My Larne side will make the sacrifices needed to make festive period a success: Tiernan Lynch

Larne's Joe Thomson reacts after netting the only goal of the game against Loughgall

Larne boss Tiernan Lynch believes his players are ready for a pivotal Christmas period.

After securing a 1-0 victory over Loughgall on Friday to keep hot on the heels of leaders Linfield, the champions now face a trip to derby rivals Carrick Rangers on Boxing Day before a top two showdown with Blues at Inver Park on Saturday.

It could well be a defining period in the title race, with Cliftonville also right in the mix just behind the Invermen in the table.

That means there will be no rest for Lynch and comp­any ­— but he trusts his side to be ready for the tests ahead.

“It’s a bit of a difficult period for players,” he said.

“Players are in a totally different mindset to everyone else at this time of year who are eating, drinking, spending time with family and letting their hair down.

“Unfortunately, in our game, we just can’t do that. You’ve got to be the opposite, because you have to show that discipline and stay razor sharp.

“The boys will train on Christmas Eve and get Christmas Day off so that we’re back at it for Boxing Day.

“You have to make sacrifices and we have a good bunch of boys in that dressing room who know what they want.”

Friday’s win — which came in Lynch’s 300th game in charge of the club — was sealed with Joe Thomson’s 12th goal of an increasingly productive season.

He pounced to finish off a free-flowing counter attack in the 18th minute, after which Larne struggled to find a second goal which would have helped to kill off the contest, but Lynch admits he can’t have too many complaints.

The victory made it nine wins and a draw out of their last 10 League outings as Larne strive to reel in David Healy’s side.

“It was