Kearney credits squad after back-to-back wins on the road

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney shared his views after watching the Bannsiders defeat Warrenpoint Town at Milltown…

The Stripes sealed all three points after second-half strikes from Ian Parkhill and Darren McCauley, and Kearney hailed the squad for earning six points from two difficult away venues.

“It’s a welcome three points,” Kearney said.

“It’s been a long month for us and mostly on the road.

“Full credit to the lads as to come with away with six points after trips to Warrenpoint and Ballinamallard, we’re happy with our work.

“We have learned a lot from the two games.

“The Ballinamallard game I thought we were very good and probably would have won by more, if it wasn’t for Richard Brush.

“Tonight was different, I don’t think we hit the top gears like we’ve shown in previous games. We had to show more mentality than ability and that’s the pleasing thing.”

Kearney admitted it was a nice feeling to be top of the table for Christmas, but has urged his squad to kick on ahead of a busy festive schedule.

“It’s great being top of the league and we’ve been in that position since the start of September,” Kearney continued.

“People were quick to write us off during those months, but nobody could begrudge the position we are in.

“We’re delighted with our work to date, but we want to kick on.”

The Stripes announced the signing of Stephen Dooley for January, but Kearney revealed he is keen on one or two more arrivals in 2018.

“We’re keen on one or two pieces of business,” Kearney added.

“It’s the ability to do that business for those deals to happen.

“January has always been a good window for me and I’ve signed some cracking players during my spell here.

“I think Stephen will be a real asset for us.”