Back-to-back league wins for Larne

PSNI's Joe McWilliams
and Larne's Eoin Gillan go head-to-head
during Saturday's match at Newforge. Photo: Presseye — PSNI's Joe McWilliams and Larne's Eoin Gillan go head-to-head during Saturday's match at Newforge. Photo: Presseye

In the end, it was a deserved win for the Reds and a massive improvement from last week’s Steel Cup exit at the hands of Sport & Leisure.

“I had asked for a reaction from the players and I got it today and I am delighted,” said manager Davy McAlinden. “We have four league games this month and that is our second league win on the bounce, so it is very pleasing.”

He added: “We now need to build on this win at Armagh next week and keep the momentum going.”

Larne had the ideal start with the opener on six minutes. A Stuart King free-kick was spilled by keeper David Harrison. First to react was Paul Maguire who was onto the loose ball in a flash to tuck it home.

PSNI’s Ashton McDermott wasted a great chance to level things up before the Reds doubled their lead when Another King free-kick wasn’t cleared and broke to Ciaran Murray who thundered a shot into the net.

Larne wrapped up the points 18 minutes from time. Ross Davison broke clear on the left and laid the ball into the path of Scott Irvine who gave the keeper no chance from just inside the box.

Larne: Connolly, Todd, Davison, McClean, Reynolds, McMullen, Irvine, King (G. Gillan 85) E.Gillan, Maguire, Murray (McCabe 70). Subs not used: Smith, Rooney, Thompson.

Click here for a picture slideshow from Saturday’s game