Youths celebrate cup victory

Opponents Aquinas, as league leaders, were slight favourites to win the trophy, but failed to score against third-placed Larne in a close encounter at the Blanchflower stadium.

Larne’s midfield quartet of Matthew Hyndman, Jack Legg, Conor Garry and Scott Morris spoiled early Aquinas moves and Peter Black ensured their big striker was well shackled.

In defence, Lee Campbell, Jack Wharry and Niall Black were on top form and limited Aquinas to some long range efforts, which keeper Gavin Kernohan dealt with confidently.

Striker Kele Abram had a great effort tipped over by the Aquinas keeper and Andy Holden was unfortunate with a couple of efforts.

After the break, Larne continued to force the play and took the lead in the 55th minute.

Desperate defending by Aquinas kept two efforts out, but the ball fell to the lethal left foot of Morris, who coolly planted the ball home.

Aquinas forced Larne back on the defensive for a spell but the Inver side had chances to finish the game off and they were still attacking when the referee blew for full-time and the celebrations began.

It was a tremendous performance by Larne Youth and every player worked his socks off for the team. They are still in the running for the league title, which will be decided within the next week.

With three games to go it is all to play for and their final game is against Aquinas (who else?) in what could be a title decider.

Larne Youth squad: Gavin Kernohan, Lee Campbell, Peter Black, Jack Wharry, Niall Black, Matthew Hyndman, Jack Legg, Conor Garry, Scott Morris, Kelan Abram, Andy Holden, Luke Murphy, Karl Stewart, Jamie Murphy, Bobby Tolton and David Edgar.