Welders edge past Larne

The Welders started the brighter of the sides with Stephen Cockcroft and Chris Middleton going close in the opening 10 minuutes.

Larne had their first scoring chance on the half-hour when Craig Todd rose at the back post to meet a Ciaran Gargan header, but he headed wide of the target.

A minute later Chris Keenan was smartly off his line to deny Middleton after he had burst clear of the Larne defence.

An injury to captain Paul Maguire just before the break meant he failed to start the second half, with Robbie White leading the line.

In a repeat of the earlier chance Todd again found space to meet another Gargan corner but again he headed wide.

Mark Picking had a great chance to put Larne ahead on 66 minutes, but having cerated the space, he dragged his shot wide.

With nine minutes left a free-kick broke to Garrett in the Larne box and he gave Keenan no chance from eight yards out.

The home side finished the game with 10 men after Gareth Beattie received a second yellow in the final minute following a fracas in front of the dug-out which saw three other players cautioned.

Larne: Keenan, Murray, McShane, Hughes, McNamee, Todd, Irvine (Scott 62), King, Maguire (White 46), Picking, Gargan (Workman 85) Subs not used: Crawford, Moore.