Five-star Larne ease past Limavady at Inver

Larne made it four league wins on the bounce on Saturday with a convincing 5-1 demolition of visitors Limavady United. Leading 2-0 at the break, the Reds controlled the second half and might have added to the final scoreline.
Josh McAllister in action for Larne FC in their 5-1 win over Limavady Umited. INLT 02-018-PSBJosh McAllister in action for Larne FC in their 5-1 win over Limavady Umited. INLT 02-018-PSB
Josh McAllister in action for Larne FC in their 5-1 win over Limavady Umited. INLT 02-018-PSB

United had chance to grab the lead with only three minutes on the clock. Lee Harkin burst through on the left but was denied by a fine save from Dylan McRandal who recovered brilliantly to save the follow up shot from Blaine Morrison.

With 20 minutes gone Larne got their noses in front. Stuart Scott’s cross from the right broke to Stuart King who took a touch then fired a low left-foot shot wide of McGraw into the corner of the net.

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The home side added their second 10 minutes before the break. Ross Black delivered his fifth corner in a row to pick out Paul Maguire who sent a firm header into the net for his seventh in six games.

United wasted another golden opportunity six minutes before the break. McRandal spilled Jack Heaney’s shot which broke kindly for Harkin but he fired wide from point-blank range.

The Limavady challenge was effectively killed off on 64 minutes when Mark Picking ghosted in from the right to head home from five yards. Two minutes later McGraw produced an outstanding save to palm away a close-range shot from Black.

With the points safe, manager McAlinden gave debuts to new signings Peter Duffin and Caolan Gillan; both showing plenty of energy and drive.

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Within a minute Limavady grabbed what proved to be nothing more than a consolation. Harkin was the provider for new signing Mark Scoltock who made no mistake from close range.

Not to be outdone by his strike partner, Larne’s Robbie White notched his third in three games. He was played in by Maguire’s brilliant cross-field pass and from what looked like an awkward angle sent a thundering shot in off the upright past McGraw.

The rout was completed three minutes from time when King fired a low shot into the net. With a minute left White almost added his second but the crossbar was to deny him.

Larne: McRandal, Scott (Todd 45), Black, Wharry, McNamee, N.McAllister, King, Picking (Duffin 67), Maguire, White, J.McAllister (Gillan 67). Subs not used: Gargan.

Limavady United: McGraw, Mullan, McIvor (Hassan 67), Scoltock, McMullan, Harkin, Heaney, McFadden, Morrison (Harley 81), Harkin, Logue (McGregor 75). Subs not used: McClelland.

Referee. P. McFadden.

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