Missed chances prove costly for Larne Tech

Tech coach, Niall Curneen, said: “We were so wasteful in front of goal. We dominated the game from start to finish, but just couldn’t put the ball in the net, and it’s a bit ironic, given all the chances we created, that we scored from a set-piece.

“But on the road, you’d take a point every week, especially down at Millisle; it’s a long journey and a difficult pitch to play on.

“We’re disappointed with the result, but it’s not the end of the world. The boys worked hard, their shape, effort and commitment was good, we just lacked that cutting edge at times.”

Perhaps things might have taken a different turning had an early header from Sencer Yilmaz, from Niall McConaghy’s right-wing cross, not thudded off the crossbar.

Ryan Thompson and Rab Hunter went close, up for corners, while Sean Ward lost out to keeper Jon Munn in a one-on-one.

The Tech lost 1-0 in their last league visit to Villa two seasons ago, a defeat which at the time seemed a hammer blow to their promotion hopes, but this time they did make their mark, forging ahead on 37 minutes with Hunter nodding in a Dylan Monaghan corner.

Just after the break the Tech had a plausible penalty appeal when Yilmaz went down, but referee Alan Hayes was unconvinced.

Yilmaz and Ward scorned further opportunities, though the Tech seemed to have done enough, until Villa snatched a back-post equaliser, following a long throw, just two minutes from time.

Even then, the Tech could have won, with Phil Thompson swivelling onto another tasty Monaghan delivery but hoisting his shot over the bar.

Larne Tech OB: Wallace – Hyslop, Hunter, R Thompson, McNeill – McConaghy (McCammon), Wharry, Montgomery, Monaghan – Yilmaz, Ward (P Thompson). Sub (unused) Wilkinson.

Player in: Craig Cowie, M/ D, Wellington Rec.