Mixing it up

ORAN Kearney has challenged his players to remain ‘in the mix’ as the Bannsiders visit Linfield tomorrow afternoon…

The Stripes would lose for the first time in 14 matches last weekend as they were beaten 2-0 by Crusaders at Seaview.

However, despite acknowledging that his side were second best in north Belfast, Kearney is looking ahead to facing the reigning champions at Windsor Park.

The Bannsiders were unbeaten since early November before that defeat against the Hatchetmen and Kearney doesn’t want all that hard work to go to waste.

“We have to freshen up and put things right,” he said.

“Being away to Crusaders and Linfield, you’re targeting four points and six would be brilliant, but we are now at a point where we have to win that game.

“We want to be at game 33 in the mix and in and around that area where it’s exciting and something to play for.

“We’ve spent the last 14 clawing our way into that space and we don’t want to let go of it.

“I can’t question or query what I’ve got out of the players in the last three or four months, so it’s up to us to get back on it with a really big reaction.”

Injuries and suspensions have affected squad numbers in recent weeks and Kearney hopes the week’s rest will stand his players in good stead.

“We generally get a 20 minute spell where we have a rattle at it and we couldn’t – simple at that,” Kearney added when asked about the performance at Seaview.

“We gifted them two horrible goals as well which made it a horrible day at the office.

“I don’t remember Tuffey having much to do which was frustrating.

“It’s been the same group that’s been carrying the can and it was a bridge too far.

“Our levels have been so good and it was one of those days that you didn’t see coming.”