Welly Rec get the better of Ballynure

The Larne senior side romped to a 3-0 triumph, while their Reserves also came out on top with three goals to spare in a 6-3 win.

In the senior clash the hosts opened the scoring from a corner following a brilliant finger-tip save by Lee Singleton who continued to be much busier than his opposite number.

The lead was doubled when confusion in the ‘Nure defence allowed a home striker to nip in and give Singleton no chance. Ballynure threatened from time to time and in one attack Glenn Miskimmin forced the home goalie to make a fine save.

Scoring chances were at a premium during the second half but Ronnie Burns and Michael Duff tested the Wellington keeper, only for the home side to notch a third goal in the dying minutes.

Ballynure president Michael Graham said: “Considering that Wellington drew with Glentoran earlier in the week, this was not a bad result.

“Following last weekend’s heavy defeat by Larne Tech OB, this was an improved performance, but we still lost possession too easily. Manager Gary Burns has not been able to field his strongest side to date, so we are confident that everything will come together before the season starts.

“The lads are looking forward to a possible clash with Ballyclare Comrades in the Steel & Sons Cup, provided we negotiate the first-round hurdle against old Broughshane rivals Raceview,” he added.

Ballynure OB: Singleton; Penny, G Curlett, Gibson, M Curlett; McIlroy, M Duff, Middleton, D Guy; Miskimmin, Burns. Subs: Campbell, S Duff, J Davey, C Singleton.

The club’s next friendly will be against Grove United at Mossley.

Josh McIlroy (2) and Ryan Davey were the ‘Nure marksman for Angus Henry’s Reserves in the 6-3 defeat.