Glentoran were left to rue missed opportunities in the first half as Larne took a significant step towards the Irish Premiership title.
As the last Glentoran fans quietly exited the Oval on Friday night, the voices of celebrating Larne supporters echoed in the Belfast air.
Just two hours prior, the atmosphere was electric as a sold-out home crowd cheered on Glentoran, who had the chance to seize the top spot heading into the final day with a win against the league leaders.
Both teams had chances to break the deadlock, but the goalless draw ultimately favored Larne, allowing them to maintain their three-point lead over the Glens.
Billed as a potential title decider, the match concluded with Larne heading into the final weekend knowing that one more point at home against Dungannon Swifts will secure their third Gibson Cup in four years.
“The job’s not done and there are no days off,” said Gary Haveron, acknowledging that his Larne side, despite having the opportunity to clinch the title with a win, still had work to do.
“Everybody’s back to work and we are and we go again.”
Larne move towards title with Glentoran draw – report & highlights
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As dusk settled over Belfast, Glentoran’s hopes of securing their first title since 2009 appeared to fade.
It was a disappointing outcome for Declan Devine’s team, who had narrowed Larne’s lead to give themselves a shot at their first Gibson Cup in 17 years, but now seem destined to fall just short.
Devine conceded that Larne “are in the driving seat,” but affirmed that his side “would not lie down.”
However, they must also be wary of Coleraine, who, with a slim chance of winning the title, could snatch second place and the automatic European spot from the east Belfast side.
Glentoran will face the Bannsiders, who are also competing in the Irish Cup final against Dungannon, on the final day of the season, adding further drama to the season’s conclusion.
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Highlights: Glentoran 0-0 Larne
Supported by their passionate fans, Glentoran started strong at the Oval, but Larne’s resolute performance underscored their title credentials and stifled the home side.
“Given the stakes, the pressure and expectation of the big crowd, I thought they handled it brilliantly,” Haveron remarked about his players, who saw their double-digit lead reduced to just three points.
“I felt our boys could come here and handle the pressure of it, and that’s what they’ve done.”
Larne not only kept Glentoran at bay with their 20th clean sheet of the season, but also had a chance to win the league late in the game, only for Paul O’Neill’s attempt to be blocked by Cameron Palmer, followed by a crucial save from Andrew Mills to deny James Simpson.
“When I was in the dressing room beforehand, I felt there was a steady determination about the players,” Haveron added.
“I didn’t have to say too much or overly egg them on or overly motivate them. It was right there where I wanted to be.
“Whenever you’ve got players that are taking control and taking leadership and saying all the right things, it makes my job a hell of a lot easier.
“That’s what we’ve got in our dressing room, real character.”
Despite needing just one point to secure the title at home against a Swifts side likely focused on the Irish Cup final, Haveron insisted that “nothing changes for us.”
“We’ve got the utmost respect for Dungannon, Coleraine and Glentoran.
“Will be what it will be. The only thing we can control is how hard we work next week, how well we can prepare for the game and we will give Dungannon respect as we try and get over the line.”
Larne have a three-point lead going into the final fixture.
For a club of Glentoran’s stature, their 17-year title drought is hard to fathom.
The long wait for their supporters, who turned out in force, made Friday’s game feel so crucial for the club.
If Larne secure the point they need against the Swifts, Glentoran will end the season without silverware, despite several near misses.
They lost the BetMcLean Cup final to rivals Linfield in extra time, while the Irish Cup and County Antrim Shield slipped away in penalty shootout defeats.
After fighting their way back into title contention following a difficult period before Christmas, the Glens now appear likely to fall just short in the league, highlighting the importance of fine margins.
“Whether we win the league next week or not, I think we have made huge improvements as a football club but that doesn’t take away the disappointment,” Devine stated.
“Second, third – it is nothing and we have to accept that. We need a snooker and if we can get a snooker next week, it is important that we uphold our side of the bargain.
“I thank the fans with all my heart. This is a massive club that deserves success.”
Devine lamented the “painful” lack of a clinical edge, but acknowledged that his players “emptied the tank.”
They must now regroup as they travel to the north coast with hope, rather than expectation.
“We are not out of it, we have one more game left in the current campaign to try make sure we get a win,” Devine added.
“This league has thrown up a lot of shocks and surprises and crazy results over the years and hopefully we can do our side of the bargain, but Larne are firmly in the driving seat with a home game to go.”
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