Robbie McDaid nets Glentoran equaliser in draw with Larne

Larne captain Jeff Hughes kicked off the scoring but McDaid grabbed an equaliser as both teams carved out openings in the Inver Park 1-1 draw which featured two late penalty appeals dismissed.

The first half featured concern over a shoulder injury for McDaid and brief floodlights issue at Inver Park - but the main talking point arrived on 23 minutes when hosts Larne broke the deadlock off set-piece success.

A free-kick routine delayed by a problem with the stadium lights ultimately resulted in a corner-kick and Martin Donnelly’s teasing delivery from the right was directed home on the run by Larne captain Hughes from a few yards inside the packed penalty area to open his goal account for the season.

The Glens’ initial attacking threat came from free-kicks by Rhys Marshall and Hrvoje Plum, with a curling Tomas Cosgrove attempt lacking the whip to test the visitors’ goalkeeper.

Johnny McMurray enjoyed a sight of goal from distance following attacking play by Donnelly but his long-range strike lacked the power to test Dayle Coleing.

Glentoran came close to an equaliser late in the half as Chris Gallagher displayed strength, control and awareness to deliver a low cross across the face of goal but a sliding McDaid could only direct the ball wide of the target.

However, McDaid made his mark after the interval to cap a smart start to the second half by Glentoran.

The combination with Gallagher that carved out the opening ahead of half-time resulted in a goal after the break for McDaid as the former’s flick was controlled and converted inside the box by the latter.

Hughes forced Coleing into a save off an angled drive then Larne substitute Mark Randall came close to an instant impact off the bench but his glancing header clipped the top of the crossbar.

McMurray opted to fire goalwards despite the presence of team-mates in support then had a snapshot blocked as both teams continued in pursuit of full points.

Glens captain Marcus Kane, on his 300th appearance for the club, was involved in a late penalty appeal by Larne - but with all requests ignored by referee Tony Clarke.

A second home penalty shout following a slip by Caolan Marron and connection inside the box on David McDaid was also dismissed in the closing moments.

LARNE: Devlin, Watson, Robinson (Kelly, 49), Herron (Randall, 60), Sule, Donnelly, Lynch, Cosgrove, Hughes, Jarvis, McMurray (McDaid, 77).

Subs (not used): C.Mitchell, Hale, Scott, A.Mitchell.

GLENTORAN: Coleing, Marron, McCullough, McClean, Kane, Marshall (McDonagh, 73), Bigirimana, Plum (Gorman, 62), Gallagher, McDaid, O’Neill (R.Donnelly, 65).

Subs (not used): Brown, O’Connor, Clucas, Stewart.

referee: Tony Clarke.

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