Connolly happy with Larne’s progress

Second in the league, Davy McAlinden’s men are very much the surprise package in Championship 1, but the former Cliftonville stopper says they could be closer to leaders Bangor.

However, with a new-look squad gelling together nicely, he says the team is in good shape as they gear up for 2015.

“The first half of the season has gone well but we probably could be a few points better off. We have to remember how many new faces were brought in, so on that basis we have to be happy with the progress we’ve made,” said Connolly.

“We are still in two cup competitions and in a good position in the league going into the New Year.

“We have a very good dressing room and everyone involved is pulling in the same direction. The supporters are really behind us and they are going to be a big part of things in the second half of the season.”

With the draw for the fifth round of the Irish Cup set to take place today (Wednesday), Connolly has mixed feelings about who he would like to face.

“A home draw would be great but I don’t necessarily want one of the big teams. I would be happy to get a team we believe we can beat and maybe get one of the big guns in the later rounds.”