Tiernan Lynch’s tenure as manager of Larne ended on a high note on Tuesday night as the Irish Premiership champions beat Institute 2-0 to progress to the quarter-finals of this season’s BetMcLean Cup.
It was revealed on Monday that Lynch would move to manage League of Ireland Premier Division club Derry City but would take charge of the Invermen for one last time against Stute after more than seven years at the helm of the east Antrim club.
The cup tie was played at the Brandywell, the home of Lynch’s new club, following his decision to move on from a highly successful stint at Larne.
After a goalless first half, substitute Paul O’Neill opened the scoring with a chipped finish over Gareth Muldoon in the 58th minute.
Sean Graham doubled the visitors’ advantage on 70 when he beat a number of defenders and curled a stunning left-foot shot into the net.
Larne will face Annagh United away in the last eight of the competition on 4 December.
All eyes were on the departing Lynch before kick-off, but it was Institute who started the game positively, Stephen Doherty bending a free-kick from the angle of the penalty area just round the post in the opening exchanges before going closer moments later.
Doherty was again involved, this time his inswinging corner headed on to the Larne crossbar by striker Padraig Lynch six yards out in front of goal.
Evan Tweed also went close with a shot from distance while at the other end goalkeeper Gareth Muldoon did well to get down low to his right to hold on to a Conor McKendry daisy cutter midway through the half.
The deadlock was finally broken 13 minutes into the second half, thanks to half-time substitute O’Neill, who raced on to Conor McKendry’s intelligent through ball before calmly lifting the ball over onrushing ‘Stute ‘keeper.
And the visitors doubled their lead through a brilliant individual goal from Graham.
The winger weaved past a number of defenders as he cut in from the right wing before having the presence of mind to curl the ball into the bottom corner of the net past the despairing dive of Muldoon.
McLaughlin era begins with defeat
Meanwhile Paddy McLaughlin’s time as Glenavon manager began in disappointing fashion as the Lurgan Blues lost 2-1 to Dungannon Swifts in the semi-finals of the Mid Ulster Cup at Stangmore Park on Tuesday night.
Dean Curry powered home a header in the 33rd minute to put the Swifts in front but James Doona levelled with a fine individual effort after 56 minutes when he cut inside and fired into the net.
Andrew Mitchell delivered the winner seven minutes from time.