Portavogie Rangers’ Border Regiment Cup campaign came to an end as three first-half goals helped Larne Tech OB to a 4-0 victory at Dennis Harvey Park.
Rangers made two changes from Wednesday night’s draw with Portaferry Rovers, with Thomas Rotherham and Robbie Palmer replacing Ben Adair and Matthew Moore in the starting line-up.
The home side carried the greater threat during the opening exchanges and took the lead after working the ball down the left. A low delivery caused trouble inside a crowded six-yard box and, when Rangers were unable to complete the clearance, the loose ball was forced home from close range.
Portavogie attempted to settle following the early setback, with captain Dylan Carlisle working hard in midfield and Alfie McKee leading the line. Larne Tech continued to move the ball sharply, however, and doubled their advantage with a direct move through the middle.
The home attacker drove into the Rangers penalty area before directing a low finish beyond Harry Wallace to give the visitors an increasingly difficult task.
A challenging first half became tougher when Larne Tech added their third. Another delivery into the Rangers area created a scramble close to goal and the hosts reacted quickest, converting from close range to establish a commanding interval lead.
Rangers reorganised at the break and returned determined to produce a response. The blue shirts showed greater discipline and continued to compete despite the scoreline, with Jay Cully delivering a committed performance at the back on his way to being named the Portavogie Man of the Match.
Larne Tech nevertheless found a fourth goal after the interval. A well-worked attack ended with a cross into the box being met by a diving header, giving Wallace little opportunity to keep it out.
Luke McCormick and Scott Fitzpatrick were introduced as Rangers sought fresh energy, and the visitors continued working until the final whistle. Clear openings remained difficult to create against a well-organised home defence, though, and there was to be no consolation goal.
It was a difficult afternoon for Rangers against a Larne Tech side who punished their opportunities clinically. Portavogie must now put the cup disappointment behind them and turn their attention back towards the league campaign.
Larne Tech OB 4-0 Portavogie Rangers
Man of the Match: Jay Cully
Line-up: 1 Harry Wallace, 2 David Rutherford, 3 Jay Cully, 4 Thomas Curry, 5 Jack Emerson, 7 Thomas Rotherham, 8 Dylan Carlisle (c), 9 Alfie McKee, 10 Jude Carlisle, 11 Robbie Palmer, 16 Reece Cully.
Subs: 14 Luke McCormick, 17 Scott Fitzpatrick, 15 Ben Adair
