A youthful Larne Olympic shared an entertaining 4-4 draw with Larne Tech at Inver Park on Friday evening, in a game which was played in front of a healthy crowd.
The Larne side, with the eldest member of the team at 18-years-old, equipped themselves well against an experience Tech side, who counted a number of former Larne players in their ranks.
Larne Olympic started the game brightly and deservedly ahead early on, with a superb half volley from Nathan Muir.
Having got themselves a goal up they almost doubled their advantage, but for a smart save from Chris Keenan in the Larne Tech goal.
However, it was the visitors who scored next when they converted from the penalty spot after a handball offence.
The young Inver side were on top at this stage, playing some really nice football, and retook the lead after smart play from Connor McRandall and Harry Adair, with Matty Lusty slotting in the corner.
The second half saw a flurry of changes before Larne Tech equalised for the second time. Undeterred though, Larne made it 3-2 when Matty Hill slammed the ball home after good approach work from Brodie Maxwell and Jack Rainey.
Once more, Larne Tech levelled the match, before Ethan Simpson smashed high into the roof of the net to ensure Larne took the lead for the fourth time.
To their credit, Larne Tech kept going and drew level for the final time, to leave the game tied at 4-4.
Head coach Darrin Crawford (pictured) was impressed with what he saw from his young side.
He said: “It was a fantastic workout for all the lads involved. The lads from the Scholarship programme certainly equipped themselves very well, as did the players signed from last year.
“We have set a benchmark now from this game onwards of how we want to play, with our philosophy being replicated from the first team.
“We play Comber Rec in the Steel and Son cup in early October and, certainly based on this performance, the lads will give an excellent account of themselves.”
