Larne Faces European Hangover as They Struggle to Regain League Form After Draw

Larne's campaign in the Irish Premiership has taken a challenging turn as they grapple with the aftereffects of their recent success in European competition. Boss Tiernan Lynch openly acknowledged the "European hangover" his team is experiencing following their 1-1 draw against Coleraine at the Showgrounds. This match marked a delayed start to their defence of the Gibson Cup, as the players returned from their Uefa Conference League group stage qualifications. The clash with Coleraine saw Larne initially take the lead with an impressive penalty converted by Matthew Shevlin, only for their advantage to be equalized by an Andy Ryan spot kick. Despite their efforts, Lynch conceded that the performance was not up to their usual high standards. “I’m not going to lie and say it [Thursday night's win against Lincoln Red Imps] didn’t have a hangover on today, but that is something we have to deal with,” Lynch remarked, emphasizing the need to recalibrate their focus on league play. With the promise of six more European fixtures on the horizon, Lynch was clear on the priorities for his team. "The league is our bread and butter; if you're not going to challenge in the league, the other stuff is a waste of time," he asserted. This sentiment underscores the dual demands on the squad as they navigate a packed schedule that includes both domestic and international commitments. The match itself highlighted some contentious moments, particularly the penalty awarded to Coleraine, which Lynch questioned. The decision stemmed from a handball called on new signing Sam Todd, which Lynch described as dubious upon reviewing the incident. This reflects the fine margins that can dictate the outcome of games, especially in tightly contested matches. Looking ahead, Lynch expressed disappointment over not securing all three points, particularly given their second-half performance, which he felt warranted a win. “We got a couple of knocks on Thursday night, we changed personnel and changed formation slightly, but we need to dust ourselves off and go again,” he concluded, remaining optimistic about the resilience of his squad. As Larne aims to shake off the remnants of their European adventure and refocus on domestic challenges, the coming weeks will be pivotal. The juxtaposition of competing in Europe while maintaining league competitiveness will test the mettle and depth of the team as they strive to reclaim their form and defend their title in the Gibson Cup.