McKendry: ‘We got out of jail’

COLERAINE assistant manager Trevor McKendry praised the character shown by the Bannsiders after a last gasp winner from Josh Carson secured all three points against Ards last Friday night…

With boss Rodney McAree feeling under the weather, McKendry took charge of media duties and said: “It was a good first half but it was a very open game – almost too open.

“It was end to end school boy stuff – you attack we attack.

“I thought first half was pretty even and I thought Ards edged it in the second half in terms of their counter attack.

“They looked very dangerous and we over committed and were over expansive at times.

“We got out of jail on a couple of occasions late on and to steal the points so late on was crazy.”

Josh Carson stole the show as he netted in the dying seconds to snatch all three points at the Bangor Fuels Arena.

Despite an under par performance from the Bannsiders, McKendry paid tribute to fans’ favourite Carson.

“Josh’s work rate is superb you can never question him,” said McKendry.

“He had put a big shift in there in centre midfield and to break beyond the strikers at the end and to finish it was excellent.”

McKendry also commended the performance of goalkeeper Chris Johns who was the unsung hero for Coleraine last Friday night. He made a number of essential saves which allowed the Bannsiders to go on and clinch the win.

“Chris Johns was excellent – the quiet man,” joked McKendry.

“He does not like a lot of credit or stuff like that but he is absolutely superb.

“Last week and tonight he proved himself in the one on one’s and they had a goal ruled out for offside but he was unbelievable and his attitude is top drawer.

New signing Ben Doherty was a stand out performer against Ards, whilst Mark Edgar and Jamie Glackin look to have found their feet for the Bannsiders.

With the transfer window nearing a conclusion, McKendry hinted that there may still be room for additions at The Showgrounds.

“There is competition for places now and when you look back at last year and the players who are not playing now like Brad Lyons, Ciaron Harkin, Aaron Traynor the list goes on,” he said.

“It means our squad is thread bare but Rod has done well in terms of recruitment so far and touch wood there is more to come.

“The lads who have come in have been great. Ben grabbed his first goal with a fantastic strike and everyone is doing really well.”

Next up for the Bannsiders is a home fixture against Dungannon Swifts next weekend.