Irish Premiership: Is the title race wide open after weekend drama?

A lot of Larne’s troubles have come from a defence that had been so solid, yet has now started to leak goals.

By the end of January, the Inver Park side had conceded just 13 goals in 26 matches. It had been the bedrock of their title campaign.

But in three league matches in February, they are without a win and have conceded seven goals in three games, with one point to show for their troubles as a draw with Glentoran was followed by losses to Portadown and Carrick Rangers.

Speaking after the derby loss to Carrick, Haveron’s frustration was evident as he challenged his players to bounce back against Linfield on Tuesday.

That game was always going to be important, but given the momentum of both sides it feels like a pivotal moment in the title race.

“The last couple of results are from from ideal and we’ve let the others back into the mix,” Haveron said.

“That’s on us and it’s now how we react from this moment on.

“I’m sure I’ll get a reaction from the players in the right way.”

After failing to properly convert Larne’s slip-up against Portadown with their own 1-1 draw with in-form Carrick, Coleraine’s win over Ballymena on Friday brought them to within touching distance of the top.

That gap now stands at two points, although Larne and Linfield have a game in hand over the Bannsiders.