Soccer

Magee opens Ivermen account against his old side as Larne dispatch Loughgall

Benji Magee signed for Larne in the summer after a breakout season with the Co Armagh side last year

Benji Magee of Larne tackled by Adam Towe of Loughgall during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne
Sports Direct Premiership Match Day 1 (Rescheduled game) Larne v Loughgall Benji Magee of Larne tackled by Adam Towe of Loughgall during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)
By Mark Strange

Larne defeated Loughgall 2-0 at Inver Park in their rearranged fixture from the opening weekend.

A first Larne goal in the first half from Benji Magee against his former team gave his new side the lead before Andy Ryan sealed the three points with a late second.

It was a battle between two much-changed teams at Inver Park and the scrappy early stages reflected that.

However, just before the quarter hour mark, Larne broke the deadlock and, of course, it was former Loughgall man Benji Magee who got it.

Benji Magee of Larne opens the scoring during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne
Sports Direct Premiership Match Day 1 (Rescheduled game) Larne v Loughgall Benji Magee of Larne opens the scoring during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne. Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

The build-up saw good link-up between Andy Ryan and Josh Seary with the latter teeing up Magee at the back post via a deflected cross.

There was no celebration from the 22 year-old striker as he opened his account for his new club with a poacher’s finish.

Shortly after this, Ryan stung the palms of Nathan Gartside from range but the hosts did not quite kick on from the goal.

Loughgall gave them a scare just after the half-hour mark when, first, Jay Boyd couldn’t connect with Adam Hoey’s teasing cross before Adam Towe couldn’t keep his shot from range down.

The second half went much the same way as the first with Larne struggling to get any momentum going and the Villagers were giving them some scares.

Benji Magee of Larne opens the scoring during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne
Match Day 1 (Rescheduled game) Larne v Loughgall Benji Magee of Larne opens the scoring during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

Magee did come close to a second shortly after the restart but his effort was deflected wide.

Rohan Ferguson had hearts in mouths twice as he first gifted the ball to Hoey who teed up Tiernan Kelly but Larne’s scramble defence recovered.

The Scottish keeper then let a deflected Boyd effort squirm loose and Caolan McAleer almost pounced.

With the home fans shifting nervously in their seats, it was up to Andy Ryan to settle things and he did so on 81 minutes when he latched on to sub Matty Lusty’s flick-on.

Andy Ryan of Larne adds a second during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne
Match Day 1 (Rescheduled game) Larne v Loughgall Andy Ryan of Larne adds a second during this Evening’s game at Inver Park, Larne. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

He beat the offside trap and had all the time in the world to pick his spot.

Larne are now unbeaten in four games, keeping a clean sheet in them all as they are picking up results without hitting top gear.

That is ominous for the rest of the league while Loughgall are now winless with just two points from their last eight games.

Larne travel to Solitude on Friday night for a mouth-watering clash with Cliftonville while Loughgall welcome Crusaders to Lakeview Park on Saturday.