Amateur League - Premier Division

Dunmurry Rec 0 V 2 Larne Tech Old Boys

 

S Croft  S McDonnell C Kerr P Larkin  S Fenton  N Larmour B Lennon M Hughes E Finnegan

C Arnott  P Redpath Subs: M Molloy S Carlin C Dickie D McLarnon

The Rec coming after a great win against Foundry was aware of the threat Larne Tech posed. Missing striker Rutherford through suspension and Hewitt with Injury the Rec drafted in suitable replacements for the two stalwarts.  The game started with good pace and the Rec was forcing the play. The first chance though came Larne’s way in the third minute. The Rec failed to clear he ball and the Tech no11 hit a good shot which keeper Croft comfortably saved. The Rec raced up field and a lovely pass by Larmour to Arnott sees the striker hit first time with his left foot. Shot went wide of post. Between the 4th & 20th minute the game became bogged down with neither side making a threat on goal. The next chance seen a mazy run by Redpath who takes the ball to the by line cuts back and the keeper makes a fine block to deny the opening goal. 32nd min – Redpath fires a sweet cross across the face of the goal with no Rec player on hand to attack the second ball. 35th Min Colin Kerr booked for late tackle. Larne then had two quick chances in succession – poor defending sees the no8 & no11 both have half chances for the Tech. 39th minute A free kick to Dunmurry, the free kick come off the wall, the loose ball is collected by Hughes who shoots narrowly wide. The Rec had the ball in the Net on 43 minutes – Arnott adjudged to have been in an off side position.   

     2nd Half

4th minute a great move by the Rec sees pass from Arnott to Finnegan to Redpath who’s first time shot is punched clear by the Larne keeper. 5th minute Larne break and after a good cross the ball is turned away by defender McDonnell. 9th minute a neat cross by Fenton sees Arnott rise to glance wide. 13th minute Larne chance sees ball floated into the Rec box the No9 heads down and the no8 scoops the ball over the bar. 14th minute Redpath flick at near post catches out Larne and the ball is cleared. 15th minute Lennon collects and drives forward to the edge of the 18 – shot is lifted narrowly over the bar. 17th min Larne should have scored when no9 who was well placed lifts ball over bar. 21st minute Sub McLarnon replaces Michael Hughes. 22nd minute Redpath turns in box and keeper get a block on shot. 33rd minute Molloy replaces Finnegan. 35th minute Keeper Croft cautioned for hand ball outside of area. 38th Booked Lennon for late tackle.

Extra Time – 3rd minute Larkin who is turned in box concedes a penalty which is fired home by the Larne Tech no11. Larne scored their second goal late on when the ball was floated into the box. Keeper Croft came under a very heavy challenge and the loose ball was fired home for Larne’s second goal.  The Rec was expecting a free kick but the Referee did not blow for the foul.

A blow to the Rec who fancied their chances against a Larne team who have only won once this season. The referee certainly made the difference with two controversial decisions – one a soft penalty and the foul on keeper croft, however missed chances especially in the second half cost the Rec dearly