Larne lose out to Newry

The visitors fully deserved their victory, having come from behind to totally dominate the second-half.

The Reds had the ideal start going ahead after only five minutes. A foul on Brian McClean earned Larne a free-kick on the right. The ball was delivered into the danger area by Andy Simms and, as Steven McCabe attempted to clear, he diverted the ball into his own net.

Daragh Hanaphy twice went close for City only to be denied by saves from Chris Keenan.

Craig Todd could have doubled the Larne lead on the stroke of half-time when he raced on to a through-ball but indecision meant the chance was wasted.

Newry then levelled when Keenan hesitated as he came of his line allowing Daniel Hughes to tuck it in at the back post.

City went ahead on 66 minutes. Again, Larne were caught out by a ball through the middle, and Hughes was on hand to make it a double.

The home heads were down and it was no surprise when Newry added their third. The ball was played down the left to Hughes and his low cross was driven low into the net by his namesake Mark with Keenan left badly exposed.

The only Larne chance of note in the second session fell to Paul Maguire but his 20-yard shot failed to trouble the keeper.

Larne: Keenan, S.Todd, Lemon, Marsh, Wharry, McClean, C.Todd, Devine, Maguire, McAllister, Simms. Subs: Hanna(S.Todd), Workman (C.Todd), Irvine (McAllister), Moore, Gibbons.

Report by Paul Campbell