Larne goal hero Gillan hopes to give boss something to ponder

Gerald Gillan came off the bench to score the opening goal in Larne’s 2-0 win over Dergview.
Gerald Gillan is mobbed by his team-mates after he scored Larnes opener against Dergview. Photo: Phillip ByrneGerald Gillan is mobbed by his team-mates after he scored Larnes opener against Dergview. Photo: Phillip Byrne
Gerald Gillan is mobbed by his team-mates after he scored Larnes opener against Dergview. Photo: Phillip Byrne

The former Ballymoney United man admits he has been frustrated with his lack of starts since his summer move to Inver but, if he keeps finding the net, he will surely present manager Davy McAlinden with a selection quandary.

“From half-time onwards we were the better side and with our strike force we knew we would get the chances and in the end we won comfortably,” said Gillan.

He has come off the bench to score in consecutive games and knows he has to bide his time to get into the starting line-up.

“I have been frustrated and have spoken to the manager who told be to be patient but hopefully if I can keep scoring goals I will give him something to think about and keep myself in the frame to start up front.

“We go to the Welders next and there is no reason why we can’t keep our run going. We don’t fear anybody. We know it’s early days but the squad is starting to click which we knew would take time. With four league wins on the bounce and three clean sheets we can go into all our games with confidence.”

Dergview had the bulk of the possession in the opening half on Saturday, with Nathan Cashel twice firing over the bar when well placed, but it was the home side who went closest to going in front.

Ciaran Murray saw his shot scrambled clear before Stuart McMullan struck the crossbar.

With 66 minutes gone, Paul Maguire rattled the upright but sub Gillan was on hand to grab the lead.

Within two minutes the advanatge was doubled. An in-swinging corner from Stuart King found Maguire and his glancing header flew inside the upright.

King was denied Larne’s third in the dying seconds. A firm shot from 12 yards beat the keeper but hit the post.

Larne: Connolly, Todd (Scott 70), Davison (Smyth 60), McClean, Reynolds, McMullen, Irvine, King, E.Gillan (G. Gillan 46), Maguire, Murray. Subs not used: McCabe, Thompson.

Dergview: Beggs, Wallace, Falconer, Coulter, Robinson, Burns, Arkinson, Lecky, Sheridan, Higginbotham, Cashel. Subs: Lynch, Carlin, Liggett, Clarke, Edgar.

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