Larne will use the international break to regroup after a strong start that has them sitting third in the Premiership. The Inver Park side have won five consecutive league games, scoring 12 goals and conceding just three in six matches.
Manager Gary Haveron believes the pause is vital. "The boys deserve a break," Haveron said. "They've been flat to the mat since the beginning of June." He described the fortnight as a mental refresh as much as a physical one, coming after a pre-season that began in early June due to European commitments.
O'Neill leads the line
Paul O'Neill has been central to Larne's recent success, netting a hat-trick in the 5-2 derby win over Carrick Rangers on 19 September. Haveron praised the striker's impact. "Paul O'Neill has really grabbed that leading role in the frontline as an out-and-out number nine," the manager said. O'Neill's first goal in that match was described as breathtaking, and he also provided an assist for teammate Matty Lusty. Lusty himself scored three goals in six league games before limping off with a suspected hamstring injury against Carrick Rangers.
The victory over Carrick, which you can review in our stats section, saw Dan Bent score two penalties while on international duty with Gibraltar. Two of the three goals Larne have conceded all season came in that chaotic match, where goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson made his 250th appearance for the club but had a rare off day.
The fixture pile-up
Larne's next match is not until 10 October, an away trip to face fourth-placed Crusaders at Seaview. This extended delay is due to international call-ups, with James Simpson joining the Northern Ireland under-21 squad. By the time that game arrives, league leaders Coleraine could be 12 points ahead, though Larne have two games in hand and sit just six points behind them now.
Postponed fixtures against Linfield, Dungannon Swifts, Limavady United and Ballymena United have been rescheduled for midweek dates in late October and early December, creating a congested run. Larne will host Coleraine at Inver Park on 17 October in a key encounter. Fans can track the evolving fixtures list as the season progresses.
The team's current form of five straight wins, has them on 16 points. They aim to close the gap at the top when action resumes against Crusaders in three weeks' time.
