Match Reports:-
1st Division - October 98

Sat Oct 3 - (A) Dungannon Swifts 1-1

HERO AND VILLAIN Dungannon Swifts 1-1 Larne Stephen McDowell scored at both ends as Dungannon and Larne shared the spoils at Stangmore Park this afternoon. Controversial refereeing decisions cost Dungannon Swifts dear in the first half, falling behind to an early goal then failing to draw level. Larne took the lead in the 12th minute when David Patton's pass found Stephen McDowell in an off- side position but he tucked the ball low past Gavin Cushley and the anticipated flag was not raised. Mid-way through the half referee Malcolm chose to stop play when Swifts' Nicky Houston was in a threatening position. He halted play for an injury to a Larne player and then chose to award a free kick to Swifts. Swifts continued to dominate but striker Kevin Bates saw a fine effort blocked by Lowry then Jeremy Robinson just failed to connect with a ball across the face of goal from Alan Gough. The Swifts pressed for an equaliser but wasted a great chance to level in the 66th minute when Alan Gough headed over from a looping cross by Jeremy Robinson. However, a minute later the scores were even, Conor Devine released Stephen Ruddy down the left and his excellent cross was diverted into the net off the chest of Larne's unfortunate McDowell, cancelling out his own opening goal. Chances came at both ends in the final ten minutes, John Loughlin, Marcus Hill and Terry Taylor missing for Larne while Conor Devine went close for Dungannon.

Team: Matthews, M.Hill, McCormick, J.Hill, J.McKinstry, Crawford, Taylor, Lowry, Patton, Telford, McDowell subs Henderson, Loughlin, Bailie

Referee: David Malcolm (Bangor)

Other Results

PREMIER DIVISION

League table

Tue Oct 6 - (H) Carrick Rangers 1-0

PATTON HITS THE WINNER

Davy Patton's 14th minute strike was enough to give Larne the points but oh how they struggled against a Carrick side who played the last 35 minutes with 10 men.

Paul Kee, the Carrick 'keeper, was the recipient of the red card following a professional foul on Davy Patton 25 yards from goal.

Larne's match-winner came when Patton ran on to a defensive clearance to crash the ball low into the right-hand corner.

The home side then missed a string of chances.

Taylor went closest when his snap-shot crashed against the cross-bar after 15 minutes. Kee then produced three outstanding saves to deny David McDowell, Peter Lowry and Colin Telford, who also missed from just two yards with the keeper stranded.

After the sending-off Larne lost their way, while Carrick looked more likely to score.

Their best chance came 17 minutes from time when Alan Stephens rose unchallenged to meet Jackie Kerr's free-kick only to send it just over the crossbar.

Team: Matthews, M.Hill, Lowry, J.Hill, McKinstry, Loughlin, Taylor, McDowell, Patton, Telford, McCormick

Referee: Colin Prentice (Lisburn)

League table

LARNE DO IT AGAIN
(Tuesday, 13th October, 1998)
Larne 2-0 Ballyclare Comrades

Larne scored their second win of the season over the Comrades thanks to two first half goals. The first a Keith Dallas own goal which was followed by a great strike from Davy Patton. The home side opened the scoring after 12 minutes. Terry Taylor played the ball wide to Stephen McDowell on the left. He sent in a low-driven cross which was turned into his own net by Dallas. Mark Picking, who looked lively throughout for the visitors, might have equalised three minutes later but he drove his shot wide after a great solo run which saw him leave three defenders in his wake. Just before the break, Patton turned quickly to fire a right foot shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Team: Matthews, M.Hill, Lowry, J.Hill, McKinstry, Loughlin, Taylor, McDowell, Patton, Telford, McCormick sub Anderson

Referee: M.Courtney (Belfast)

Sat Oct 17 - Limavady United 3-3 Larne

HILL HITS LATE GOAL TO PINCH POINT FOR LARNE

A last minute goal from Marcus Hill pinched a point for Larne - just when it looked like Limavady had recovered to take all three points. Leading 2-0 at the break, Limavady let their lead slip, but Barry Curran's late goal looked to have given them a win - until Hill's 89th minute leveller. It was a dull first half and yet Limavady went in at the interval with two goals to their credit. It took both sides some time to settle and after 15 minutes Limavady came under pressure but they were able to weather the storm and suddenly switched to the opposite end. Jodi Hill was adjudged to have fouled Ricky Wade inside the box and a penalty was awarded. Wade's shot was saved by the keeper but rebounded into play and Wade, following up, hammered it into the back of the net. On the half-hour United were again under pressure and things could have gone against them but they were able to soak up the pressure. In the 32nd minute Harry Love, who was having a good game in midfield, sent home a Johnny Law corner-kick. The second half proved a little more exciting than the first with four goals being scored. In the 6