Match Reaction

Gawne with the win

COLERAINE striker Alexander Gawne admitted post-match that he was delighted to score into the Railway End for the first time in his career…

Just when it looked like Monday night’s game would end scoreless, the teenager popped off from the bench to bag the winner as his cross/shot caught out Cliftonville goalkeeper Richard Brush and went into the net.

Question marks remain over whether or not the striker meant his strike to go into the net, but speaking post-match, Gawne was only concerned with the result in the end as the Bannsiders moved up the table.

“Thankfully we got the goal and managed to get the win,” he said.

“There wasn’t many chances, it was a very tight game, it always felt that one goal was going to win it.

“It doesn’t matter, for me all that matters is the ball ended up in the net and we won the game.

“It was a vital win for us tonight against another top six team.

“I think all the games coming up now before the split are going to be very tight, we’ll all need the points as every team is going to be playing each other and taking points off each other.

“Every point is vital in the race for the title.”

After making 15 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign, the Academy graduate insists that he is “pleased” with how the season is going so far.

“I’m really pleased with how the season is going for me, I’ve scored a few goals now,” he added.

“It was even better tonight as that goal was in front of the Railway End.

“The goal I scored against Carrick Rangers here earlier in the season was at the end, but tonight I got to see the fans go mad when the goal went in.

“We have to keep the run going now and we want to progress in the cup.

“We will be targeting another win against Banbridge Town.”