Former Waterford forward David McDaid scores a brace as Larne clinch historic European qualification

Former Waterford forward David McDaid scored twice as Larne reached European competition for the first time in their history.

The 2017 First Division winner scored in the first and second half of Larne’s 3-1 win at Inver Park to seal their place in the European Conference League next season.

McDaid netted in the 33rd minute for the hosts – as he slammed home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Martin Donnelly's corner found John Herron in the box and his shot was blocked by a Cliftonville body, but McDaid was alert to the opportunity and pounced.

But Larne – who were playing in front of a fervent home support – were pegged back early on in the second-half through former UCD and Cork City attacking midfielder Daire O’Connor.

The attacking midfielder fired home into the top corner with his weak foot on the edge of the penalty area to level proceedings in the 59th minute.

But that parity did not last long, as former Limerick midfielder Lee J Lynch stabbed home  after some good link up play with Herron and McDaid on the flanks minutes later.

And then McDaid made sure of the win with just 10 minutes to play – with the 30-year-old forward poking home at the back stick following a Mark Randall cross - to secure Larne's first-ever European qualification.

    About Andrew Dempsey

    View Full Profile