AMATEUR LEAGUE: Larne Tech see off eight-man Comber Rec

It was Grand National day on Saturday and there was some horseplay at Larne Tech where three Comber Rec players were red-carded in their 2-0 defeat.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2016, 10:29 BST
Updated 11th Apr 2016, 10:32 BST
Niall McAllister scored the fist goal for Larne Tech OB in their 2-0 win over Comber Rec FC at Dennis Harvey Park. INLT 14-013-PSBNiall McAllister scored the fist goal for Larne Tech OB in their 2-0 win over Comber Rec FC at Dennis Harvey Park. INLT 14-013-PSB
Niall McAllister scored the fist goal for Larne Tech OB in their 2-0 win over Comber Rec FC at Dennis Harvey Park. INLT 14-013-PSB

As Larne Tech manager Johnny Hastings explained: “The referee had no other real option. Comber lost their discipline, but we just played on, it had nothing to do with us!”

Even with everyone still under starter’s orders, the Tech had the whip hand, making the early running in this Division 1A clash and galloping in front through Niall McAllister.

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The first dismissal came for a stamp on Aaron Mulvenna, with the other two coming in the second half, for speaking out of turn to referee Andrew Woodside and for a hefty challenge on Neil Webb.

Matt Devine clears the ball for Larne Tech OB in their 2-0 win over Comber Rec FC. INLT 14-011-PSBMatt Devine clears the ball for Larne Tech OB in their 2-0 win over Comber Rec FC. INLT 14-011-PSB
Matt Devine clears the ball for Larne Tech OB in their 2-0 win over Comber Rec FC. INLT 14-011-PSB

The odds were against a seriously handicapped Rec and it should have been the spur the Tech needed but the going remained heavy.

While the result was hardly saddled with doubt, Comber kept things stable until the 80th minute when Scott McNally closed the book, firing home the Larne boys’ second.

Down the road, it was a 12th successive league defeat for Division 1C Newington Rangers, losing 5-2 to Shorts at the Knowe.

Related topics:Grand National