League of Ireland Premiership: Larne beat title rivals Coleraine to take a seven-point lead

Larne extended their lead at the top of the Irish Premier League to seven points after a comprehensive 3-0 win over second-placed Coleraine.

Three goals in a 10-minute spell gave Inver Reds a win that sent out a powerful statement in their quest for a third league title in four years.

Substitute Andy Ryan, back after a long-term knee injury, scored twice within 10 minutes of coming on as a second-half substitute.

Another Larne substitute, Paul O’Neill, sealed the points with a third goal on a snowy Inver Park.

Ben Willey, making his Coleraine debut after moving from Portadown, had half a chance to make himself an instant hero in the first two minutes but his shot went to Rohan Ferguson.

The visitors had their first big chance in the seventh minute when Joel Cooper’s powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area was blocked by Rohan Ferguson. Wiley was the first player to react to the loose ball but could only direct his effort over the bar.

At the other end, Coleraine defender Mark Connelly lost the ball in his own half and Matty Lusty spotted goalkeeper Aidan Harris off his line but his effort went wide.

Lusty came within striking distance again a few minutes later when he connected with Jordan McNiff’s low cross but could only turn the ball wide.