Having progressed to the next round of the County Antrim Shield earlier in the week courtesy of a 3-0 win over Dundela with a brace from Bertie Fulton and a Ryan McLoughlin goal there was optimism among the fans ahead of the Steel Cup game.

It was far from plain sailing however as Larne never really got going and the home side managed by former Larne player Phil McDonagh will be disappointed that they didn’t get something from the tie.

Graham McConnell’s side started poorly and it was McDonagh who had the first noteworthy chance on sixteen minutes firing a half volley just wide of the upright. The visitors then went close when Fulton latched onto a loose ball but he also failed to hit the target.

The only goal of the game came on thirty three minutes. Reid delivered a low corner from the right side to find Cardwell, his header flying past Hartley in the home goal. Larne then enjoyed their bet spell of the game and in truth they could have killed off the Dromara challenge before the break.

With thirty eight minutes gone Ryan McLoughlin crossed for his namesake Damien who should have doubled the lead but saw his header cleared off the line. The former then had two chances to get on the scoresheet.

Firstly he dragged a Moore cross well wide then saw a close range shot well saved by Hartley. After the break Dromara looked the more threatening and were denied an equaliser on sixty two minutes when a well struck shot rattled the crossbar.

Moore was quickly onto the loose ball scrambling it away form the danger area. Neeson who had another solid game between the posts kept Larne in front with an outstanding save to tip McAuley’s goalbound effort over the top.

With five minute of the game left Fulton had a chance to finish it. He picked up a pass on the edge of the box and turned to get in a shot which was blocked for a corner. Fulton had an even better chance to add his third of the season when he rose unchallenged to meet a Dickson cross only to head straight into the arms of Hartley.

RESULT: DROMARA VILLAGE 0, LARNE 1(Cardwell)

LARNE: Neeson, Brown, McCusker (Faulkner), Moore, Cardwell (Dickson), Thompson, McLoughlin, Corrigan, Fulton, McLaughlin (Dick), Reid. Subs: not used Rafferty, Keenan.