IRISH CUP: Keke and Donnelly on target in win over Limavady United

Overall, the Inver Reds deserved their win but the main talking point was a controversial penalty awarded to the hosts in the final minute and the red card issued to ‘keeper Paul Wells.

The visitors registered the first scoring chance after 15 minutes. A corner from Connor Harkin found Brian Morrison at the back post and it took a fine save from Paddy Flood to keep it out.

Larne then began to settle and gain the upper hand. Three dead-ball deliveries from Gerald Gillan set up chances for Michael McClean and Chris Rodgers but neither of them found the target.

After 25 minutes a burst of pace from Thomas Robinson took him clear. The cross fell to Guillaume Keke, but his shot lacked power leaving the ‘keeper with a comfortable save.

Another Robinson cross then set up a chance for Paul Maguire who tried a cheeky lob but Wells saved comfortably.

With 20 minutes left Larne sent on John Donnelly for Conall McGrandless and the latter made an immediate impact cutting in from the left to flash a shot across the face of the goal.

Donnelly then swung the game firmly in favour of the Reds with the opening goal.

Maguire swept the ball wide to Robinson on the right. His cross was met by Keke who headed goalward, and there was Donnelly to apply the finish.

With a minute left, Keke played in Maguire. The keeper was quickly out and spread himself to block the shot. Maguire went down under what looked a fair challenge but inexplicably the referee pointed the spot and produced a red card.

After things had settled down, Keke placed the ball on the spot and hammered it down the middle to secure the win.

Larne: Flood, Bradley, Smith, McClean, Rodgers, McGrandless (Irvine 67), Gillan, Donnelly, Maguire, McCabe(Donnelly 60), Keke, Subs not used: E.Gillan, Stitt. McGonnell.

Limavady United: Wells, Devlin, Morrison, McClelland, Carlin, McFadden, Owens, Tommons, Harkin, Friel, L.Harkin. Subs: Ferris, McMullan, Louge, Kelly.

Referee: C. Morrison (Belfast)