McIlwaine on target but Ports prove to be too strong

The determined visitors came out strong in the first-half, setting the pace and dominating the play with some superb passing coming from the back line through midfield to the forward line.

Portadown found it hard to defend Larne’s attacking play and were left standing as Kerry McIlwaine put the ball into the back of the net.

However, the home side fought back and in the dying minutes of the first-half they equalised, leaving the score at half time 1-1.

At half-time the players were urged by coach Andy King to continue to keep the pressure on the Portadown side.

The visitors came out fighting from the start of the second half and kept passing the ball around their opposition, forcing them into their own half.

Portadown were quick on the break and managed to turn defensive play into attack, taking the lead against the run of play. Larne continued to play some superb hockey, pressing Portadown into their own half hungry for an equaliser which never materialised.

Captain Ruth Dalton commented: “It was another great team effort from the girls, who are going out and putting in solid performances. They deserve a huge amount of credit for the work they have been putting in week after week.”

Larne Ladies: T. Neill, G. Russell, R. Beggs, Rebecca Dalton, M. Finlay, G. Rennix, Ruth Dalton (c), C. Holmes, L. Craig, K. McIlwaine, I. Carmichael, L. Withers, S. McGookin.

The Seconds lost 5-2 away at Grosvenor on Friday. Both Larne goals came courtesy ofZoe Purdy.

Fixtures (November 16): North Down v Larne; Dungannon II v Larne II; Larne III v Portadown III (4 pm).