Larne’s Historic Victory Was Far from a ‘Smash and Grab’
In a moment that will resonate throughout the realm of domestic football, Larne’s head coach Gary Haveron proudly proclaimed his side’s hard-earned 1-0 victory over Gent in the UEFA Conference League as a triumph truly deserved, dismissing notions that it was merely a “smash and grab.”
The match turned on a brilliant second-half strike from Tomas Cosgrove, a goal that not only secured the Irish Premiership champions their inaugural points in the league stages of this prestigious competition but ushered them into an exhilarating new era on the European stage.
After a string of five consecutive defeats in European fixtures, this win marks a monumental achievement for an Irish League outfit, demonstrating relentless determination and a fierce desire to succeed.
“What a performance and what an effort from our boys tonight. We were determined to bow out of this competition with our heads held high and I think we have done that and then some. I couldn’t be prouder of them,” Haveron conveyed with palpable pride to BBC Sport NI.
“This is no smash and grab; we created chances throughout the game and missed big opportunities, which made me anxious about the outcome. But no better man than Tomas Cosgrove to arrive at the back post.”
“After he signed a contract extension, I’m so delighted for him. It’s a fantastic way to exit this competition, and we need to harness this momentum for the remainder of the season.”
‘We have grown into the competition’
Haveron, who stepped into the managerial role just last weekend following Nathan Rooney’s promotion to head of football, is now basking in the glory of a victory that could define his tenure.
“What a start! Where do I go from here? It’s incredible; it means so much and I’m immensely proud for the people. It’s a special night, and I hope we can have many more like this,” exclaimed Haveron, demonstrating his deep connection to the club.
“Steadily but surely, we have grown into this competition. The Shamrock [Rovers] game [a 4-1 home defeat] stung us; we didn’t do justice to our league. But tonight, we wanted to come back fighting; generating momentum with a victory against a European powerhouse is the perfect remedy.”
With their historical win imprinted in the annals of the tournament, Larne now shifts its focus back to domestic battles. The aim? To rebound from a shaky start and stake their claim for a third consecutive Premiership title.
Trailing leaders Linfield by a daunting 22 points but with six games in hand, the blueprints for success are firmly in place. Adding to that, they remain in the BetMcLean Cup semi-finals and eyeing the County Antrim Shield final.
“It’s on me and the management team to ensure this level of performance is consistent. There’s no value in turning up for a big game and then failing to deliver in the league—this must serve as our springboard. We want to be back where we belong, competing at this level and taking the lessons from this year into the next,” Haveron reinforced with conviction.
