McAlinden plays down derby victory

A 4-1 derby victory is always pleasing, but Larne boss Davy McAlinden, wary of supporters getting carried away, is keen to stress it’s three points banked and nothing more.
Larne FC manager, Davy McAlinden. INLT 34-027-PSBLarne FC manager, Davy McAlinden. INLT 34-027-PSB
Larne FC manager, Davy McAlinden. INLT 34-027-PSB

Asked if he had a message for the fans who may be getting excited after seeing off Ballyclare, he said: “Look, it’s just an opening day victory the same as five other clubs achieved. Yes, it was pleasing and I am as delighted as anybody about that. But let’s keep it in perspective.”

While the scoreline and the manner of the win may have made some rival clubs sit up and take notice, it will take a lot more to get McAlinden showering his players with superlatives.

“I was pleased to start with three points, but that’s all it was at the end of the day and we will move on now and prepare to meet Donegal Celtic on Saturday - and that’s a whole new challenge.

“We led 2-0 at halftime and that was probably a fair reflection of the opening half. We wanted to build on that and when we scored again it appeared that we would be quite comfortable.

“But then things changed and we had Stuart King and Ciaran Murray sent off. Murray suffered from a heavy challenge and reacted. A handbags scenario ensued and that resulted in King seeing red as well.”

He added: “Three points was terrific and four goals was a bonus, but it was no more than Bangor and Dundela managed. It’s just a win, welcome and pleasing as it may be for all concerned.”

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