Larne FC narrowly defeated Ballymena United with a 2-1 victory, a testament to their effective use of opportunities in a hard-fought first half. Their early opening goal at 1 minute and 28 seconds set the pace for the match, demanding an immediate response from Ballymena. Although Ballymena equalized shortly thereafter, the final scoreline was heavily influenced by Larne FC's ability to reclaim the lead just before halftime, which proved crucial in maintaining their advantage.

A notable aspect of the game was Larne's aggressive approach, which led to them committing 13 fouls compared to Ballymena’s 7. Although this aggression did result in a yellow card, it simultaneously limited Ballymena's exploratory play in the midfield. Larne demonstrated superior teamwork and defensive disciplines that helped them withstand pressure, sparingly conceding only two corner kicks throughout the match, while making more effective use of their own set-pieces.

Ballymena United's discipline was a potential shortcoming, as evidenced by their two yellow card bookings. This lack of composure possibly curtailed their ability to mount sustained offensive pressure throughout the second half. Despite neither side warranting red cards, Ballymena's strategy was somewhat hampered by their inability to match Larne's tempo and capitalize on the limited opportunities they had. Overall, the decisive factor was Larne FC’s sharper execution and utilization of key moments that allowed them to secure a hard-earned victory.

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