David Healy programme notes v Larne
Posted : 1st March 2021
Tonight we will face a huge challenge against a Larne team that has proven over the course of this season that they have the talent, consistency and ambition to challenge for the Premiership title.
They have caused us significant problems on their own Inver Park surface over the past year and they will want to demonstrate tonight that they are just as effective against us here at Windsor Park.
It’s a top of the table clash in front of a live TV audience and it’s one that will be watched eagerly by the chasing pack who will be keen to capitalise on any slip up by one or both sides involved in tonight’s game.
We come into tonight’s game determined to bounce back after the huge setback of Tuesday’s game against Glentoran. To lose such a close fought game in the last minute, against our biggest rivals was a major disappointment but I believe the players have the strength of character and resilience to respond in the correct manner tonight.
We were without Andy Waterworth and Christy Manzinga due to injury on Tuesday night and we are hopeful that we could have one or both involved for some part of tonight's game.
Mark Stafford made his 150th appearance for the club on Tuesday and over the years he has given great service and dedication to this club.
We are aware of the huge volume of fixtures that we will face in the month ahead but we won't turn our attention to those challenges until tonight's major obstacle has been overcome.
I've said it many times and will again repeat that we have really missed the vocal backing of our loyal supporters. The recent games against Coleraine and Glentoran are ones where I believe the presence of our supporters could have proven to be the vital extra ingredient, to lift our players to grab a crucial goal that could have made a real difference to the league table.
Unfortunately, there is no sign of a return of our supporters for the foreseeable future but we have really appreciated the many positive messages of support and goodwill we have received from near and far.
I can assure you that the players and staff will be working hard and doing all in our power to obtain a positive result in tonight's game, to bring a real and much needed boost to our thousands of supporters watching on TV at home tonight.
I look forward to the day when we will be able to welcome you back in person to our Windsor Park home.