Larne came from behind to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over Linfield on April 17, 2025, at Inver Park, keeping their hopes for European qualification alive in the Sports Direct Premiership.
The match started with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, but it was Larne who created the first real chance. In the 14th minute, Ryan Nolan nodded Sean Graham's deep corner back for Shaun Want, whose header struck the crossbar, leaving the home fans in disbelief.
However, it was Linfield who broke the deadlock against the run of play. On 31 minutes, teenager Kalum Thompson, making his first league appearance at just 16 years old, reacted quickest to a rebound from Rhys Annett’s shot, which had been parried by Larne goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson. Thompson fired home, putting Linfield ahead 1-0.
Larne, undeterred by the setback, continued to press for an equalizer. Just before halftime, they almost found it when Tiarnan O'Connor's header was misjudged by Linfield's goalkeeper David Walsh. The ball fell kindly for O'Connor again, but Sam Roscoe was on hand to clear off the line, preserving Linfield's lead.
After the break, Linfield's Kieran Offord had two golden opportunities to extend their lead. His first effort was blocked by Cian Bolger, and moments later he curled a shot just wide of the left post. Despite these chances, the Blues could not capitalize, and they would soon pay the price.
In the 79th minute, Larne finally broke through. Following a scramble in the box, Cricky Gallagher delivered a low cross that found Andy Ryan unmarked. Ryan made no mistake, slotting the ball home to level the score at 1-1, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
With momentum on their side, Larne pushed for a winner. The decisive moment came just two minutes from time. Linfield failed to clear their lines from a corner taken by Mark Randall. The ball fell to substitute Conor McKendry, who volleyed it superbly into the top left corner of the net, sealing a dramatic comeback for Larne.
As the final whistle approached, Linfield fought desperately for an equalizer. They appealed for a penalty when Offord went down under a challenge from Tomas Cosgrove, but their calls were waved away by the referee, much to the frustration of the away fans.
This victory lifts Larne into second place in the league, ahead of Glentoran's upcoming match against Stangmore Park on April 19. The win not only boosts Larne's confidence but also keeps their European aspirations very much alive.
In a post-match interview, Larne manager Gary Haveron praised his team's resilience, saying, "We showed great character to come back from a goal down. The substitutes made a significant impact, and it’s a fantastic result for us as we look to secure a European spot."
Meanwhile, Linfield will be left to ponder missed opportunities as they aim to regroup ahead of their next fixture. Despite the loss, their young star Thompson’s performance offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
The race for the second position in the league continues to heat up, with Larne now firmly in contention. As the season progresses, every point will be crucial, and this match has certainly added an exciting chapter to the ongoing narrative of the Sports Direct Premiership.
