Image source, PacemakerImage caption, Glentoran were left to rue missed opportunities in the first half as Larne took a big step towards the Irish Premiership title
ByAndy GrayBBC Sport NI Journalist at the Oval- Published20 minutes ago
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As the last droves of Glentoran fans filtered out of the Oval on Friday night in near silence, the Larne fans could be heard singing into the Belfast night.
Two hours earlier, the scene could not have been more different as the sold-out home support roared on Glentoran, who had the chance to move to the top of the table heading into the final day if they could beat the leaders.
Both sides had chances to break the deadlock, but the goalless draw was a result that ultimately suited Larne as they maintained their three-point margin at the top over the Glens.
It had been billed as a potential title decider, and at the end of it all, Larne head in to the final weekend knowing that one more point, at home to Dungannon Swifts, will deliver a third Gibson Cup in four years.
"There's no job done and there are no days off," Gary Haveron said of his Larne side, who could have wrapped up the title if they had won.
"Everybody's back to work and we are and we go again."
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As the sun disappeared in Belfast, it also looked to be setting on Glentoran's hopes of a first title since 2009.
It was painful for Declan Devine's side as they had cut into Larne's advantage at the top to give themselves a shot of a first Gibson Cup in 17 years, but they look set to come up just short.
Devine went as far as to say that Larne "are in the driving seat", but added his side "would not lie down".
But they are now also looking over their shoulders as Coleraine, still with a very slim chance of the title ahead of their penultimate game at Linfield, can snatch second place and the automatic European spot away from the east Belfast side.
Glentoran travel to the Bannsiders, who play Dungannon in the Irish Cup final, on the final day of the season, just to add extra jeopardy into the last dance of the season.
'We handled pressure brilliantly'
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Media caption,Highlights: Glentoran 0-0 Larne
Backed by their vocal support, Glentoran came flying out of the traps at the Oval but they were stifled by Larne, who underlined their title credentials with a resolute display.
"Given the stakes, the pressure and expectation of the big crowd, I thought they handled it brilliantly," Haveron said about his players, who saw their double-digit lead shrink to just three points.
"I felt our boys could come here and handle the pressure of it, and that's what they've done."
Not only did Larne keep Glentoran out with their 20th clean sheet of the season, they had a chance to win the league at the end but Paul O'Neill's effort was blocked by Cameron Palmer before Andrew Mills pulled off a big save to keep out 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 get over the line at home to a Swifts side who will likely have one eye on the Irish Cup final, Haveron was adamant 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."
Glentoran 'need a snooker'
Image source, Pacemaker Press / BBC Sport NIImage caption, Larne have a three-point lead going into the final fixture
For a club of Glentoran's stature, it is hard to believe they are without a title in 17 years.
It has been a long wait for their supporters, who came out in their numbers, and that is why Friday's game felt so significant to the club.
If Larne pick up the point they need against the Swifts, Glentoran will end the season without a trophy but things could have played out so differently.
They lost the BetMcLean Cup final to bitter rivals Linfield thanks to Chris McKee's extra-time penalty, while the Irish Cup and County Antrim Shield both slipped away in shootout defeats.
After clawing their way back into the title race after looking out of contention before Christmas, the Glens look like they will come up just short in the league. It's all about the 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 said.
"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 said the lack of a clinical edge was "painful" but his players "emptied the tank".
They will now have to rebound 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."
