Kearney: ‘The first two goals were unacceptable at this level’

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney speaks to the media after watching his side lose 3-2 to Crusaders in the third round of the BetMcLean.com League Cup…

Despite taking a first-half lead through Gareth McConaghie, the Bannsiders were punished for some poor defending after the break which left Kearney frustrated.

“Scoring two goals in a cup match should be enough to put us through,” Kearney said.

“I made three changes to the back four tonight, but the two centre-halves were our first choice pairing last season, so I didn’t feel we were weak in that area.

“The first and second goals we conceded were unacceptable at this level and you can’t come to a place like Crusaders and concede three goals and expect to go through.

“The third is an individual error which you can legislate for as it can happen in football.”

The boss was quick to heap praise on Jamie McGonigle who put on a stellar performance at Seaview.

“It was a good performance by Jamie, but we come to expect that now,” Kearney added.

“We have put an awful lot of work into Jamie and he has worked equally as hard.

“He has that in his locker and we are starting to see that more and more.

“He was terrific tonight and caused them no end of problems.”

Next up for the Bannsiders is a trip to Solitude to face Cliftonville in the Danske Bank Premiership, and Kearney is expecting a ‘tough game’ in North Belfast.

“We will be expecting a tough game,” Kearney revealed.

“We have a few aches and pains that we hope will be fresh for Saturday.

“It’s important we have everyone fit as we are down to the bare bones.

“It will be a massive bonus having Josh Carson back.

“Having not played for a few weeks he will bring a lot of hunger and desire.”