“Confidence levels increasing” – McKendry

CONOR McKendry admits yesterday’s strike against Linfield was one of the best goals he’s scored in his career…

The winger would rifle home an unstoppable 25 yard effort on 86 minutes to ensure Coleraine would leave with a deserved share of the spoils at Windsor Park.

McKendry – who had a few sights of goal during the 90 minutes – spoke of his determination to keep going which was rewarded in fine style.

“I thought they dominated the ball the first ten or 15 minutes and then we got into our stride,” he said.

“We started getting into the game and creating chances and thought we were on top in first half.

“I thought the second half was a lot more even, end to end, with both teams having chances.

“I think we were disappointed at half-time not leading at half-time but we looked at the positives and said we were creating chances and discussed that we just needed to be patient and that the goals would come.

“From our point of view, it was a poor goal to concede but they’ll say it was a good goal scored.

“It was probably not great defending by us but a good finish from their striker.

“It is up there with the best goals I’ve scored.

“I think I’ve had three or four shanks before that, there were a few people laughing but I kept going and got my goal.”

The ex-Ipswich Town man had a good feeling that his strike was destined for the net and discussed how much he is loving life at The Showgrounds.

“Soon as I got the ball I was thinking, shoot,” he confessed.

“I was trying to get a bit closer so I could reach and get the shot off.

“I think I had a fair idea when I hit it that it was going in.

“A few family members were in among the crowd and it was the first time for some of them watching me play for Coleraine.

“I’m really enjoying it, loving it at Coleraine.

“Obviously your main aim is to play games and I’ve played every game so far and I think I’ve done quite well.”

After netting his third goal in all competitions for his new employers, the 22-year-old is looking forward to tasting action on the Ballycastle Road for the first time next weekend.

“I’ll bring goals and assists and it’s starting to come now,” he concluded.

“I’m gaining more confidence and getting more game time.

“I’m very excited for first home game against Ballymena as I’ve only played against Coleraine there.

“It’s been hard playing away from home but you’ve got to remember we’ll have a run of games at home later in the season, so the aim is to get as many points on the board.

“We would have been very disappointed not to have taken something from the game today.

“We’re a little bit disappointed we haven’t won but we’ll take a point away from home at Windsor and move on.”