Newry
1-0 Larne: 07 Feb 1998
MYLER GOAL ENDS LARNE RESISTANCE
Newry dominated the opening half but were prevented from scoring by very
lively keeper Stephen Mills who made several notable saves.
Larne were pushing forward but were slightly off target when it came to shots at goal.
First action of note was a Matt Bartholomew header. Michael Crowe making ground on the
right crossed for new-signing Trevor Smith from Portadown who hammered the ball against
the Larne upright. A cross from Paul Evans fell to John Whyte and his cracking shot was
tipped over by Mills. Just on the interval McDowell skimmed the Newry bar with a
tremendous 25-yard drive. Newry Town, using all three subs, increased the pressure but the
entire Larne side were falling back in defence to good effect.
Indeed this tactic worked so well it wasn't until the 82nd minute that Newry captured all
three points. Dessie Gorman did tremendous work and it was by sending out to John Whyte on
the right wing that success came. Whyte's cross was blasted into the Larne net by the
in-rushing Andy Myler.
Team: Mills, Craig,
O'Hagan, Muldoon, McKinstry, Bartholomew, Looney,
McDowell, McQuillan, Lowry, Mellon subs: McCourt, Johnston, Leckey
Referee: Colin Prentice (Lisburn)
Other Results
Ballyclare Comrades 3-2 Dungannon Swifts
Carrick Rangers 1-2 Distillery
Limavady United 0-1 Bangor
League table 
Larne 3-2 Ballyclare Comrades:
14 Feb 1998
LOWRY DOUBLE LIFTS LARNE
Larne, looking for their first league win of the season over the Comrades,
started strongly with McCourt turning a Lowry cross just wide after nine
minutes.
A late challenge by Bartholomew on Orchin after 18 minutes resulted with the
Larne man being sent off.
Despite being down to 10 men, Larne opened the scoring after 23 minutes.
Lowry's through-ball was diverted past Mateer by his centre-half Brady.
Larne extended their lead six minutes later. Good work by McCourt on the
right set up the cross for Lowry who tucked it just inside Mateer's
left-hand post.
One minute later Ballyclare were back in the game. Martin's through-ball
picked out Rainey whose first time effort flew past Miskelly.
The visitors levelled the score on the stroke of half time. Brian Martin
threaded the ball through to namesake John who placed the ball wide of
Miskelly.
Larne did go ahead again, however, after 61 minutes. McCourt, wide on the
right, swung in a low cross to Peter Lowry whose quick turn and shot crept
inside Mateer's post.
Twelve minutes from time, a sliced clearance from McQuillan fell at the feet
of Rainey. Fortunately for the home side Taylor was on hand to make the
interception.
With only three minutes left on the clock, Brady was left unmarked on the
right side of the box to pick up Martin's cross but his low effort was
comfortably saved by Miskelly.
Team: Miskelly,
Mellon, O'Hagan, Muldoon, Bartholomew, Taylor, Looney,
McDowell, McQuillan, McCourt, Lowry subs: McCormick, Johnston, McMahon
Referee: Peter Thompson (Bangor)
Bangor 2-1 Carrick Rangers
Distillery 1-0 Newry Town
Limavady United 1-3 Dungannon Swifts
League table
Dungannon Swifts 4-3 Larne
: 28 Feb 1998
Swifts took the lead in the 24th minute after a penalty was awarded when
Miskelly brought down Gary McKinstry. The goalkeeper was fortunate to escape
with just a booking but Swifts skipper Johnny Montgomery punished the
offence from the penalty spot.
Four minutes later Swifts doubled their lead when Miskelly fumbled a low
free kick from Montgomery and Kevin Bates netted.
With three minutes of the half remaining Ryan Watson rose highest to head it
into the net.
Larne turned the matchon its head with three goals inside a nine minute
spell after the interval.
Peter Lowry started the comeback in the 55th minute when he rounded Gavin
Cushley before rolling the ball into the empty net.
On the hour Larne were right back in it when the Lowry cross was not
properly cleared and a low shot from McMahon squeezed in.
Another McMahon goal appeared to have sealed a point but four minutes from
the end Bates slipped a low shot inside the far post.
Team: Miskelly, Craig, O'Hagan,
Muldoon, McKinstry, Taylor, Looney, Lowry,
McCourt, McDowell, McMahon subs: Loughlin, Mellon, Johnston
Referee: Leslie Irvine (Limavady)
League table
 Main Page. News & Views Scores & Fixtures 97/98 Table.
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