LARNE FC: Invermen move third with win over Armagh

The result saw the Reds leapfrog their hosts into third spot in the table.

The home side had a lot of the ball especially in the second half but the Larne defenders, who recorded their third clean sheet in a row, were rarely troubled. Apart from the goal the other best chance of the game also fell to Maguire who had an effort cleared off the line.

Armagh opened strongly and it took a fine save from Billy Brennan to deny them the opener on eight minutes. A free-kick from Shea McGerrigan found Eoin Toal at the back post but Brennan was quickly across to make the save.

Four minutes later Philip Donnelly latched onto a long clearance and his clever ball needed a last-gasp clearance from Anto McGonnell to hook it clear.

McGonnell then turned up at the other end. He delivered a free into the danger area. Scott Irvine touched it onto Maguire who saw his shot fly over the bar.

Larne were knocking the ball about with confidence and another McGonnell delivery almost lead to the opener. His corner from the right was met by Maguire but Andrew Hoey came to City’s rescue blocking the header on the line.

The next corner brought a more positive outcome, this time Maguire again delivered a glancing header which despite the best efforts of Hoey found the net.

With three minutes of the half left, Kevin Bradley picked up a loose ball 30 yards out. He got plenty of power behind the shot but it was straight at the keeper.

Maguire and James McCabe had chances late on in the game but neither troubled Sean Morgan in the home goal.

ARMAGH: Morgan, Campbell, Toal, Lennon, McGerrigan, Lavery, Bell, Donnelly, Kelly, Hoey, S.McGerrigan. Subs: Mallon, Grimley, Cullen, Atrach , Clarke.LARNE: Brennan, Bradley, McGonnell (Robinson 34), McGrandles, Nixon, Rodgers, Gillan, Irvine, McManus (McIlveen 59), Stuart (McCabe 68), Maguire Subs not used. Donnelly, Calvert.

Referee: S.Andrews