Chip on the shoulder helped drive Larne to retaining title says Cian Bolger

Cian Bolger says Larne had a bit of a chip on their shoulder when people were writing them off before the season even began.

Some questioned whether or not the Invermen had what it takes to go on and win back-to-back titles. But after lifting the Gibson Cup for a second time Bolger said it only fueled their fire to go and prove they weren't a "one-trick pony".

"I think coming into the season a few people had written us off before a ball was even kicked," said the Larne captain. "We had a bit of a chip on our shoulder with that so we had to go out and prove we weren't just a one-trick pony and that we were here to stay.

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"It's an incredible achievement. It's something we set out to do at the start of the season, obviously Linfield pushed us all the way, Cliftonville to a point as well, so we're delighted to win it again. It's just as special to win it for the second time.

"The first one obviously is the toughest as they say, but you come out this season with a target on your back and everyone is trying to stop you retaining your title. We probably won it a different way but it's just as special."

Larne had one hand on the trophy following their draw at nearest rivals Linfield on Monday. Bolger though said the message all week was to go out and win it in style in front of their home crowd, which they did with a 5-0 win over Coleraine.

"We had spoken all week that it wasn't mathematically done," said Bolger. "We didn't want to just go out and win the league on goal difference, we wanted to come out and give a good account of ourselves and give the fans something to cheer about as well.

"It's another special day retaining the title after a long hard season and we're delighted. Hopefully now it's something to build on going forward so that we can keep building success at the club."

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