Lynch full of praise for players as Larne edge closer to league title

The home defence failed to deal with a ball over the top and Lee Bonis was able to run onto the pass and open the scoring for the visitors on 28 minutes.

Joe Thomson made it 2-0 on 58 minutes and although Cliftonville created chances in the latter stages, Tiernan Lynch’s charges held on for all three points.

The win sees Larne go 10 points clear over second-placed Linfield, who play Glentoran at Windsor Park tonight (Wednesday).

If Glentoran win, Larne will be crowned champions. If Linfield get anything from the game, Larne will have three more games to try and get it over the line.

Speaking to Larne’s media director Ian Cahoon, Lynch said: “We knew it was going to be a difficult place to come. Cliftonville have been superb here all year.

"Both sets of players deserve great credit. They tried to play and didn’t let the elements get in the way of it. Great credit to them.

"Nothing has been achieved. It’s one step at a time. We’ve to make sure we take care of what we can take care of. It’s always important we get a clean sheet, which gives us a platform to build on. I thought we were outstanding out of possession and we looked dangerous in the attack.

"It was important that if we did the right things, we came away with all three points and thankfully we did that.

"Once you get to this stage of the season and where we are in the league, you build momentum and belief. This is a good group. They put ‘we before me’ which is massive. To a man they dig in, they roll their sleeves up and don’t carry passengers.

"I couldn’t be more proud of this bunch of players. Who knows what’s going to happen, but they’ll deserve whatever comes their way.”

Asked what he’ll be doing this evening, Lynch joked: “Probably praying!” adding: “We’ve got to keep our heads clear. We’ve a massive game on Friday (Crusaders). We can control what we can control. If you get a stroke of luck, so be it. If you don’t, we’ll be prepared.”