Northern Ireland - NIFL PremiershipData current as of September 12, 2026

Ballymena United vs Larne: match statistics

Ballymena United crest
Ballymena United
0 : 2half-time 0:2
Larne crest
Larne
120%(5.25)
X25%(3.70)
255%(1.53)

As the league leader with a 64% away win rate, Larne presents decidedly higher form than Ballymena United, who sit in 10th place with just 31% wins at home. The visitors have a significantly better goal difference in away matches (+11 difference) compared to the hosts' neutral balance in home games (0). Larne records higher average xG (1.52 vs 1.29) and better scoring efficiency, confirming their offensive superiority. In the last 5 matches, Ballymena earned just 0.8 points per game, while Larne maintains a more stable form with 1.0 points per game. The difference in squad quality and current form point to a probable victory for the visitors, although the home ground gives Ballymena some chance for a surprise or a draw.

Ballymena United vs Larne: form, goals and key statistics

Game details

Ballymena United played against Larne in NIFL Premiership (Northern Ireland). The game was played on February 28, 2026. Final score: 0:2.

Recent form

Ballymena United has 1 win, 1 draw and 3 losses over its last five games, averaging 0.80 points per game. Larne has 1 win, 2 draws and 2 losses, with 1.00 points per game.

Scoring records

Ballymena United scores 1.17 goals per game and allows 1.52. Larne scores 1.77 and allows 0.70. Games in this league average 2.89 goals.

BTTS and goal totals

Both teams score in 48% of Ballymena United's games and 43% of Larne's. The Over 2.5 rates are 45% and 47%, compared with league averages of 51% for BTTS and 55% for Over 2.5.

xG and shots

Larne has the higher season xG average, 1.63 to 1.15 per game. Ballymena United takes 8.7 shots per game, while Larne takes 13.1.

First-half and second-half trends

Ballymena United leads at halftime in 21% of its games and scores 0.69 goals per game after halftime. Larne leads at halftime in 43% and scores 1.00 after halftime.

When the teams score

Ballymena United's most productive scoring window is minutes 61-75 (9 goals). For Larne, it is minutes 76-90+ (17 goals). These are past scoring patterns, not predicted goal times.

League scoring profile

NIFL Premiership games average 2.89 goals. Both teams score in 51% of games, and 55% finish with at least three goals.

Head-to-head record

Before this game, 2 previous meetings were available. The record was 0 home wins, 0 draws and 2 away wins. Those games averaged 2.00 goals, with both teams scoring in 0% of them.

Archived pre-match analysis

This analysis was prepared before kick-off. The conclusions use only information available before the match and do not include the final result or post-match statistics.

General match analysis

As the league leader with a 64% away win rate, Larne presents decidedly higher form than Ballymena United, who sit in 10th place with just 31% wins at home. The visitors have a significantly better goal difference in away matches (+11 difference) compared to the hosts' neutral balance in home games (0). Larne records higher average xG (1.52 vs 1.29) and better scoring efficiency, confirming their offensive superiority. In the last 5 matches, Ballymena earned just 0.8 points per game, while Larne maintains a more stable form with 1.0 points per game. The difference in squad quality and current form point to a probable victory for the visitors, although the home ground gives Ballymena some chance for a surprise or a draw.

View the statistical overview

Stats by half

0 : 2
First half
0 : 0
Second half

Game stats

48Possession (%)52
Ballymena UnitedLarne
6Shots8
Ballymena UnitedLarne
2Shots on target4
Ballymena UnitedLarne
0.81xG1.1
Ballymena UnitedLarne
2Corners3
Ballymena UnitedLarne
39Dangerous attacks42
Ballymena UnitedLarne
12Fouls20
Ballymena UnitedLarne
2Cards0
Ballymena UnitedLarne

Pre-game profilewhat do the season numbers say?

This team profile combines season stats and recent form. In-game statistics appear after the final whistle.

Ballymena UnitedLarne
1.17Goals scored / game1.77
Ballymena UnitedLarne
1.52Goals allowed / game0.7
Ballymena UnitedLarne
45%Average possession54%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
3.14Shots on target / game5
Ballymena UnitedLarne

Team statswho is more efficient?

Compare both teams' attacking and defensive records this season.

8.66Shots per game13.07
Ballymena UnitedLarne
3.14Shots on target5
Ballymena UnitedLarne
13.5%Shot conversion13.5%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
45%Possession54%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
1.15xG for1.63
Ballymena UnitedLarne
1.56xG against1.09
Ballymena UnitedLarne

Shooting quality

Ballymena United: Counter-attackingLarne: Efficient finishing
Ballymena UnitedLarne
Accuracy (shots on target)36%38%
Chance quality (xG per shot)0.130.12
Finishing (goals per shot on target)0.370.35

xG per shot around 0.08 usually means long-range attempts; 0.15+ usually means box chances. The style label comes from possession, shot volume and conversion.

