Larne U16/17 2-1 Cliftonville U17
CHAMPIONS! Larne secured the SBYL U16/17 First Division title at the weekend, defeating second placed Cliftonville on the final day of the season in a winner takes all clash.
Ahead of the game, Larne players were asked to leave everything on the pitch, and they did just that. Going about their work with an intensity from the first whistle, Cliftonville were pinned back and limited to very few chances and long-range efforts.
Larne took the lead after 20 minutes, Dee beating the opposition defence and firing a shot towards goal which ricocheted off the post before dropping to Alix who was first to react and place the ball past the goalkeeper.
Following a red card for Larne, Cliftonville equalised just before the break. A long-range effort from a free-kick 25 yards from goal found the top corner, leaving it all to play for in the second half with Larne a player down.
At half-time, Larne altered their personnel on the pitch and tactics to tighten up at the back and aim for a winning goal on the counter-attack. This plan worked to perfection and after 50 minutes of play, a well-worked move down the wing allowed Lucy to fire a great into the box towards Dee, who was in position to fire past the goalkeeper and give her team a vital lead.
Cliftonville didn’t give up without a fight which meant that the Inver Reds had to dig deep and battle hard to see the game out. Impressively, the girls managed to battle to the very last minute and fight for their league title, closing everything down and throwing their bodies on the line to ensure the score remained in their favour.
SBYL U14 Cup Quarter-Final: Larne 9-0 Ballymena United
Larne U14s produced a dominant display from start to finish to ensure progress into the semi-finals of the SBYL Cup at the weekend.
Playing a high pressing game, the Inver Reds didn’t give their opposition any time on the ball and when in possession themselves, passed it around in composed fashion especially in the middle of the park.
As Larne continued to play defence splitting passes on repeat, the team’s attackers became a constant threat and it wasn’t long before the goals started to fly in. Goals from Ella, Abigail and Annarose gave the Inver Reds a commanding lead in the first half, before a well taken corner was headed home by Autumn to give her team a 4-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, Larne made some changes but continued to provide a consistent threat going forward. Scoring a further five goals in the second period, the best of which being a 20 yard rocket courtesy of Sophie M, the team booked their place in the semi-finals.
Larne 2013 vs Crusaders
Right from the off at the weekend, Larne knew they were in a game against a physical Crusaders team. The first period was evenly matched, with both sides playing at a high intensity throughout. Despite the end-to-end nature of the first half, neither team could convert their chances into goals to break the deadlock.
Larne’s half-time team talk was simple – go and get on the ball and take control of the game! The team responded to that message emphatically, getting on the ball in wide areas and creating several opportunities to score.
Dominating play with the ball, Larne were disciplined when out of possession, working hard to close Crusaders down and win the ball back at the earliest opportunity. At last, the deadlock was broken when Rhea linked up well to finish a great move to make it one nil to the Inver Reds.
As Larne continued to press aggressively, the team grabbed their second of the game through Jessica S who slotted home with precision when another well-worked chance was presented to her.
Larne made a few changes as the game progressed, but those who entered the fray showed the same attitude and determination which limited Crusaders to much time on the ball. On the occasions when The Crues did manage to create chances, Hattie was there to make some excellent saves.
Jessica S grabbed her second goal of the game and her team’s third to seal victory, rifling home a strike which had enough power to potentially rip the goal netting!
