Tiernan Lynch paid credit to the players of Larne and Linfield after last nights County Antrim Shield final was marred by a serious injury to David Walsh.
The Blues goalkeeper was injured in the dying stages of the game at Seaview following an innocuous challenge with Thomas Maguire.
The players were taken off the pitch as Walsh received lengthy treatment before being taken to hospital.
With the score at 0-0 the decision was made to go straight to penalties with Larne triumphing 4-3 to claim a third County Antrim Shield win in a row.
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"It was difficult for both sets of players and great credit goes to Linfield," said Lynch after the game.
"Myself and David had the conversation about going straight to penalties as the kid's well-being and safety was at the forefront of everyone's mind.
"We wanted to make sure he was OK.
"Great credit to both sets of players as I say, and our boys for going and taking their penalties at the Linfield end.
"But they showed great character and thankfully it went our way."
With the League and Irish Cup still to be decided Lynch is hoping lifting the first piece of silverware can be a catalyst for the rest of the season.
"It's always nice to win trophies and when we got on this journey that's what we wanted to do and what we wanted to achieve as a club," he said.
"I don't think there is a title race in January, but we want to make sure when April comes around we're in it.
"I think this team has a wee bit of everything about them.
"Now we have to find out if they have the belief. If they do then I think they're capable of achieving whatever they want."
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