* xG (expected goals) says how many goals a team should score from its chances. If actual goals are above xG, finishing is above average; if below xG, chances are being missed.

Team formwho is in better shape?

Last five games and season record, overall, at home and away.

Larne is 25% better for: last-5 form.

0.8 pts / game - Ballymena United · 1 pts / game - Larne

Ballymena United
LLWLD
Season result split
28% W17% D55% L
Season (W-D-L)
8-5-16
1.00 pts / game · goal difference -10
Last 5 (W-D-L)
1-1-3
0.80 pts / game
Record at home (W-D-L)
4-4-5
Last 5 at home
2-3-0
DWDWD
Last 5 games - averages
Goals scored: 1.2Goals conceded: 1.4xG: 0.80Opponent xG: 1.92BTTS: 60%Over 2.5: 60%
Larne
WDLLD
Season result split
63% W23% D13% L
Season (W-D-L)
19-7-4
2.13 pts / game · goal difference +32
Last 5 (W-D-L)
1-2-2
1.00 pts / game
Record away (W-D-L)
9-2-3
Last 5 away
3-1-1
WWDWL
Last 5 games - averages
Goals scored: 2.0Goals conceded: 2.0xG: 1.60Opponent xG: 1.44BTTS: 100%Over 2.5: 80%

Goalshow do both teams score and concede?

How many goals both teams score and concede, plus how often they keep a clean sheet or fail to score.

Larne is 51% better for: goals scored per game.

1.17 goals / game - Ballymena United · 1.77 goals / game - Larne

Larne is 117% better for: goals allowed per game.

1.52 goals / game - Ballymena United · 0.7 goals / game - Larne

Ballymena United scoring profile: mixed

Ballymena United scores in 69% of games (20 of 29 meczów), while Larne keeps a clean sheet in 50% (15 of 30 meczów).

Larne scoring profile: very strong

Larne scores in 83% of games (25 of 30 meczów), while Ballymena United keeps a clean sheet in 21% (6 of 29 meczów).

34Goals scored (season)53
Ballymena UnitedLarne
44Goals conceded (season)21
Ballymena UnitedLarne
2.69Average goals per game2.47
Ballymena UnitedLarne
6Goals scored (last 5)10
Ballymena UnitedLarne
7Goals conceded (last 5)10
Ballymena UnitedLarne

How often they score at least...

69%1 goal83%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
38%2 goals60%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
7%3 goals20%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
3%4 goals13%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

How often they concede at least...

79%1 goal50%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
62%2 goals17%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
10%3 goals3%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
0%4 goals0%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

* Statistics include both teams' home and away games this season.

Both teams scored (BTTS)how often do both teams score?

How often games involving these teams produce goals at both ends, compared with the league average.

48%
Ballymena United - BTTSBTTS - percentage of matches where both teams scored.14 of 29 meczów
51%
League average

Goal patterns

24%BTTS at half-time17%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
7%BTTS in both halves7%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
31%Scored in both halves27%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

BTTS and goal count

41%Min. 3 goals and BTTS33%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
3%Min. 3 goals without BTTS13%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
60%BTTS - last 5100%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

Goal count (Over/Under)how often do these games cross the goal lines?

See how often games involving these teams clear each goal line, for the full game and each half.

1st half

83%Min. 1 goal before half-time67%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
41%Min. 2 goals before half-time40%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
3%Min. 3 goals before half-time13%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

2nd half

83%Min. 1 goal after half-time73%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
45%Min. 2 goals after half-time37%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
7%Min. 3 goals after half-time17%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

Game halveswhen do the teams score more often?

How teams split performance between first and second half: goals, points, clean sheets and half-time state.

Larne is 70% better for: first-half form (half-time points).

