'There was no hangover': Gary Haveron clear Larne 'will always stick together' after putting European exit behind them

The Co Antrim club were just minutes away from sealing their spot in the Conference League’s League Phase for the second time when Lincoln Red Imps struck twice across five minutes of madness last Thursday.

Larne were also reduced to 10 men and ultimately lost in the dying seconds of extra-time – the result meant they missed out on £2.7million in prize money and dream European clashes.

They responded to their heartbreaking exit in impressive fashion with Sean Graham and Matty Lusty scoring in a crucial Premiership win as the reigning champions look to put together another Gibson Cup bid.

Just like in their European fixture, there was some late drama at Inver Park on Friday as Aaron McEneff slotted home a late penalty, but the hosts were able to hold on and Haveron was thrilled with the character shown by his men.

"The scoreline maybe doesn't reflect on how dominant we were in the game,” he said. “I thought we were excellent from the first whistle.

"Obviously there was no hangover from Europe, we came out with a real purpose and real intent about how we wanted to go about our business tonight.

"Football can just be freaky sometimes, sport in general can throw up madness. I think that's what the last performance was. In the last seven minutes it was just madness.

"We were just very, very unfortunate because everything that could go against us did. The eight games that we played in Europe, I thought we were fantastic. Most of the football we played was excellent.

"The football we played tonight was fantastic at times. Free flowing, everybody looking for the ball, everybody playing with confidence.

"There was no hangover. We just got back down to doing what we do. It's a very, very good win.

"I would have liked to have seen more goals and a clean sheet, but I've got to be happy with every single person's contribution there tonight.

"We'll always stick together, I think that's what our club's founded on. Our biggest strength is the willingness that we have as a group. I don't question any one of our players' characters.

"We've got brilliant characters in our dressing room and brilliant people. On any given day, people will make mistakes, but they're always a genuine mistake.

"When they get an opportunity, they've come back and they've come out swinging or fighting to show what they're about as a group.”

A major talking point in the first half centered on a decision to not send off Glentoran’s Jordan Stewart, who had just returned from suspension, for a high challenge on Tomas Cosgrove.

"How he stays on the pitch, I have no idea,” added Haveron. "The referee says he didn't get a great view of it, but then his linesman's standing directly across from him, so if he doesn't see it, then the linesman's got to intervene.

"When you watch that tackle back, it's a really, really nasty tackle. It's so high.

"But listen, I thought in general the referee had a good game tonight, there was no massive talking points, but that was one that when you see it back, it's certainly a red card.”