LARNE’S Toals County Antrim Shield journey ended at the home of the Premiership Champions on Tuesday evening.
A goal from Paul Heatley just after the hour mark was all that separated the sides, in front of a huge travelling support.
The opening exchanges proved as tight as expected, with eventual goalscorer Heatley turning and shooting wide for the best chance of the first half.
Billy Joe Burns fired well over the bar from a free-kick in an effort from distance, as both goalkeepers looked comfortable.
The home side came out with renewed purpose in the second half and, even though Ross Clarke’s free-kick from 25 yards was well saved by Michael Doughterty, it remained goalless.
The only goal of the game arrived on 67 minutes when the visiting defence, who had been faultless to this point, only cleared the ball to Clarke on the left flank. His dangerous cross was met by the head of Heatley, who gave Doughterty no chance from close range.
Jordan Forsythe headed wide well well placed, and despite taking the game to the hosts in the closing exchanges, Tiernan Lynch’s men were unable to find a breakthrough.
