BetMcLean Cup semi-finals: Larne aim to stay on course for first win in competition
Larne will be aiming to build on their first Bate MacLean Cup victory when they host Cliftonville in the semi-finals at Inver Park on Tuesday.
The East Antrim club’s dramatic resurgence in recent seasons has seen them secure back-to-back league titles, win four consecutive Antrim County Shield finals and break new ground in the League of Ireland by qualifying for the UEFA League One stage.
However, Inverman have yet to win either the Irish Cup or the Bate MacLean Cup so far.
Gary Haveron’s side beat Cliftonville 2-0 in the Premier League at the same venue on Friday, but another close game is expected for a place in the final on March 9.
Larne last appeared in the League Cup final in 2003-04, where they lost on penalties to Cliftonville, while their only previous appearance in the final was in 1991-92, where they finished second. in Linfield.
Larne are on a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, while Jim Magilton’s side are on the opposite end of the spectrum with a run of five games without a win in the top flight, including defeats in their last four games.
The lone Reds last lifted the League Cup trophy in 2022 when they beat Coleraine 4-3 after extra time, and they are keen to add more trophies to the Irish Cup they won in May.
Glentoran take on the Crusaders at The Oval in Tuesday’s other BetMcLean Cup semi-final.
The Glen haven’t tasted defeat in their past nine games, so with home advantage they are one step closer to winning the competition for the first time since 2010.
The Crusaders will aim to reach the decider to correct a record of three defeats in their past three finals.
