Murray stars as Larne ease past Grove United

Top of the scoring charts, not surprisingly, was leading marksman Ciaran Murray who bagged four goals and also missed a spot-kick.

“We have got to be pleased with an 8-0 win and a clean sheet we are in the next round and we can’t fault them. It has been a good firs- half of the season and we are pleased with the way things are shaping up,” said manager, Davy McAlinden.

“We are disappointed that we don’t have any more games before Christmas as we would like to keep the momentum going but on the other hand the players will enjoy the break and get the batteries recharged for the second half of the season,” added McAlinden who also confirmed that Murray has agreed an 18-month extension to his contract at Inver Park.

There were less than two minutes on the clock when Larne went ahead. Murray’s pass found Stuart King who calmly side-footed into the net.

A long throw from Murray was headed home by Stuart McMullan to double the lead six minutes later.

After Murray had missed from the spot, he notched his first on 20 minutes, converting a cut-back from Paul Maguire.

Murray was again the provider for the fourth, this time his corner was headed home by Michael McClean.

Within a minute of the restart Maguire added a fifth from Caolan Gillan’s cross.

The half-dozen came courtesy of Murray on 50 minutes, and he completed his hat-trick with a well-struck shot from distance.

The BT Sport and Larne supporters’ Player of the Month completed the rout 10 minutes from time with a glancing header giving the keeper no chance.

Larne: Connolly, Smyth, Scott (Todd 58), McClean, McMullen, King, C. Gillan (G. Gillan 65), E. Gillan, Maguire (Robinson 52), Murray McCabe Subs not used: Davidson, Reynolds.