A fast start from Linfield sees them ahead thanks to Joel Cooper. The game has been disjointed since then with both managers asking for more from their men.

Levi Ives tries to catch out David Walsh at his near post from the free-kick but can't keep it on target.

Meanwhile, Sean Graham is on to replace Josh Seary. There will be a queue for the Larne treatment table this week.

Dane McCullough is carded for a slide tackle on Josh Seary that has left the Larne full back writhing in pain on the edge of the box. There is significant concern for the Preston loanee as it looks as though he may have hyper-extended his knee.

A couple of injury stoppages mean we will have a hefty five minutes added on as the rain begins to fall.

Sam Todd is now sporting a Terry Butcher-esque bandage after a clash with Matt Fitzpatrick. He looks like he will be ok to play on but Larne are looking a bit banged up.

Levi Ives gets on the end of a diagonal ball from Josh Seary and volleys a cross towards Matty Lusty but David Walsh reacts well to grab it.

Tony Clarke draws the ire of the home fans as, moments after not punishing Jamie Mulgrew for a rash challenge on Jordan McEneff, he pings Josh Seary for a high foot on Dane McCullough.

Linfield win a free kick from a defensive corner and Joe Thomson and Kirk Millar square up. However, they are more like two dogs growling at each other from behind a gate.

Larne have had plenty of the ball but are struggling with no real presence up front. Linfield are quite happy to soak up everything their hosts throw at them.

Andy Ryan's evening is over on 25 minutes as he has succumbed to some form of lower limb injury. Matty Lusty is on to replace him.

A more-than-capable replacement but a bitter blow for Larne and for Ryan.

Much better from Larne! Good build-up gets the ball to Andy Ryan who flashes a first-time effort wide of the post.

However, some concern for the Scottish striker as he lying flat on his back getting treatment.

Watch Joel Cooper rifle home a low shot to give Linfield a 1-0 lead over Larne at Inver Park.

Sam Todd gifts the ball to Matt Fitzpatrick whose strike stings the palms of Rohan Ferguson.

Joel Cooper gets down the right this time and his ball into the middle is turned behind by Cian Bolger.

If the Larne captain hadn't got there, Matt Fitzpatrick was waiting for a tap-in but the corner comes to nothing in the end.

Just over a quarter of an hour gone and the Blues are looking hungry in attack and defence. Larne are looking a bit ragged at times.

The hosts have responded by dominating the ball without testing David Walsh. Some in the Main Stand are getting frustrated already.

Dane McCullough robs Joe Thomson and his cross from the left makes its way to Jamie Mulgrew on the edge of the box who flashes a looping volley over the bar and into his own fans behind the goal.

Josh Seary flashes a ball across the middle but no one in red can get on the end of it. If they did that would have been 1-0.

Larne threaten but Jordan McEneff can't get a shot away and is pickpocketed by Cameron Ballantyne.