Irish Premiership: Takeaways from Boxing Day matches

Playing against a backdrop of much change at the club in the early stages of the season, Larne largely flew under the radar when predictions were being made as to who may emerge Irish Premiership champions, but the Invermen have emerged as favourites to collect the Gibson Cup next spring.

Friday’s comeback win over neighbours Carrick Rangers demonstrated their ability to grind out results, always a characteristic of potential champions, and they now enjoy a six-point advantage over nearest challengers Coleraine at the top.

At least three other attributes of potential champions are being displayed by Gary Haveron’s side – their unbeaten record at home this season, a sound defensive platform, with just nine goals conceded in the top flight to date, plus an ability to win matches by a single goal, as has been the case in their past six victories.

All this without the services of injured influential duo Cian Bolger and Andy Ryan, who have yet to play this season.

Their fortunes are in contrast to east Antrim neighbours Carrick Rangers who are now without a win in seven, five of those defeats.

The Taylors Avenue side sit 11th in the table and will be looking nervously over their shoulders at bottom club Glenavon, over whom they have now have just a six-point cushion.