Matchday 23 of the Sports Direct Premiership sees the last round of fixtures for 2024 as Linfield welcome Larne to Windsor Park. (7.45pm k.o. all ticket). In his season’s previous meetings of the two sides both have recorded a 1-0 away win.

Larne have had a demanding season managing their domestic campaign around participation in the UEFA Conference League, leading to the postponement of several league fixtures. This leaves Larne with ground to make up, sitting 9th in the table, 22 points adrift of leaders Linfield. In their last outing they were left frustrated after a scoreless draw in the festive derby with Carrick Rangers at Inver Park. 

There has also been a change of Manager at Inver Park following the departure of Tiernan Lynch to Derry City, followed by the debacle in appointing the unqualified Nathan Rooney, only to be replaced within weeks by Gary Haveron.

There were plenty of talking points for both managers following an incident laden 0-0 'Big Two' Derby draw at The Oval, the referee producing a flurry of cards which eventually led to both sides finishing with 10 men, and Sam Roscoe now misses the big game with Larne. David Healy was delighted with a 4th consecutive clean sheet and will have settled for a point.

There will be plenty of atmosphere under the Windsor Park floodlights in this eagerly anticipated fixture. Both teams are packed with quality players and The Blues will want to end 2024 on a high note with a home win to savour.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.