Larne Tech held by champions Downpatrick to finish in sixth spot

It meant that the Craigyhillians finished up in sixth slot - a win at Downpatrick would have secured fourth place, though there was never any realistic chance of them winning by the five clear goals to pip Abbey Villa for third.

Downpatrick, meanwhile, had already clinched the title with a 2-1 success away to nearest challengers Crumlin United earlier in the week.

As manager Johnny Hastings said: “We should have come away with the three points, we missed a load of chances. It summed up our season, nearly but yet so far.

“We had the impression that Downpatrick had taken their foot off the gas.

“They’re the best team we’ve played this year by far - and conditions down there were really bad; wet and windy on a bobbly pitch. Not many teams will fancy going down there next season”

Downpatrick, remember, were 6-1 winners at Dennis Harvey Park back in September, but it was the Larne boys who were first out of the traps through Reece McGinley after ten minutes, tucking the ball beyond the keeper into the bottom corner of the net.

McGinley, too, could have been celebrating again, played in nicely by Niall McAllister, only a defender managed to clear his shot off the line.

The Tech should have put the issue beyond Down’s reach after the break, with Lee Thompson missing two one on ones, as well as nodding another offering over the bar.

Instead, it was the new champions who secured a point, with an equaliser 15 minutes from time.