Larne’s Tiernan Lynch calls for cool heads on big European night at Inver Park

Larne boss Tiernan Lynch is calling for cool heads on the pitch but a red-hot atmosphere from the supporters in tonight’s landmark European clash at Inver Park.
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Fans will watch a first European home tie in club history when Larne host Bala Town aiming to protect a 1-0 first-leg lead.

And Lynch wants to maximise the home advantage for the Europa Conference League first-round test - calling the fans’ role ‘massive’ on what he considers a ‘momentous’ occasion for the Premiership club.

“We talk about it week in, week out...they are definitely our 12th man,” said Lynch on the official club social media platforms. “Nothing will give us more pleasure than going out in front of our supporters on Thursday and hearing that Inver roar and hearing them get behind the team.

Larne boss Tiernan Lynch. Pic by Pacemaker.Larne boss Tiernan Lynch. Pic by Pacemaker.
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch. Pic by Pacemaker.

“It makes a massive difference to our players.

“It’s always that old cliche that you play the game and not the occasion.

“It’s important and something we’ve tried to do a lot on any of those big occasions.

“We concentrate on what we have to do...we have to remain very calm and calculated and make sure we take care of our football.

“There’s always an excitement about what we do, the players are all keen to get out on the pitch and keen to show our home fans what they are all about.

“It’s a momentous occasion but there’s got to be focus and concentration.

“We have to enjoy the experience...our first European occasion at home in front of our own fans.

“As far as we’re concerned it’s 0-0 and we’re starting again.

“Bala are a good side, there’s a lot of quality... a lot of experience, a lot of height and they’re dangerous.

“We know we can’t take our eye off the ball.”

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