Report & photo: Sam Johnston
With football returning and supporters allowed back in stadiums, Larne Ladies played the first competitive game at Inver Park since March. A Georgia Crawford hat-trick helped them run out 5-0 winners against a strong Crewe Ladies’, with just under 100 spectators in attendance.
It took the home side 30 minutes to grab their first goal of the evening and it was Georgia Crawford to do so. Rebecca Cargill won the ball from the throw before playing Crawford through for a one-on-one with ‘keeper Mullin. The forward had time to composer herself before slotting home to the delight of a fantastic Inver crowd.
With the half-time whistle beckoning Crawford got her second. Once again Rebecca Cargill played a lovely ball through the heart of the Crewe defence allowing Crawford to fire home giving Larne 2-0 half-time lead.
Crewe got the game underway for what was set to be an exciting second half and within 30 seconds of the whistle being blown Cargill was through on goal, but this time her shot came back off the post. Two minutes later however, Larne had their third and it was youngster Francesca Agnew who got her name on the scoresheet.
Crawford turned provider as she played a wonderful ball into the final third and Francesca Agnew cheekily slotted the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 3-0.
Substitute Hannah Robinson made an immediate impact with her initial shot saved by Mullin and the follow up shot skimming the post, denying the ladies their fourth of the night.
However, Georgia Crawford managed to complete her hat-trick on her first game back from injury. With no defenders to be seen in the opposition’s box, she composed herself to fire the ball into the bottom corner of the goal.
After an impressive first half performance from Rebecca Cargill, who assisted both of Crawford’s goals, she then got on the score sheet herself. Rebecca Boyce played a wonderful ball over the top of the Crewe defence to Cargill and, in acres of space, she steadied herself to fire past Mullin leaving the full-time score Larne ladies 5 Crewe Ladies 0
Rebecca Boyce claimed player of the match with an impressive performance controlling the Larne midfield.
Larne Ladies are at home to Belfast Celtic Ladies on Tuesday 29th September and would ask for the same support again as they look to finish at top of the division.
