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Steven Crawford

Larne ready to bounce back for crunch Crusaders clash insists Tiernan Lynch

Tiernan Lynch says Larne will continue to keep a level head about things.

Lynch refused to get caught up in the hype surrounding the Invermen's impressive start to the season.

That unbeaten run came to an abrupt end at The Oval last Friday night when Glentoran thumped Larne 4-0 to leapfrog them at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.

Read next: Crusaders and the Irish League will always be special for Stuart Dallas

But just as he had done when his charges occupied top spot Lynch is not getting too carried away by the defeat as they prepare to welcome Crusaders to Inver Park this evening.

"Everyone was talking about title challenges and whatever, but we're only 11 games in," said the Larne boss.

Glentoran’s Conor McMenamin celebrates his goal against Larne (INPHO/Brian Little)

"The season lasts 38 games and we know there are going to be ups and downs along the way.

"It's how quickly you get over the downs which is key.

"That's our challenge now."

Lynch felt the loss of midfielder Leroy Millar to a nasty head wound before half time had a big bearing on events at The Oval.

Millar may still be unavailable for the visit by the Crues, but Lynch is hoping for more positive news on Mark Randall, who was also a big miss against the Glens.

"I think there were a few factors against Glentoran," he said.

"In the first half I thought we were the better team.

"I thought we were fairly dominant after they scored, but we were well beat in the second half.

"After losing Leroy we probably lacked a bit of legs and energy.

"We probably missed Mark getting on the ball and making us play.

"It's over and done with now and I can't be critical of these players, they have been absolutely superb for us all season.

"We take our medicine and we move on from it."

In tonight's other game in the Danske Bank Premiership Ballymena United host Newry City at The Showgrounds.

Darren Mullen's men let a two-goal lead slip away against Cliftonville in the BetMcLean League Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night, but the Newry boss insisted there are positives to take from the game.

"We have loads of positives to take from Tuesday's game," he said.

"Looking back on it we threw it away, it was a great opportunity to get to the semi-finals.

"That said, we knew Friday night's game was the most important one.

"If we can take the effort and intensity from Tuesday night then we give ourselves a good chance."

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