How did Larne regain the Irish Premiership?

It also gave the new signings a chance to settle into the side with new addition Dan Bent netting during the second qualifying round.

They also won two penalty shoot-outs in the process, with goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson coming to the fore, something which would also be seen throughout the domestic campaign.

Larne may have missed the chance to qualify for the Conference League for the second year in a row, but the qualifying campaign helped grow confidence and prepared them for a busy season ahead.

Recovering from multiple blips

It hasn't been plain sailing for the Inver Reds on the pitch either after their 11-point lead at the top of table in January was cut to just two points in a month.

It was an unexpected twist in the Irish Premiership tale and one that set up one of the most exciting title races in recent years.

When Larne fans look back at this season, most will skip over February when the side won just one of their five league fixtures.

Defeats against bottom-six sides Carrick Rangers and Portadown paired with draws against the 'Big Two' set up an intriguing final two months of the Irish Premiership.

After their February blip, the side went on an unbeaten run and reestablished a four-point lead before the split.

They then faced more challenges when they were defeated by Coleraine in the Irish Cup semi-finals before being beaten by the Bannsiders just three days later in what looked like a damaging result for their Premiership title attempts.

However, a victory over Linfield followed by a draw at the Oval and a win against the Swifts secured the Gibson Cup in dramatic style on the final day of the season.

Defensive delight

Image caption,

Ridley joined the Inver Reds from Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans

Over the last number of years, Larne have been known for being solid defensively and this season is no different.

They have conceded just 26 goals in 37 games this season, the lowest in the Premiership this season.

Stopper Rohan Ferguson has played in all of Larne's league matches and has registered clean sheets in 21 Premiership matches.

Summer signing Matt Ridley played a huge part in their defensive solidity and also scored in the crucial 2-0 victory over Linfield in recent weeks.

Versatile Tomas Cosgrove has shown consistency once at the back after becoming club captain in the summer with youngster James Simpson also impressing in defence.

Ryan's return from injury

At the other end of the pitch, the Inver Reds have scored 73 goals this season.

Striker Ryan missed nearly five months of the season through a knee injury but, despite their main goalscorer being absent, Larne have still netted the joint second most goals in the league.

Ryan's return bolstered the side and he hit the ground winning with managed to net 16 goals this campaign and is the club's top scorer for the season.

Fellow striker Matthew Lusty scored nine goals, while Paul O'Neill registered 11 in the league campaign as Larne proved they had many players upfront who could deliver.

While the celebrations will continue for a long period of time in east Antrim, the 2025/26 season will one remembered by Larne for it's incredible highs but also lows.