LARNE FC: High five for McAlinden's men at Annagh United

A Guillaume Keke double and goals from Colin Nixon, Paul Maguire and Sammy McIlveen did the damage for Davy McAlinden’s men at Tandragee Road.

A first goal for new signing Nixon opened the scoring after only five minutes. A free-kick from Ciaran Murray was met at the back post by Stuart McMullan and as the ball came back off the upright Nixon finished it off.

Larne were knocking the ball about with style and the second arrived on 18 minutes. It was a goal to savour with the three strikers involved. The home defence had no answer as Murray switched the ball to Keke who, in turn, laid it into the path of Maguire to notch up his 18th of the season.

Midfielder McIlveen added the third six minutes later courtesy of a sweetly struck free-kick which flew into the net.

A minute before the break another quick interchange saw McIlveen, Maguire and Murray sweeping forward but the shot was just wide.

United’s best chance came early in the second half when Adam Nesbitt’s pass found Andy Smith who diverted his strike the wrong side of the post.

Larne extended their advantage on the hour. Keke battled to win the ball on the left before cutting in and firing low into the net.

The French striker doubled his tally five minutes later. Again, a quick break saw Kevin Bradley sprint down the right. His pass inside found Maguire, it was then played onto Keke and his neat lob sailed over Ciaran Fox into the net.

Keke wasted a great chance to complete his hat-trick 15 minutes from time. After brushing past three challenges he drew the keeper but pulled his shot wide.

ANNAGH UNITED: Fox, Campbell, Riddle, Wilson, Stewart, Rea, Keegan, Park, Nesbitt, Smith, Gardiner. Subs: White, Whitten, Coulter, Anderson, Nesbitt.

LARNE: Brennan, Bradley, Calvert, McGrandles (Donnelly 64), Nixon, McMullan, Irvine (McGonnell 77), McIlveen, Murray, Maguire (Robinson 70), Keke. Subs not used: McCabe, Gillan.

Referee: P. Burns