Larne smashed Welders 3‑0 on 29 June 2026 at Blanchflower Stadium, opening the scoring in the 19th minute and adding two more before half‑time. The win gives the champions a sharp edge before the new season kicks off.

How did the match unfold?

The first goal arrived at 19' when striker John McGowan latched onto a loose ball and fired low into the bottom corner. Just a minute later, Ryan McGowan doubled the lead with a header from a corner. The third strike came at 51' after a swift counter‑attack, James Brennan slotting home from close range. Welders never threatened, finishing the night with zero shots on target.

What does this mean for Larre’s title charge?

Larne enter the Premiership on a blistering run: they sit 1st with 73 points from 33 games (22W‑7D‑4L) and a recent form of WDWLW. Their goal tally stands at 60 scored and 22 conceded, a +38 difference, and they sit four points clear of Glentoran. The 8‑0 hammering of Dungannon Swifts on 25 April 2026 still looms large, underscoring their attacking firepower. A win against a lower‑league side like Welders reinforces the squad’s depth and readiness for the grind ahead.

Who shone and what’s next?

McGowan’s brace highlighted his growing partnership with Brennan up front, while goalkeeper David Hughes kept a clean sheet with several crucial saves. Manager Mark McGowan praised the team’s intensity, noting the friendly as a perfect platform to test new tactical tweaks. Next up, Larne travel to face Linfield in a league clash on 14 July, a fixture that could test whether the friendly form translates into competitive points.

Larne’s confidence is soaring after a dominant display, and with the league table already favoring them, the club looks set to defend its crown with authority.