Larne up to second with win over Welders

Despite being forced to make four changes to the starting line-up due to injuries, Davy McAlinden’s men were worthy winners.

“We deserved the win and the players who came in carried on the momentum. We reacted brilliantly when they levelled which was good to see and all over the park we were outstanding,” McAlinden told the Times.

And the Inver Park boss is not concerned about the free Saturday coming up next weekend.

“I am happy to have the break and to be honest the boys deserve a rest as they have been working hard. We also have a few players carrying knocks so it will help their recovery as well.”

After a fairly even start, home keeper Michael Dougherty pulled off two top-drawer saves to deny Ciaran Murray and Gerard Reynolds.

With 50 minutes gone Larne got their noses in front. A long throw from Murray was flicked on by Michael McClean and up popped James McCabe to head home.

The Welders levelled 15 minutes later. A cross from Ryan Deans was met by Paul Dickson and his glancing header flew into the net.

The Reds bounced back in style and were ahead again within two minutes. Gerald Gillan squared the ball to McCabe who hammered the ball home.

The points were wrapped up in style after 73 minutes. Stuart King started the move in the middle of the park. He picked out Gillan and the ball was switched to Murray. He had only one thing on his mind, racing down the right before drilling an unstoppable shot past Dougherty at the near post.

Larne: Connolly, Thompson (Davison 69), Smyth, McLean, Reynolds, McClean, Irvine, King, McCabe, Murray, G. Gillan. Subs not used: Rooney, C. Gillan, Heggarty.