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Haveron praises 'first-class' McKendry strike

Haveron praises 'first-class' McKendry strike

BBC News18-04-2025

Larne manager Gary Haveron said that Conor McKendry's match-winning goal against Linfield was "absolutely first-class".Substitute McKendry rifled home a first-time finish from close-range two minutes from time to complete Larne's comeback after Andy Ryan had cancelled out Kalum Thompson's opener.And Haveron was delighted with McKendry's impact after being introduced off the bench as Larne leapfrogged Glentoran into second place with the win."Conor's finish was absolutely first-class, he has had to be patient and wait for opportunities, he is coming off the back of a dead leg so to come on and to score with that type of finish, he is so talented," Haveron told BBC Sport NI.The Larne boss conceded that his side were "not at the races" in the first half but buoyed by a raft of changes in the second period, they managed to fight back and take home a valuable three points."It wasn't our best performance of the season by any stretch of the imagination but the only thing we wanted to come away with was three points to give ourselves an opportunity next week and that is what we have done," he added."We were a shadow of ourselves first half, but the boys dug in, and we came out with the result."Larne's attentions now turn to their final league game against Glentoran next weekend at Inver Park, with the winner of that fixture set to finish second and earn automatic European qualification."It's a game we want to be excited for, it's a winner takes all game, so we will have to be prepared for it."Glentoran are a good side, we have had some tight games with them this year, but it's important we put our best foot forward next week."

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