Peter Wilson reports from Inver Park
LARNE edged out a spirited Huddersfield Town Academy side by a two-goal margin as they continued their pre-season success. David McDaid and Martin Donnelly got on the score tally as the home side followed up their 5-0 thrashing of Ards on Wednesday night with yet another triumph.
The first half was one of many chances for the hosts but little in the way of goals.
However, the Invermen started off early with their efforts on goal as after a good break down the left wing, Jacob Chapman spread himself well to deny Lee Lynch with David McDaid’s follow-up blocked by a Huddersfield defender.
On eight minutes, in a sweeping move down the pitch following a good ball from Shane McEleney, Tomas Cosgrove crossed in low to McDaid but Chapman blocked the shot with his feet, with Sean Graham’s follow-up deflected behind for a corner.
Another chance came just three minutes later as Cosgrove once again swung in a great delivery with the keeper at full stretch to save Johnny McMurray’s diving header.
Just before the 20-minute mark, a quickly taken free-kick played Liam Hassin in on goal but his dinked finish flashed wide of goal.
On 37 minutes, Cosgrove picked out McDaid on the edge of the box with the striker turning and neatly finishing just wide of the post.
The only chance of note for the visitors was a free-kick just before the interval taken by skipper Isaac Marriott, but it was comfortably gathered by Conor Devlin.
It was early in the second period when the opening goal arrived as a looping cross from Cosgrove on the right flank was collected and chipped over the top by Lynch to McDaid, who coolly nodded home.
The striker had the chance to double the advantage just after the hour mark. Sean Graham was fouled inside box, but David McDaid blazed over from the spot to keep the lead to one goal.
However, the second arrived less than 10 minutes later as the away defence was caught off guard as Jeff Hughes sent Thomas Stewart clear who squared into Martin Donnelly to slide the ball into the net
Larne: Devlin, Kelly, Watson, McEleney, Sule, McDaid, Lynch, Hassin, Graham, Cosgrove, McMurray
Subs: Mitchell, Randall, Ramsey, Stewart, Donnelly, Tilney, Trialist, Hughes, Gilmour
Huddersfield Town U19s: Chapman, Kherbouche, Bamford, Marriott, McCamley, Herbert, Austerfield, Dyson,) Headly, Sharrock-Peplow, Pata
Subs: Akinola, Meeson, Ijwiole, Mintus, Diaby
Up next for Larne is a friendly against Larne Tech O.B. on Wednesday 24 July. Kick off at Inver Park is 7.30pm.
