CHAMPIONSHIP 1: High five for Larne as they sweep past Donegal Celtic

Goals from Anto McGonnell, Thomas Robinson, Paul Maguire and a brace from Darren Stuart eased Larne to a 5-0 win over Donegal Celtic on Tuesday night. 'It was much as we had expected. We moved the ball and defended properly, so it was a very pleasing performance,' said manager Davy McAlinden.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Apr 2016, 22:48 BST
Updated 13th Apr 2016, 09:52 BST
Larne manager, David McAlinden.Larne manager, David McAlinden.
Larne manager, David McAlinden.

“The movement between Maguire and Stuart was very good and it is a bonus to have Darren back earlier than expected. We have been working really hard to keep clean sheets so four in a row is a bonus.”

The Reds couldn’t have hoped for a better start going ahead on three minutes. A corner from Samuel McIlveen was cleared only as far as McGonnell who rocketed home his first of the season from 25 yards.

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Billy Brennan had to smartly get down to his left on 16 minutes to push away an Anthony Philpott free-kick on 16 minutes.

After that it was a dominant performance from Larne and they doubled the lead three minutes later. A long clearance was chased down by Stuart and his finish was top drawer.

Another three minutes on the clock and another goal. This time the visitors’ defence was stretched as Robinson cut in from the left to drive a low shot into the net.

Number four came on 57 minutes when a mistake from Sean McIlhome saw him drop the ball at the feet of Stuart to score.

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The best goal of the night came 15 minutes from time. McIlveen played the ball down the line to Stuart. He looked up and curled a superb ball into the path of Maguire who confidently despatched it into the net.

Next up is a trip to H&W Welders on Saturday for what should be a cracker as second entertain third in Championship 1.

Larne: Brennan, Bradley, McGonnell (Calvert 72), McGrandles, Nixon, Gillan (Donnelly 62), Irvine (McManus 62), McIlveen, Stuart, Maguire, Robinson. Subs not used: McCabe, Keke.

Donegal Celtic: McIlhone, Rosborough, Hawkins, Carson, Rayner, Dunlop. Devine, Koypt, Brown, Todd, Philpott. Subs: Lynch, McDermott, Magill.

Referee. D. Hassan

Related topics:Larne