MATCH REPORT: Sorry Larne hit for six by Ards

From the highs of four league wins in October, conceding only five goals in four games, the Reds have now conceded nine in their last two outings with only two goals scored.

There was little threat up front and the defending at times was schoolboy level - and maybe that is harsh on schoolboy football.

The visitors, seeking revenge for their County Antrim Shield defeat, went ahead on 10 minutes. A cross from the left was headed back across goal by Emmett Templeton for Gary Dorrian to tap in.

Larne skipper Paul Maguire had a chance to level two minutes later but a timely challenge from Cully blocked the shot.

Templeton then turned his header into the net to double the lead before Larne got themselves back in contention on 58 minutes.

A Gerald Gillan free-kick was parried by Ryan Brown and Maguire was first to react, scoring his third in three games.

The Reds then shot themselves in the foot conceding a third three minutes later. Three defenders were in place when Stephen O’Neill picked up the ball on the right, but he was allowed to pick out the unmarked Jordan Baker to score.

The Larne defence was then caught out when a corner on the left found its way to the back post where Denver Gage headed into the net.

With seven minutes left Thomas Robinson saw a low drive strike the upright but it was no surprise when Ards added a fifth. Sub Gary Warwick’s cross found its way to O’Neill who had a simple task of heading in from two yards.

The rout was completed a minute from time. Substitute Ben Browne curled a delightful shot into the corner of the net from 15 yards.

Larne: Flood, Todd (Rodgers), Bradley, McClean, McGrandles, McMullan, Smith, Stuart (Donnelly), Maguire, Robinson, G. Gillan

Unused subs: McGonnell, McManus, Stitt.

Ards: Brown, Hall, Lambe, Cully, Gage, McDonnell, Dorrian, O’Neill, Baker, Templeton, E. McAllister.

Subs: Browne, McKee, Warwick, D. McAllister, Sofley.

Referee: S.Gregg (Ballyclare)