Slim Pickings

COLERAINE goalkeeper Gareth Deane spoke of his satisfaction at registering another clean sheet during last night’s success against Carrick Rangers…

The Bannsiders would seal their passage through to the last eight of the competition as Matthew Shevlin struck in each half to record a 2-0 success at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena.

Despite being delighted to see goals going in at one end, Deane is happy to keep the ball out of his own as the Stripes have kept six clean sheets in their last seven games in all competitions.

“It’s simply a case of job done for us tonight,” he told Coleraine TV after the game.

“It is always tough coming to Carrick, they’re a great side and they’ve started the season well.

“I think the 3-0 game here back in September flattered us a bit and we knew it was going to be a battle and Oran had us well prepared.

“I keep doing my job and I love getting clean sheets.

“I think that’s six clean sheets in our last seven games, so long may it continue.”

The stopper was penalised for an apparent foul on former Coleraine striker Emmett McGuckin inside the box on 89 minutes.

However, despite being perplexed at Ross Dunlop’s decision to point to the spot, he atoned by denying Mark Surgenor from 12 yards.

“I don’t know how the decision was made,” he reflected.

“I didn’t speak to the referee after the match as I went straight into the changing room.

“I’m happy enough with the save but it’s a pity it had to come to that.

“I have to thank Michael Doherty as he studies penalties and he gave me a shout where he was going to go, so thankfully I went the right way.”

Coleraine are on their travels on Saturday evening away to Glentoran and Deane knows it is always a tight game when the two sides lock horns.

“It’s a massive game,” he continued.

“They have invested heavily in their squad and we played them in pre-season and done well.

“Hopefully it’ll be a good game of football and another clean sheet.

“It’s always tight going there, there will be a big crowd at The Oval and we know what’s coming, so we have to rest up and go again on Saturday.”