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Match Report

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Glentoran ran out 1-0 winners at The Oval today, thanks to a late strike from substitute Rory Hamill, who kept a calm head to slot home in a crowded penalty box on 84 minutes.

It was a lackluster first 45 minutes, with neither side managing to work either goalkeeper.

The only real chance of the half fell to the home team, but Chris Morgan was unable to find the target after Dean Fitzgerald headed down Kyle Neill's free-kick on 20 minutes.

Paul Leeman shot over, and David Scullion volleyed wide before the break, as Larne kept most of their team behind the ball to minimize the space available to the home side.

At half time, Glentoran's ladies team, Belfast United, paraded their season's haul of two trophies, which perhaps acted as a reminder of the success that Alan McDonald's side are aiming for.

It certainly seemed to make a difference, as the second half started with more pace and purpose, but unfortunately not the end product.

Gary Hamilton, Chris Morgan and David Scullion all saw good chances come their way within the opening 15 minutes of the half. But a combination of indecision and last-ditch defending kept the scores level.

Michael Ward had Glentoran's best chance of the game on 62 minutes, when he raced through on goal after Hamilton played him in. Ward's shot was well beaten away by Chris Keenan in the Larne goal.

Glentoran began to increase pressure on the visitors, and three substitutions in quick succession illustrated the managers desire to push for the win.

Jason Hill, Rory Hamill and Tim McCann replaced Chris Morgan, Ryan Berry and Michael Ward.

All three substitutes brought new vigor to the game, with Hamill and McCann going close, and Hill chasing every ball in a desperate search for the elusive breakthrough goal.

That goal eventually came from the right boot of Rory Hamill.

A Gary Hamilton cross was kept in at the back post by Paul Leeman. Leeman slipped the ball to Hamill, who made no mistake to seal a hard fought victory for the Glens.

The afternoon still had time to take a turn for the worst. Gary Hamilton went down in the Larne area in the last minute, and immediately called for attention before being carried off.

Courtesy of
Russell Pritchard/
PRESSEYE