1 pts / game - Ballymena United · 1.7 pts / game - Larne

Ballymena United - half-time state
21% leading38% draw41% trailing
Larne - half-time state
43% leading40% draw17% trailing

Before half-time (1st half)

1Points per game (1st half)1.7
Ballymena UnitedLarne
0.48Goals scored (1st half)0.77
Ballymena UnitedLarne
0.79Goals conceded (1st half)0.43
Ballymena UnitedLarne
1.28Average goals (1st half)1.2
Ballymena UnitedLarne
38%Clean sheet before half-time70%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
55%No goal before half-time47%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

After half-time (2nd half)

1.24Points per game (2nd half)1.9
Ballymena UnitedLarne
0.69Goals scored (2nd half)1
Ballymena UnitedLarne
0.72Goals conceded (2nd half)0.27
Ballymena UnitedLarne
1.41Average goals (2nd half)1.27
Ballymena UnitedLarne
45%Clean sheet after half-time73%
Ballymena UnitedLarne
45%No goal after half-time43%
Ballymena UnitedLarne

Ballymena United - second-half results

28% W41% D31% L
29
Half-time points
14
Half-time goals
-9
Goal difference (1st half)
36
Second-half points
-1
Goal difference (2nd half)
1.00
PPG before half-time
Lead holding133%

Leads at halftime in 21% of games and wins 28%. Also wins some games without leading at halftime.

Defense after halftime-0.1

Defense stays consistent across the full game.

Larne - second-half results

53% W30% D17% L
51
Half-time points
23
Half-time goals
+10
Goal difference (1st half)
57
Second-half points
+22
Goal difference (2nd half)
1.70
PPG before half-time
Lead holding147%

Leads at halftime in 43% of games and wins 63%. Also wins some games without leading at halftime.

Defense after halftime-0.2

Defense stays consistent across the full game.

Ballymena United - last 5 games by half
1st half2nd half
Points per game0.601.20
Goals scored / game0.40.8
Goals allowed / game0.80.6
Average goals per game1.21.4
1 goal80%80%
2 goals40%60%
3 goals0%0%
Clean sheet20%40%
No goal60%40%
Goal difference-2+1
Half-time: 0% leading - 60% draw - 40% trailing
2nd half: 20% won - 60% draw - 20% lost
BTTS at half-time (last 5): 40% - Half-time goals total: 2
Larne - last 5 games by half
1st half2nd half
Points per game1.401.60
Goals scored / game1.01.0
Goals allowed / game1.40.6
Average goals per game2.41.6
1 goal100%80%
2 goals80%60%
3 goals60%20%
Clean sheet20%40%
No goal20%40%
Goal difference-2+2
Half-time: 40% leading - 20% draw - 40% trailing
2nd half: 40% won - 40% draw - 20% lost
BTTS at half-time (last 5): 60% - Half-time goals total: 5

* Table colors show frequency: green is common, yellow is moderate and red is rare. They are not team ratings.

Goals by minutewhen do goals arrive?

The parts of a game in which both teams score and allow the most goals.

Ballymena United
ScoredConceded
4
8
0-15
4
6
16-30
6
9
31-45
6
5
46-60
9
4
61-75
5
12
76-90

Most dangerous in minutes 61-75 (9 goals). Concedes most in 76-90 (12). Late-goal balance (76-90): -7 - late phases are a weakness.

Larne
ScoredConceded
6
1
0-15
7
5
16-30
10
7
31-45
10
6
46-60
3
0
61-75
17
2
76-90

Most dangerous in minutes 76-90 (17 goals). Concedes most in 31-45 (7). Late-goal balance (76-90): +15 - wins late phases.

* Buckets 31-45 and 76-90 include added-time goals.

Additional team indicatorswhat do xG, efficiency and form show?

A comparison of chance quality, results and trends from completed games this season.

Game profile

2.58
Estimated goals
attack vs. opponent defense
0.9 : 1.6
Estimated goal split
home : away
89%
Pace vs league
100% = league average
46%
Both teams scored (BTTS)
average from both teams' seasons
-22%
Derby effect
H2H goals vs typical matches
57%
BTTS estimate
from both teams' scoring frequency
5%
0:0 risk
about 1 in 20 matches
2-3
Most common goal range
attack vs. defense for both teams

Ballymena United

Net xG balance
Difference between the quality of chances created and allowed per match.
-0.41
Results compared with xG
Difference between the actual goal balance and the balance suggested by xG.
+0.06
Points compared with goal balance
Comparison between collected points and the points implied by the team's goal balance.
-3.5 pts
Finishing efficiency
Does the team convert chances? Positive means it scores more than the quality of chances suggests.
+0.02
Defensive efficiency
Does the defense or goalkeeper outperform the chances allowed? A positive value means the team allows fewer goals than its xGA suggests.
+0.04
Attack vs league
How much the team scores compared with the league average for this role. 120% means 20% above average.
75%
Defense vs. league
Goals allowed compared with the league average. An 80% score means 20% fewer goals allowed.
115%
Form trend
Compares points from the last five games with the full-season average.
-0.20
Stronger second half?
How many more goals the team scores after half-time than before it.
+0.2
Late goals
15% of this team's goals come in minutes 76-90. For comparison, 12% come in the first quarter-hour.
15%

