LARNE FC: Star showing from Inver Reds

Larne are counting down the days until they get back to businesss in the Championship on August 13.
Larne FC in action in their 3-0 win over Crumlin Star at Inver Park. Photo: Phillip ByrneLarne FC in action in their 3-0 win over Crumlin Star at Inver Park. Photo: Phillip Byrne
Larne FC in action in their 3-0 win over Crumlin Star at Inver Park. Photo: Phillip Byrne

The Inver Reds take on Armagh City in their first match and on Saturday they recorded their first win of pre-season with a very comfortable 3-0 success over Amateur League outfit Crumlin Star.

It was a result which pleased manager Davy McAlinden. “We did very well and created a lot of chances - especially in the first half winning the ball back high up the pitch,” he said.

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“We have picked up a few knocks but nothing serious and all over the pitch there were no negative points and the boys did well.

Larne's Darren Stuart gets to the ball before Crumlin Star's Joe McNeill. INLT 31-018-PSB Photo: Phillip ByrneLarne's Darren Stuart gets to the ball before Crumlin Star's Joe McNeill. INLT 31-018-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne
Larne's Darren Stuart gets to the ball before Crumlin Star's Joe McNeill. INLT 31-018-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne

“The work rate is never questioned, it’s more to do with how we place it but that was not an issue and today we got it spot on.

“We are still looking to add to the squad but inevitably that means there could be more departures as we need to balance the squad.”

The Reds dominated from the start with Darren Stuart forcing a good save from Aidan McNeill.

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The opening goal arrived on 28 minutes. Emmett Templeton chased down the left and sent a deep cross to the back post for Gary Dorrian to hammer the ball home.

Larne's Darren Stuart gets to the ball before Crumlin Star's Joe McNeill. INLT 31-018-PSB Photo: Phillip ByrneLarne's Darren Stuart gets to the ball before Crumlin Star's Joe McNeill. INLT 31-018-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne
Larne's Darren Stuart gets to the ball before Crumlin Star's Joe McNeill. INLT 31-018-PSB Photo: Phillip Byrne

Ten minutes later the lead was doubled. Stuart threaded a great ball through to Paul Maguire who showed all his experience to fire low into the net.

Joel Madison in the home goal produced a fine tip over to deny James Doyle early in the second half in a rare Crumlin attack before Larne added their third. Again Maguire was on target, this time Kevin Bradley provided the pass for the captain to coolly slot home.

With five minutes left Scott Irvine almost scored with a cracking shot which struck the crossbar and bounced on the goal line before being cleared.

Larne: Madison, Bradley, Buckley (Thompson), McKenna, Arthur (Rodgers) (Arthur), Templeton (McIlveen), Dorrian (Kane), McIlveen (Irvine), Stuart, Maguire, McCabe (Robinson).

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