Determined visitors leave Larne standing

The home side were fortunate only to concede three as they were totally outplayed by the visitors from start to finish. Somehow the first half saw the sides go in level as the woodwork twice saved the Reds, who also had Moore to thank for a last-gasp goal-line clearance.

The number one shirt continues to cause problems for the home side. After Robbie White’s emergency spell against DC it was the turn of Jim McCurdy, formerly of Bangor, to step into the breach, only to retire injured in the second half.

Ligget was the first to strike the woodwork, after 13 minutes, when his header cannoned off the bar. And 15 minutes later Crawford should have put United in front. He raced on to a cross from Curran, but from six yards out he fired over the top.

McCurdy kept Larne in touch with two fine stops in as many minutes as the visitors took control. With half-an-hour gone, Moore produced a fine goal line clearance to keep out Maguire’s shot, which had the keeper beaten.

Two minutes later Beacom was out of luck when his well-struck shot rattled the bar. Liggett, who was causing problems for the home defence, fired a low shot just past the post eight minutes before the break.

The onslaught continued when a Beacom free kick was headed narrowly wide by Curran on the stroke of half-time.

After the break, Ballinamallard finally broke the deadlock. The opener came after 53 minutes.

Curran delivered a deep cross into the box and found Beacom unmarked at the back post. He took a touch, then volleyed the ball high into the net, giving McCurdy no chance.

The lead was doubled four minutes later by dangerman Beacom with a well -truck free kick from 20 yards.

The home goal continued to lead a charmed life when Teague found space before cracking a shot against the crossbar.

With 67 minutes gone, United added number three when McManus’s 20-yard drive deflected off Pollard en route to goal, giving the keeper no chance.

With 14 minutes left on the clock, McCurdy’s debut came to an end when he was involved in an accidental collision, leaving White to once again take over in goal. He managed to hold the fort, but was well-beaten when McDonald diverted a Maguire cross against the upright, saving him the embarrassment of scoring an own-goal in two consecutive games.

Larne will need a massive improvement if they are to take anything from this Saturday’s East Antrim derby. Carrick Rangers provide the opposition at Taylors Avenue in the Paddy Power Steel & Sons Cup with a 3pm kick-off.

Larne: McCurdy (McDonald), Moore, G. Larmour, Pollard, Carland, McNally, Higgins (McConaghy), White, Craig, D. Larmour (Thompson), Dick

Ballinamallard United: Morrison, McConkey, Teague, Liggett (Harper), Stafford, G. Hutchinson, Curran, Maguire, McManus, Crawford (Sheridan), Beacom (S. Hutchinson)