LARNE made history in North Belfast when they defeated Crusaders 2-0 to clinch a first-ever top flight title in the club’s 134-year history
A goal early in each half from front two Andy Ryan and Lee Bonis sealed the victory over 10-man Crusaders and ensured the title would leave Belfast for the first time in 21 years.
Tiernan Lynch’s men went into the game knowing one point from their final three games would clinch the Premiership crown and they began this one strongly, breaking the deadlock with just 12 minutes on the clock.
After a quick throw-in Micheal Glynn swung in an inviting cross on the left flank and the ball was met by Andy Ryan, who got across his man, to poke home at the front post from three yards out.
Larne did well in possession as the half wore on, but the closest they came to adding to their lead was Ryan’s shot from distance on 27 minutes.
The game turned a feisty turn after this, however, with a yellow card apiece for Glynn and Gary Thompson, for the home side, after late challenges.
On 38 minutes Larne went from having a goal advantage to also now having a man advantage when BJ Burns received his marching orders.
An innocuous foul from Philip Lowry on Fuad Sule led to a coming together of players and Burns received his marching orders for appearing to throw the ball towards Shaun Want.
Shortly afterwards Paul Heatley was withdrawn after getting a stern talking to from referee Christopher Morrison, for fear he could also put his Cup final place at risk.
Home boss Stephen Baxter shuffled his pack at half-time and the home side took the game to their visitors, despite being a man down.
Jordan Forsythe headed over when well-placed from a corner on 53 minutes as they went close to an equaliser.
Despite building pressure from set-pieces it was Larne who swept to a second of the night.
A quick break saw Leroy Millar released on the left flank and he squared the ball inside for Lee Bonis to fire home from 12 yards out for his third goal in as many games.
If there were any, it helped to calm nerves from the visitors, with large contingent of away fans in fine voice knowing the title was all but confirmed.
After this it was all about managing the game, which Larne did well, to claim their 32nd clean sheet of the season and allow the celebrations to begin in earnest.
Crusaders: Tuffey, Burns, Hegarty, Lowry, Lecky (45 mins, Owens),, Ebbe, Forsythe (68 mins, Stewart) Larmour, Thompson (45 mins, Clarke), Heatley (40 mins, Caddell), McKeown
Subs: Murphy, Weir, Winchester
Larne: Ferguson, Want (59 mins, Watson) Sule (85 mins, Randall), Bonis, Donnelly, Bolger, Thomson (68 mins, Gordon), Millar, Glynn (68 mins, Kelly), Cosgrove, Ryan (85 mins, O’Neill)
Subs: Pardington, Maguire
Referee: Christopher Morrison
