Larne 2013 vs St. Mary’s
The Inver Reds started their game against St. Mary’s in a slow manner, possibly down to the miserable conditions on the day. As a result, Larne found themselves a few goals down going into the second third.
It was during this period when Larne began to play more of their own football, creating chances but being unable to find the net. Despite not scoring, the team’s positioning was much better, alongside getting on the ball first and closing the opposition down much faster. In this period, Charlie stood out with her fantastic runs and work rate, while the defence also stood solid and cleared everything which came their way – Lara, Jessica and Savannah did a great job protecting the goalkeeper and preventing as many shots on goal as possible.
In the final third, the Larne players began to tire slightly but stuck it out to the end, and the team’s efforts were rewarded when Bailey managed to get the team on the scoresheet.
Larne 2012 vs Lisburn Rangers
Our 2012 squad came out victorious in a competitive game against a good Lisburn side at the weekend. Both teams were excellent when trying to play, while also defending for their lives when required. In a game with lots of chances, the two goalkeepers had plenty to do and pulled off some great saves.
Larne’s two goals were scored by Avanah, who secured the win by showing pace, power and composure to slot both finishes past the opposition goalkeeper. Overall, the team put together a brilliant performance across defence, midfield and attack. Special mention must also go to Amber who dictated the pace of the game from midfield and screened her defence brilliantly all game.
Larne U13 SBYL 1-1 Crumlin Star
Facing Crumlin Star at the weekend, the Inver Reds had plenty of possession but didn’t create as many chances as they would have liked to win the game.
The first period was played primarily in the Crumlin half, with Larne playing as a team and working together well to get the ball wide and beat their players. However, failure to get the crosses or shots away resulted in the opposition defence holding up well against the pressure. Against the run of play, it was Crumlin who took the lead, with their attack splitting Larne’s defence open to create a chance for their striker who managed to slot home.
Galvanised by taking the lead, Crumlin came into the game more in the second half and the game was more balanced compared to the first period. The opposition had a chance to double their lead following a handball inside Larne’s box led to a penalty being awarded, but Macy saved brilliantly to ensure just a single goal remained between the two sides. In the final ten minutes of play, Larne pushed for an equaliser and were eventually rewarded when Luci struck home well to ensure the game ended in a draw.
Larne U14 1-2 Glentoran
This past weekend was a tough result to take for the girls, who deserved more from the game having played so well. In what was a good, competitive game, a lapse in concentration at the end of each half cost the team their three points.
It was Larne who took the lead mid-way through the first half from a corner kick. Set-pieces have been an area that the team have been working on to improve their movement in the box and ability to lose markers, and it was practice made perfect when Ellie delivered a top-quality cross which Hannah volleyed into the bottom corner. Despite being comfortable for the rest of the half, Larne switched off with a few minutes to go and allowed Glentoran to equalise just before the break.
In the second half, Larne played more great football and closed down the opposition quickly whenever possession was turned over with every player on the pitch putting in a great shift. Continuing to create chances, the Larne girls couldn’t find the goal to put them back in front and with just a few minutes remaining, Glentoran won the game with a goal almost identical to their first.
In terms of performance, the girls can be pleased with what they delivered on the pitch – the learning outcome for this week being that good opposition will punish you if chances aren’t taken.
Larne U16 2-0 Linfield U15
Our U16 side faced Linfield in a friendly game this weekend, which was played in a fast-paced, competitive manner with end-to-end football for the full 70 minutes. Linfield began the game playing some excellent passing football before the Inver Reds started to match this and playing the ball forward to create chances.
As Larne began to cause issues, the opposition kept the team honest by posing a threat on the counter-attack and the game was well balanced before Dee, who had been sanding up strong against her defensive opponent, was clipped inside the box and a penalty awarded. It was Dee who took the resulting penalty, almost taking the netting off as she dispatched her penalty with power and precision.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Linfield offering a threat on the counter and it took a big effort from the Larne girls to keep the pace of the game so intense. A number of chances fell to both teams before a great ball by Sophie on the wing was controlled perfectly by Leah, who saw the goal open up from 20 yards and buried it into the top corner.
Overall, both teams benefitted from a really hard-fought encounter, and Larne in particular are starting to see their confidence seep back into the girls.
