarke's penalty doubled Glentoran's lead on 25 minutes after Callaghan's foul on Halliday.

The Distillery defence was under real pressure with Dave Rogers' surprise suspension a pre-match blow for the Whites.

New Whites boss Jimmy Brown only learned of Rogers' one-match ban, carried over from the League of Ireland, on Friday afternoon.

Hamilton tapped in Glentoran's third on 36 minutes after a superb breakaway with Clarke and Halliday both involved.

Taylor completed the rout in the second half as the Glens made a great start to their attempt to retain the title for the first time in 42 years.

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