Grinding performance: OK

ORAN Kearney heaped praise on his players after they edged closer to securing top-six status for the post-split fixtures…

The Bannsiders earned a 1-1 draw against Dungannon Swifts at The Showgrounds, meaning Carrick Rangers have to inflict a six-goal defeat on Linfield on Easter Tuesday to move into sixth spot.

Kearney labelled the performance as “a grind” after Stephen Lowry’s dismissal on the half hour mark before Matthew Shevlin opened the scoring right on half-time.

Kearney also acknowledged that his side could have lost the game after Andy Mitchell made it 1-1, or indeed won it themselves after Josh Carson’s penalty miss at 1-0 up.

With several players out injured or suspended, the Bannsiders chief gave an update on their progress and believes the changing room deserves “a huge amount of credit” for finding a way to nearly securing a top-six place.