By Conor Stanton
LARNE’S under-18 side exited the Harry Cavan Youth Cup on Friday night, losing 3-1 to Linfield Rangers in the semi-finals.
Both sides had opportunities throughout the first half to take the lead, but neither goalkeeper was properly tested. Linfield did manage to break the deadlock just one minute before half-time. A missed-placed pass at the back saw the ball played to Harry Allen at the edge of the box who then curled it into the top corner.
Half-time score: Larne U18s 0-1 Linfield Rangers
Josh Robinson made an attacking substitution at half time with D’Angelo Chines-Ward coming on for Alfie Mulvenna.
The lead was extended when Linfield struck again. Phoenix Blayney came out of his net to try and clear the ball, but after missing it, allowed Oliver Wade to run by and tap in to make it 2-0.
The young Invermen kept fighting despite the two goal deficit and eventually got their well deserved goal. Set-piece specialist Alex McAlister delivered the ball in from a corner towards captain Barry McKervey who tapped it onto Jack May who only had to knock it over the line to get the goal in the 65th minute.
More fresh legs were introduced for Larne with Jude Jenkins making way for Emmanuel Alfred. The goal and substitution drove Larne forward to be the dominant side for the next 25 minutes as they went in search of a second goal.
Just before the end, Linfield got a third goal to see them through to the next round. With the Inver Reds pushing for a late equaliser and sending everyone forward, a long ball made its way to Wade who was able to carry it forward unchallenged. Blayney had no choice but to come off his line to make his net look big, but Wade coolly slotted it into the bottom corner.
Full-time score: Larne U18s 1-3 Linfield Rangers
Larne U18s: Blayney, Crawford, Brown, Mulvenna (Chines-Ward 45), Bell, Campbell, McKervey (C), McAlister, May, Jenkins (Alfred 67), Hashim
Subs: Robinson, Williamson
Linfield Rangers: Rooney, Cargill (C), Reid, Davidson, Jermakovas, Ross, Longridge (Lagan 75), Allen, Wade, Lappin (Savage 75), Kelly
Subs: Sykes, Fitzsimons, McClean
Referee: Glenn Miskimmin
