Larkin ends goal drought for Gateshead

Colin Larkin in action for Gateshead

Dundalk-born striker Colin Larkin ended a three month goal drought yesterday when he netted in Gateshead FC’s 2-2 draw away to Grimbsy Town.

The Muirhevnamor man had been without a goal since scoring in the 4-1 win over Nuneaton Town in October.

However, the 31-year-old former Wolves striker made it 1-1 for his side from the penalty spot to keep them in the Skrill Premier play-off places.

That was Larkin’s seventh goal of the season and he will be hoping to keep up his newfound scoring form to help push Gateshead – who he joined last summer – towards promotion.

Meanwhile, it was also a good weekend for another Muirhevnamor man as Tiarnan Mulvenna scored the winner for Glenavon in their 2-1 win away to Ballinamallard yesterday for his second goal in as many games following his move to the Lurgan club last week.

Tiarnan Mulvenna wins a header against Ballinamallard yesterday

Mulvenna on the way to Glenavon as Dundalk eye Higgins deal

Tiarnan Mulvenna

Former Dundalk striker Tiarnan Mulvenna has put pen to paper with Glenavon FC in the Irish League.

Mulvenna, who hails from Muirhevnamor, was released by Dundalk at the end of last season but was thought to be in Stephen Kenny’s mind as a possible late addition to his squad for 2014.

The 24-year-old was always keen on first team football, however, and feels he can achieve that at the Lurgan-based club where he has signed a one-and-a-half year deal.

He will go straight into the squad for tomorrow night’s clash with Glentoran.

Speaking in a video interview with the Lurgan Mail, Mulvenna said: “Gary Hamilton really sold the club to me. There is a good feeling around the club and it is great to get playing on grass again instead of the astro surface at Dundalk. I hope to get on against Glentoran at any stage and maybe score a goal to get me off the mark early on.”

Dundalk started back pre-season training yesterday in the Oriel Active centre with strength and conditioning coach Graham Byrne putting the players through their paces with a series of fitness tests, including a bleep test which was won by Richie Towell.

Apart from those already signed for 2014, Simon Kelly, Keith Ward and Conor McDonald were also involved.

Meanwhile, Dundalk have been linked with the signing of experienced former Derry City midfielder Ruaidhrí Higgins.

The 29-year-old, who was let go by the Candystripes just before Christmas, previously played with Stephen Kenny during his time at the Brandywell.

According to reports north of the border, he has turned down offers from both Linfield and Glentoran in order to sign with the Lilywhites tomorrow.