Portrush frustrated

Heroic saves from Larne’s keeper denied Portrush all three points as Portrush came close to making it three wins in a row.

It was a cautious start by both teams with Gordy McAllister called into action twice from close range in the opening five minutes. Portrush created good opportunities to score before half time with John Dillon firing just wide of the post, Andy ‘The McNugget Man’ Dalzell having his short corner well saved and Aaron Kerr shooting over the crossbar.

It was a bright start by Portrush in the second half they pushed for the opening goal. Strong running from Dillon and Kerr created some of the best chances for Portrush but they still couldn’t force the ball into the back of the net and when Ryan Smith eventually did score the goal was disallowed for an infringement of the rules.

The Larne defence was well organised and held firm but it was their keeper who produced the man of the match display by making a number of saves.

Though Larne never threatened in the second half it was Portrush who lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, Lewis Greene commented: “I never forget a hockey match, but in this case I’ll make in exception.”

G.McAlister, T.Cartmel, M.McKeeman, P.McMullan, A.Kerr, M.Huey, L.Greene, R.Smith, A.Dalzell, B.Smith, R.McNabb (Cpt), J.Dillon, A.Surname.