Peter Wilson reports from Inver Park
The Inver Reds cruised to victory over Dundela in wet and windy conditions at Inver Park. Putting five goals past their title rivals without reply, man of the match, David McDaid scored a hat-trick with David Scullion and Jeff Hughes also converting. The Invermen’s win leaves them 17 points above the Duns and continues their run of 18 games unbeaten this season so far.
The home side started brightly with David Scullion delivering the ball into the box and Martin Donnelly heading back to David McDaid, but it was blocked by a defender before McDaid could strike the ball at close range.
On 12 minutes, Tomas Cosgrove slid the ball in low from the right with Scullion’s back-heel going straight into the waiting hands of Jonathan Sergeant.
The opening goal came a quarter of an hour into the game when Tilney cut inside from the left, his initial shot palmed away by Sergeant. Jeff Hughes was on hand to tuck the ball into the back of the net.
A fast paced move upfield ended with McDaid driving his shot adrift of the post three minutes later. Some good footwork from Tilney in the 18 yard box allowed the former MK Dons player to pass back to Hughes who squandered the chance from 11 yards seven minutes from the break.
Early in the second half Larne managed to double their lead, when Hughes put Scullion in on goal, the midfielder firing past the keeper to double the lead.
McDaid was on hand to make it three just after the hour mark, dinking the ball over Sergeant into the net. It could’ve been four on 74 but McDaid’s back-heel into an open net was ruled out for offside.
The striker got his second three short minutes later, making the run for himself up the left wing and finding space in the area to blast his effort past the diving Sergeant.
It was the former Cliftonville striker who completed the scoring on 79 minutes, slotting home from 12 yards after Jamie Robinson pointed to the spot, Donnelly having been brought down.
Larne: Devlin, Sule, McEleney, Kelly, Scullion (Stuart), McDaid (Gilmour), Donnelly, Tilney, McNally, Cosgrove, Hughes (Henry) Unused subs: Dougherty, Ramsey
Dundela: Sergeant, King, Parker (Brown), Hanley (Nimick), Magee, Murdock, McMaster, Murray, McComb, Watts, Bingham (McClelland) Unused subs: Morrison, Browne
Man of the Match: David McDaid
Referee: Jamie Robinson
What’s up next?
It’s back on the road again for the Inver Reds on Saturday 15 December as they travel to face Ballinamallard United. Kick off at Ferney Park is 3pm.