Larne

Net xG balance
Difference between the quality of chances created and allowed per match.
+0.54
Results compared with xG
Difference between the actual goal balance and the balance suggested by xG.
+0.53
Points compared with goal balance
Comparison between collected points and the points implied by the team's goal balance.
-13.8 pts
Finishing efficiency
Does the team convert chances? Positive means it scores more than the quality of chances suggests.
+0.14
Defensive efficiency
Does the defense or goalkeeper outperform the chances allowed? A positive value means the team allows fewer goals than its xGA suggests.
+0.39
Attack vs league
How much the team scores compared with the league average for this role. 120% means 20% above average.
134%
Defense vs. league
Goals allowed compared with the league average. An 80% score means 20% fewer goals allowed.
45%
Form trend
Compares points from the last five games with the full-season average.
-1.13
Stronger second half?
How many more goals the team scores after half-time than before it.
+0.2
Late goals
32% of this team's goals come in minutes 76-90. For comparison, 11% come in the first quarter-hour.
32%

* The estimated goal total and split, BTTS estimate, 0:0 risk and goal range use public season averages and frequencies for both teams. This is a statistical game profile, not a private model prediction or betting pick. The remaining indicators describe completed games from the season.

League contextis this a high-scoring league?

How both teams compare with league-wide averages (NIFL Premiership).

Teams vs league

Ballymena UnitedLigaLarne
Average goals per game 2.692.89 2.47
Both teams scored 48%51% 43%
Min. 3 goals (Over 2.5) 45%55% 47%
Clean sheets 21%26% 50%
Goal before half-time 83%77% 67%
Goal after half-time 83%78% 73%

^ green = above league average, ˇ red = below league average. This shows direction of the gap, not a team rating.

2.89
Average goals per game
51%
Both teams scored
55%
Min. 3 goals (Over 2.5)
26%
Clean sheets
1.57
Home goals / game
1.32
Away goals / game
+19%
Home attack advantage
+16%
Home defensive advantage
+14%
Total home advantage
Goals in 1st half (whole league)
77%
1 goal
38%
2 goals
11%
3 goals
3%
4 goals
Goals in 2nd half (whole league)
78%
1 goal
49%
2 goals
22%
3 goals
7%
4 goals

Lineups and player events

Verified starters, substitutes and recorded player events for this match.

Match timeline

Goals, cards and substitutions arranged in chronological order.

  1. LarneGoalAndrew Ryan
  2. LarneGoalAndrew Ryan
  3. Ballymena UnitedRed cardSuccess Edogun
  4. Ballymena UnitedSubstitutionOn: Igor RutkowskiOff: Joel Thompson
  5. LarneSubstitutionOn: Paul O'NeillOff: Matthew Lusty
  6. Ballymena UnitedSubstitutionOn: Jack O'ReillyOff: Fuad Sule
  7. Ballymena UnitedSubstitutionOn: Calvin McCurryOff: Dean Ebbe

Referee and managers

Open their season profiles to compare match records, goals and disciplinary trends.

Referee context

See how often this referee shows cards, awards penalties and how their matches tend to finish.

Tim MarshallMatches officiated: 13
2.92Cards per match
0Penalties per match
1 / X / 246%Home wins0%Draws54%Away wins

Head-to-head

Record from Ballymena United's perspective: 0 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses against Larne. Games average 2.00 goals, and both teams scored in 0% of them.

Ballymena United FC
0 : 2
Larne FC
Larne FC
2 : 0
Ballymena United FC

FAQ

What was the result of Ballymena United vs Larne?

The NIFL Premiership match finished Ballymena United 0:2 Larne. Full match statistics, the half-by-half breakdown and head-to-head are on this page.

What is the head-to-head record between Ballymena United and Larne?

In the last 2 head-to-head matches Ballymena United won 0, Larne won 2 and 0 ended level. These games averaged 2.00 goals, with both teams scoring in 0% of them.

What do the goal statistics show before Ballymena United vs Larne?

Ballymena United score 1.17 goals per game on average and Larne 1.77. The NIFL Premiership average is 2.89 goals, with Over 2.5 landing in 55% of games. Both teams score in 48% of Ballymena United's matches and 43% of Larne's.

What form are Ballymena United and Larne in?

Over the last 5 games Ballymena United have a 1-1-3 record (0.80 points per game) and Larne 1-2-2 (1.00 points per game).

Where can I find a betting tip and analysis for Ballymena United vs Larne?

The statistical background for Ballymena United vs Larne — form, head-to-head, goals, BTTS and Over/Under — is on this page. The tip with full reasoning and a value assessment is in the NoFluffPicks app.