Larne claim east Antrim derby bragging rights

Tomas Cosgrove opened the scoring for Tiernan Lynch’s side on 17 minutes with Paul O'Neill finding the net on 84 to ensure all three points would be staying at the home of the reigning league champions.

Speaking to the club’s media team after the clash, Lynch said: “We’ve been unfortunate the last couple of weeks because our performances have been good and we probably haven’t got what we deserved.

"There were periods in tonight’s game where we looked like our old selves. We played some really good football, we were exciting, we got balls into the box, we were creating chances- great credit to the boys.

"It was more than just a result tonight. The result was very important, but I felt the performance backed that up.

"It’s one game at a time. It was really important to get back to winning ways, a clean sheet, three points, a really good performance and it sets us up for the week coming.”

Larne travel to Newry on Saturday (5.30pm) for their next league outing.

Lynch added: “There are no easy games. Newry will be a tough place to go and we’ll have to roll our sleeves up.”

Speaking to Carrick’s media team, manager Stuart King stated: “We gave an honsest performance and worked really hard. Everyone’s emptied their tanks for me. Larne’s quality shone through and that’s been the difference.

"I can go away tonight a lot happier than what I was a few weeks ago when the game was done at half time.

"If they give me that every week, we’ll do okay.”

Next up, Carrick welcome Glenavon to Taylor’s Avenue on Saturday (3pm).

King added: “We now have to be grounded, see who is fit and available and we’ll go and give it a rattle next week.

"They’ve a new manager, but if we look after ourselves and perform at our levels, there won’t be an issue.”

Meanwhile, Ballyclare Comrades lost 1-0 away to Ballinamallard in the Playr Fit NIFL Championship on October 21. Simon Warrington got the goal for the Fermanagh side on 61 minutes.

Ballyclare host Ards at Dixon Park on Saturday (3pm).