Kearney: ‘We are on cloud nine’

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney gives his assessment after watching the Bannsiders win their seventh straight game in the Danske Bank Premiership…

After missing several chances in the first-half, the Stripes finally made the breakthrough via a sweet volley from defender David Ogilby, before Darren McCauley struck twice in the second-half to give Coleraine the three points against Carrick Rangers.

The result means that Coleraine remain top of the table, but boss Kearney believes talk of winning the title is premature.

“When I was manager of Limavady United and during my six-and-a-half years here I have always had the intention of winning the league when the season gets underway,” Kearney said.

“It is no different this year as there is no point in being defeatist.

“However, there is no point in discussing if we can the league because we are just focused on winning matches.”

Kearney admitted he was ‘delighted’ that his players maintained their perfect start to the new campaign which has yielded maximum points from their opening seven fixtures.

“We knew Carrick would come here with a game plan and to defend strongly, but we are delighted to secure the three points,” Kearney added.

“There are no easy games in this league and it took us a long time in the first-half to break Carrick down.

“From Christmas onwards we have hit a gear which has been the best since I have been manager at the club.

“That has continued through pre-season and the start of the new campaign.”

Darren McCauley’s second-half brace means the midfielder has now scored seven goals in his last five matches, and Kearney has heaped praise on the former Institute player.

“Darren has always been a good player and had a spell with us a few years ago,” Kearney revealed.

“I persuaded him back 18 months later and he has worked hard and is coming into the prime of his career where the penny has finally dropped.

“Last year he showed signs of progress by hitting nine goals, but he’s already on eight for the season.

“From that point of view, it’s exactly what you want from your midfielders.”

Kearney believes his side will face a ‘difficult’ challenge when they take on Glentoran at The Oval next weekend.

“We are on cloud nine because securing one win in this league is difficult, never mind seven,” said the Stripes boss.

“We have a strong starting eleven who are a match for anyone in the league.

“We will get the players in for training this week and look forward to a difficult match against Glentoran.”