Ward on the spot for Larne Tech

“We were the better team, especially in the second half and Rosario scored with practically the only shot they had all game – but when you score with a penalty in the 89th minute, you have to be happy with a point,” said Tech manager Johnny Hastings.

The opening half was fairly uneventful, apart from a late Phil Thompson headed that thudded off the upright.

The Tech came more into the picture on the turnaround with Dylan Monaghan and Lee Thompson bringing out the best in the Rosario custodian.

The Larne boys then went even closer when Matt Hyslop nodded a Monaghan corner against the bar – only for Rosario to race down the field and pinch the lead with a well struck effort from the edge of the box.

Hastings’ men, however, were still calling the tune and even more so after Rosario had a player sent off for a second yellow with 10 minutes left.

Yet time seemed to be against the Tech, until Lee Thompson went down in the box in the 89th minute; Ward walloping home the resultant penalty.

Larne Tech OB: Wallace – Campbell, Hyslop, R Thompson, Magill – L Thompson, Steele (Agnew), Wharry, Monaghan (McConaghy) – Ward, P Thompson (Hastings).

Player in: William Magill, D/ M, Larne. Player out: Neil Hodge, S, Newington Rangers.