Gary Haveron gives special praise to 'most underrated player in the league' after Larne extend advantage

Matty Lusty put his side ahead after 27 minutes and Andy Ryan sealed maximum points in the closing stages – netting a 12th league goal in 13 appearances since returning from injury.

With Glentoran drawing 1-1 against Linfield at The Oval, Larne further extended the gap at the top with four matches left to play.

Here’s what Larne manager Gary Haveron had to say after the match:

GOOD RESULT – THOUGHTS ON THAT?

"Yeah, good win, a good win.

"I think a lot was made of whether Cliftonville were going to put a team out...I heard rumours that Jim Magilton might have played!

"We didn't let that build on us, we stayed focused on expecting the best version of Cliftonville that they have at the minute in their ranks.

"That's what they had today, they were full strength, so that's what you expect.

"I’m glad we got the goal when we did, it settled us a bit. I did feel we were the team that were more in the ascendancy at that point.

"I’m disappointed we didn't build on it, just before the half, but to get our noses in front with a goal that was really well worked – Aaron Donnelly, a great pass, stepping into midfield, playing beyond.

"Sean Graham, who's been excellent for us this year, squaring it off to Matty Lusty to get his goal was really, really pleasing.

"We should have built on it, we should have had another goal shortly afterwards, we missed a big chance.

"The second half you come out and it's sort of stick or twist, do you go for the win and more goals? I don't think we did either or, I don't think we kept the ball particularly well.

"I don't think we created too many chances, but the big chance does fall to Andy Ryan. He takes it as Andy Ryan does, and he gets the one that matters.

"Their keeper has made an unbelievable save just before that, how he's kept that out of the net, I have no idea, I have to watch that back to even understand how he's kept it out of the net.

"Whenever they did have one chance, and I only think they had one chance in the game, Ro Ferguson comes up and does what he does, he makes a good save. It’s another clean sheet and we keep moving on.”

ANDY RYAN HAS 12 GOALS IN 13 LEAGUE MATCHES SINCE COMING BACK FROM INJURY – A GREAT RETURN?

"Imagine if he'd started the season where we would have been...maybe we wouldn't have to worry about these last lot of games!

"The lad is a ridiculously good goalscorer, he's your talisman...we missed him badly when he wasn't available with the injury.

"But he certainly came back in fine form, and it's great to see.

"He's very calm in front of goal, he doesn't really snatch at things. He has that composure and that experience...he's who you want the ball to fall to.”

AARON DONNELLY NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH – ANOTHER GOOD PERFORMANCE?

"I thought Donzo was brilliant, back to his best.

"Donzo has been incredible since he came to Larne, he's the most underrated player within the league.

"I think people over the last few seasons have recognised how good he is, but I still think he doesn't get quite the recognition he probably fully deserves. I think he's absolutely immense.

"I thought he was fantastic there today, real, real quality in possession, and his defending out of possession was excellent.”