Cliftonville edged Larne FC 4-2 in a thrilling Northern Ireland Premier League encounter at Solitude, with the home side scoring twice late to settle a breathless contest. The six-goal match had momentum swings, intense pressing and no shortage of drama, making it one of the standout fixtures of the round.

Cliftonville raced into a two-goal lead, but Larne fought back to level the score and threatened to complete the turnaround. Instead, Cliftonville regained control in the final 15 minutes and found the goals that secured a memorable three points.

Match overview

• League: Northern Ireland Premier League
• Venue: Solitude, Belfast
• Final score: Cliftonville 4-2 Larne FC

How the game unfolded

Cliftonville made a fast start and took the lead in the 9th minute after a bright move down the left. The ball was worked into the box and finished confidently to make it 1-0. The home side doubled their advantage in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a loose pass and attacking quickly before Larne could reset.

Larne responded strongly. They pulled one back in the 41st minute through a well-placed shot from the edge of the area, and the visitors carried that momentum into the second half. The equalizer arrived in the 55th minute after a sustained spell of pressure, and suddenly Cliftonville were on the back foot.

The home side recovered, though, and retook the lead in the 76th minute with a header from a set-piece. Larne pushed forward in search of another equalizer, but Cliftonville sealed the win in stoppage time, breaking forward on the counter and finishing emphatically to make it 4-2.

Key moments

• 9’ – Cliftonville take the lead: A left-sided attack ends with a confident finish.
• 27’ – Cliftonville double the lead: Larne lose the ball in midfield and are punished quickly.
• 41’ – Larne pull one back: A shot from the edge of the box finds the corner.
• 55’ – Larne equalize: Sustained pressure ends with a close-range finish.
• 76’ – Cliftonville retake the lead: A set-piece header makes it 3-2.
• 90+2’ – Cliftonville seal it: A counter-attack ends with the fourth goal.

Tactical story

Cliftonville’s width caused Larne problems throughout the first half. Their wide players stretched the defence and created space for midfield runners, while the pressing game forced Larne into mistakes. Larne adjusted after the break, pushing their full-backs higher and committing more bodies forward, which helped them turn the game around for a spell.

The decisive factor was Cliftonville’s response after conceding the equalizer. They slowed the tempo, won a crucial set-piece and then defended with greater discipline in the closing stages. Larne’s late push left gaps at the back, and Cliftonville’s counter-attacking finish sealed a dramatic win.

Standout performers

Cliftonville’s attacking midfielder was at the heart of most of their best moves, while the centre-back who scored the third goal delivered a commanding defensive display. Larne’s winger was their most dangerous player during the comeback and caused problems with direct running. Both goalkeepers were busy, but Cliftonville’s finishing in the key moments proved the difference.

What it means in the Northern Ireland Premier League table

The victory is a significant one for Cliftonville in the Northern Ireland Premier League standings, strengthening their challenge in the upper reaches of the table. Larne will be disappointed to leave Solitude empty-handed after fighting back to 2-2, but the match underlined the competitive nature of the division. Cliftonville’s 4-2 win will be remembered for its intensity, late drama and ruthless finishing.