How the Irish Premiership can be won on the final day

"They'll come in at it and pose a real problem for us."

Glentoran - Trying to end 17 years of hurt

Friday's draw for Larne was as significant for Glentoran as it was for Larne.

It was a huge chance for Glentoran to head into the final day of the season at the top of the table, but it was a chance they could not take in front of their home support.

Not only that, but the draw opened the door for Coleraine to move into second place and the automatic European spot.

Glentoran have not won the Irish Premiership title since 2009 and this season felt like a huge opportunity.

Despite slipping to third, they still have an opportunity to end the 17-year wait but it is no longer in their hands.

For Devine's side to win the title they not only need Larne to slip up, but they will need to win at Coleraine to leapfrog both sides into top spot.

The Bannsiders have yet to beat the Glens this season, who have two wins and a draw against Coleraine in the league, as well as a BetMcLean Cup semi-final win at the Oval - but all four games have been tight.

"We are not out of it, we have one more game left in the current campaign to try make sure we get a win," Devine said.

"This league has thrown up a lot of shocks and surprises and crazy results over the years and hopefully we can do our side of the bargain, but Larne are firmly in the driving seat with a home game to go."

Coleraine - a potential double?

Such was the focus on Larne and Glentoran on Friday, Coleraine have almost flown under the radar over the final few weeks of the season.

Given they also beat Larne 4-1 on their own turf earlier in April, we should not be surprised that they are still in the picture.

On the final day, Ruaidhri Higgins' side are in a similar position to Glentoran, and they must hope Larne slip up and then win on the final day to have any hope of a first Irish League title since 1974.

Not only is the league on the line at the Showgrounds, but also automatic European qualification, which is the reward for finishing second in the table.

In the race for second, another thing Coleraine have in their favour is a strong goal difference, which comes after a big win at Linfield in their penultimate fixture.

So, a draw would be enough to secure European qualification ahead of Glentoran, and there is also the small matter of the Irish Cup final the following week.

Coleraine have only dropped eight points at home all season, but three of those came in a 2-1 defeat by Glentoran in September.

"It's a home game and our home form has been exceptional this season," Higgins said.

"It's a big game for both clubs and Larne aren't mathematically champions yet either.

"It will make for an interesting day and I think it is brilliant for the league."