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Steven Crawford

Larne players take the initiative much to Tiernan Lynch's delight

Tiernan Lynch heaped praise on his Larne players after they surged back to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership following their 5-0 demolition of Portadown on Saturday.

But for as much as Lynch was pleased with his side hitting the goal trail to and returning to the summit, it was their ability to recognise they could step up a few more gears at Shamrock Park which delighted him the most.

Despite going in 2-0 up at the break the Inver Park boss admitted the first half was not "Larne-like", however, that was put right and then some in the second 45.

Read next: Philip Lowry finding it hard to put finger on goal scoring return

“We had a little chat at half-time and the players knew that they needed to up the tempo and up the intensity and be a bit more Larne-like and, thankfully, we were that in the second-half," said Lynch.

“They are a phenomenal bunch of boys who work unbelievably hard and it’s very player-led, that team.

“Half the time, I don’t have to say too much, they know, they are very honest and they knew that there was more in them and they knew that it was a bit of a lacklustre first-half for us.

“We got goals at good times, but at 2-0 up if they get the next goal it could be difficult, but thankfully we came out like a steam train and blew Portadown away.”

Elsewhere on Saturday a goal in each half by Ryan Curran secured the points for Cliftonville at Dungannon Swifts.

Curran opened the scoring on 23 minutes with a cool finish, before wrapping up the points on 66 minutes.

Newry City ran out 4-1 winners over Carrick Rangers at the Showgrounds.

Donal Rocks' 28th minute opener was cancelled out by Andy Mitchell.

But second half goals from Philip Donnelly and James Teelan secured a deserved win for the hosts.

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