Kearney: ‘I felt we didn’t get the rub of the green’

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney spoke to the media after watching his side play out a 2-2 draw against Linfield…

The Bannsiders had led by two goals via strikes from Jamie McGonigle and Ian Parkhill, but were pegged back through Andy Waterworth’s header. However, Linfield scored via a long range free-kick which Kearney believes was harshly awarded.

“We are bitterly disappointed because we were so dominant for 87 minutes,” Kearney said.

“We fought in tough conditions, on a tough pitch against a tough team, but I felt we didn’t get the rub of the green.

“I can’t see a foul for the free-kick, yes we have to deal with it, but it was harsh.

“Whilst I’m disappointed, I’m full of pride because what a performance.

“It’s about picking up the three points, but if we play like that for the rest of the season there is no reason why we can’t reach as far as we want to go.”

However, Kearney insists there is still a long way to go and believes the ‘hunger’ in the squad will only grow after losing the chance to go top.

“The players are flying, the attitude and hunger is there, and all the ingredients are there,” Kearney added.

“The last few minutes, we didn’t get a rub of the green to see the game out with the decision and that’s frustrating.

“As I said to the players, that’s football and with my experience of title run-ins there are so many changes and crazy moments.

“It’s only three points and as it stands, we are still joint top of the league.

“When we zoom out and think about it tomorrow, we won’t see it as catastrophic as some might think.”