LATE STRIKE SECURES HISTORIC FIRST LARNE WIN
A stoppage time strike saw Larne Women secure their first ever Sports Direct Women's Premiership victory at Derry City Women's expense at the Brandywell.
Hollie Johnston popped up in the closing seconds to turn home the winner from close range to break the hearts of the disbeliving home side.
The fixture was an entertaining and at times, feisty affair, that for the most part reflected home advantage.
The opening exchanges allowed both sides to test the opponents defence, but it was Larne who made the greater impact as the half progressed. The opening goal came from a corner with Larne skipper, Katherine Haveron, firmly headed the visitors into the lead.
Derry were level within sixty seconds. Ellie Redden stole in from the left-hand by-line and coolly slotted home past Kate Smith in the Larne net.
The remainder of the first half continued at a frenetic pace and the visitors restored their lead on 44 minutes, as Leah Wilgaus struck a magnificent effort across Naomh Barr’s goal.
Derry responded positively at the start of the second half well and Redden brought parity to proceedings for a second time on 48 minutes. After finding space on the left side of the box, her superb long-range shot landed firmly in the corner of the Larne goal.
Derry controlled most of the possession for the next 30 minutes but as the clock ticked down, Larne sensed an opportunity as the Candystripes tired which they duly exploited when the unmarked prodded home the decisive goal after a cross landed nicely at her feet.
Derry City Women: Barr, Deery, Toland, Connolly, Dunne, Coyle, Alexander, Redden, Quigg, Donaghey, McGilloway subs Brennan, Temple, Higgins, Doherty, Harkin, Hargan
Larne Women: Smith, Nellins, Haveron, McErlane, Morton, Wilgaus, H. Robinson, Dougherty, Johnston, Rebekah Robinson, Clare subs Maguire, Hanna, Morrison, Orlowska, Rachel Robinson, Henderson