Deane-ing Goals

COLERAINE goalkeeper Gareth Deane admits the Bannsiders lacked a cutting edge in the final third as they drew 0-0 against Carrick Rangers yesterday afternoon…

Deane was arguably Man of the Match at the Loughview Leisure Arena as the stopper made numerous saves to earn Coleraine a point for their efforts.

However, despite the Stripes going into the game as the league’s top goalscorers, they failed to overly test Aaron Hogg in the opposite dug out.

“It was a frustrating day,” he said.

“We were good defensively, we got another clean sheet but attacking wise we know we could be better.

“I think the conditions were a major factor today with the wind and the rain.

“We played with the wind in the first half and against it in the second.

“We have to put this behind us as there’s no better game to go into now than Tuesday night against the Glens.”

The shot stopper thwarted Ewan Kelly and Lloyd Anderson in the first-half before diving low to keep out Ben Tilney’s effort after the break.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the ex-Linfield ace predicts that Carrick will continue to pick up points as the campaign progresses.

“It seems any time I come to Carrick, I’m having to make plenty of saves,” he outlined.

“They are a good side, Stuarty has them playing well and it’s always going to be tough.

“They will take points off the top teams especially at home.”

Coleraine return to The Showgrounds on Tuesday night against Glentoran in the BetMcLean League Cup and Deane is hopeful of preserving yet another clean sheet.

“After today, there’s no better way to get back into the momentum with having a game straight off the bat,” he continued.

“We know that Tuesday is going to be a big ask but hopefully being at home can give us the advantage.

“We haven’t conceded at home so long may that continue.

“The fans are massive on a cup night and hopefully they come out in their numbers.

“Since the Ballymena game, they have been out supporting us and hopefully it’s the same on Tuesday night.”