Larne's Haveron named NIFWA manager of the month
Larne boss Gary Haveron is the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association manager of the month for March. Haveron guided Larne to four victories in their four games in March that included an Irish Cup penalty shootout win over Glentoran in the quarter-finals as well as league victories over Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon and Cliftonville. Larne scored eight goals in March and conceded just two as they maintained their advantage at the top of the Irish Premiership table that has since been cut to three points following Tuesday's 4-1 defeat against Coleraine.
It is the third time Haveron has won the monthly award this season, after claiming the prize in September when he initially stood in after Nathan Rooney's departure from the club and in November when Larne enjoyed a 100% winning record in the Irish Premiership that month. "It's always an honour to win this award, it would not be possible without the help of our backroom staff and the players, who have worked so hard this season," Haveron said. "Unfortunately, we've not carried our March form into April with the two defeats against Coleraine [in the Irish Cup and in the league].
"But that's football. There's still plenty to play for with three massive league games between now and the end of the season, starting with Linfield on Saturday. "We're three points clear and we have to take advantage of that.
We know we're capable of beating any team in the league. "We know how strong Linfield are, and they will be tough to beat at Windsor. We just need to be the best version of ourselves, and if we get an honest performance from the lads and they leave it all out there on the pitch, regardless of the result, I'll be proud of them.
"