COLIN MILLAR

LARNE boss Tiernan Lynch believes the “phenomenal” support the club are currently enjoying is playing a key role in their early season form.

The East Antrim side have won five matches on the bounce and sit top of the early Championship table thanks to their winning streak.

“The town and the supporters have been phenomenal for us,” Lynch told Match On Tuesday.

“Our fans appreciate good football and they understand how we are trying to play and having an average of 1,000 fans or so is absolutely fantastic for everyone.

“Now we have fixtures starting to come thick and fast and we are entering the period of the season which is a big challenge for everyone, but that’s why we are involved in football.

“We have a big run of fixtures coming up but we know we have the players and the personalities to enjoy these occasions and thrive in them.”

Saturday’s victory at Dundela was arguably Larne’s most impressive yet, ending the hosts’ 100% winning start to the season with a twogoal victory at Wilgar Park.

“Questions have been asked of us of whether we could go to places like that and get the result,” continued Lynch.

“People have said we are a good footballing side but are a little bit soft in the centre so it was pleasing for us to show that we can roll our sleeves up and dig in when it matters.

“It’s important to keep in mind the season has just begun but I’m happy with how our squad are shaping up and how well they are all doing in training.

“This is a special group of players who are incredibly driven and who are all hungry to improve and enjoy success.”

It was former Crusaders and

Cliftonville star Marty Donnelly who opened the scoring on Saturday – the winger’s sixth league goal in six games.

“Every time you look at Marty now he has a massive smile on his face,” added the manager (left).

“He has a whole new lease of life and he is really enjoying his football, he has freedom in his game but he is also working so hard without the ball.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Marty for many years when he was at Cliftonville and whilst everyone knew how talented he was on the ball, there may have been questions about his workrate off it.

“But his workrate and attitude off the ball has been just as important for us as his contribution whenever he is on it, so that is massive.

“He is loving the full-