Larne played 'unbelievable football' in 'must-win' Linfield victory

Larne manager Tiernan Lynch says his team played "unbelievable football" in their 2-1 win over Premiership pacesetters Linfield.

"I couldn't be more proud of the boys and I'm absolutely delighted," said Lynch.

"We knew it was a must-win [match] - the intention was, by hook or by crook, to win this game."

• Larne come from behind to beat Blues as Reds defeat Newry

He added: "That doesn't always work out and we also knew we couldn't lose the game. We knew deep down we couldn't let Linfield get an 11-point lead."

Joel Cooper's hit a cracking opener for the Blues but Larne fought back with a superb Mark Randall strike bringing them level before Joe Thomson won it with a second-half header.

Joe Thompson celebrates scoring Larne's second goal against Linfield on Saturday evening

"The players rolled their sleeves up and I thought we played some unbelievable football at times," said Lynch.

"We were really calm and composed, passing through the thirds and then there were times when we had to roll our sleeves up and turn it it into a little bit of a grind.

"I thought we did both superbly well. Goals change games and we got good goals at good times with two great goals from Mark and Joe.

"In the last period Linfield threw the kitchen sink at us but I though we defended superbly well."

Blues run halted

Linfield boasted a 10-match winning run going into Saturday's evening encounter and Blues boss David Healy said it was a game of "fine margins".

"There wasn't much in it - credit to both teams and both put in a lot of hard work," he added.

"It's always disappointing to lose to one of the better teams and lets call Larne what they are, they're a a very good side and were champions for a reason last season.

"We took the lead but probably didn't capitalise on that - we should have been better on the turnover. We had plenty of opportunities to play the ball forward.

"We changed it a little bit at half-time and probably got too many men forward. We got done by a break and had players out of position so it's disappointing all round.

"I patted the players on the back for their effort and hard work over the last nine-10 games. When you lose to a good side you need to take your medicine and move on quickly."