Keenan: Plenty of positives from Ards defeat

After going a goal down on 11 minutes, Larne’s passing game allowed them to take control and deservedly draw level. After the break Ards regained the advantage and could have won by a more convincing margin had it not been for some excellent saves from Keenan.

Despite the defeat Keenan, was upbeat about the season ahead.

“We deserved something from the game and all Larne fans should be happy with the way the boys played,” Keenan told the Times. “I think we had a nervous start as we have a lot of young players; some playing their first game at this level.

“We were boxed in more in the second half and didn’t play our normal game. People are writing us off but I really believe after a few games when we have settled down we will be challenging at the top end of the table.

“The boys have to remember it is only the first game and there will be chances to put things right and we have plenty to build on.”