Irish Premier League: Larne’s Ryan is a ‘clever striker’ – Haveron

Larne coach Gary Haveron praised “ruthless” Andy Ryan after his side’s 2-1 win over 10-man Bangor at Inver Park, with the striker scoring twice.

Ryan was making his first start of the season after a long-term knee injury and scored twice in the first half against the Seasiders.

Bangor pulled one back through substitute Ben Cushnie shortly after the restart, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

“We always knew he would come back and how important he would be in the second part of the season,” Haveron told BBC Sport.

“That’s what Andy Ryan does, he’s absolutely ruthless when he gets into the box.

“He is an intelligent striker and scores all kinds of goals. He is very good and I am happy to see him score his goals tonight.”

The result means Inver Reds remain eight points off the top of the Irish Premier League with a game in hand.

However, Haveron was frustrated by the goal his team conceded in the second half.

He continued: “The goal we conceded was really bad.”

“Bangor came out in the second half and made some effort.

“Ben Cushnie did a good job of scoring the goal, but was the goal really bad from our point of view, as it passed through us, which is uncharacteristic.”

Bangor manager Lee Finney added that his side “won’t get a fairytale” against the league leaders.

“It was boys against men,” Finney said.

“I don’t think we have a chance at all when we come here on Friday night. Part-time players against a good full-time team, but we tried to do our best.”