McAree: ‘I thought we defended well throughout’

COLERAINE manager Rodney McAree expressed his happiness after watching the Bannsiders register a 2-1 success against Institute…

The Stripes were in control at the break as Darren McCauley grabbed a brace, but were given a scare with minutes to go as Joe McCready grabbed a goal back for the home side.

However Coleraine held firm to register all three points and move up to 6th spot in the Danske Bank Premiership.

“It was a difficult game played under difficult conditions,” he said.

“I felt we produced a little bit more quality in the final third which got us over the line.

“There were a lot of big performances out there. Darren McCauley was good going forward, Josh Carson’s work-rate was phenomenal, Stephen Lowry was excellent, as well as our whole back four.

“We are delighted with the three points and it’s something we are looking to build on.

“The wind was difficult because anytime you gave away a free-kick, it’s always going to ask you a question if it’s whipped in with quality.

“They have a lot of quality players who can create things and score goals.

“I thought we defended balls into our box well, set-pieces well and unfortunately we got caught by a very good through ball at the end.

“It was nice to hear the final whistle to be honest as when you concede late on, it makes it a little bit more nervous, but thankfully we had already done enough by that stage.”

Despite exiting the League Cup in midweek to Glentoran, the general consensus was that Coleraine put in a good team performance on Tuesday and this was backed-up in yesterday’s win at The Brandywell.

“We probably played better with the ball on Tuesday night but we maybe didn’t defend as well,” McAree added.

“I thought we could have been a bit better today in possession but the elements didn’t make it easy for us to do that.

“I thought our shape, discipline and commitment in the second-half to get the three points was superb.

“You want a bit of consistency now.

“It’s been difficult as we haven’t had a fully fit squad, a lot of bodies missing and we have just welcomed Ian Parkhill back. We were able to give Jamie McGonigle a rest so we are getting bodies back.

“Thankfully there are a run of matches now that are played at the weekends, rather than midweek.”

McAree also expressed his sadness at the news that full-back Aaron Traynor will be ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, but had better news surrounding Lyndon Kane and James McLaughlin.

“It is very disappointing and I feel so sorry for Aaron,” he concluded.

“He’s a good lad and is such a good professional. He has worked hard to get to the standard that he has, but I’m sure he will focus on what he has to do to get back.

“Lyndon is going well and is upping his running.

“James done a little bit of work before the match today, so hopefully they aren’t too far away.”