DEAN Shiels was understandably pleased with his side’s performance as they banked a 2-0 win at Windsor Park this afternoon…

A brace from Connor Murray ended a six-year wait for a win at the venue as the team also worked hard to preserve a clean sheet.

Speaking before the game, Shiels highlighted that he wanted to see a better performance from his players in possession and he feels that’s exactly what he got in the capital.

“We are delighted with the performance and then we get the outcome as well,” he said.

“Sometimes you might get the performance but not the outcome, so we’re delighted with both today.

“It’s really tough to win here. I think they are the most outstanding team in the league, they are so far clear at the top and it’s so difficult to win here.

“To keep a clean sheet and be disciplined for the whole game was really pleasing.

“I think the quality that we showed in possession was outstanding. We were probably disappointed last week with how we were in possession, it wasn’t us, and we spoke a lot this week about dominating the ball.

“I think we did that, especially in the first-half, with the quality we showed in and out of possession was all there today.”

As well as acknowledging the importance of keeping the back door shut, Shiels paid special praise to Murray who he believes can add even more goals to his game.

He stated: “Connor’s got loads of ability.

“He’s a fantastic footballer and he probably just needs that end product to his game.

“He has the ability to finish, he’s technically good and he arrives in the box at the right time.

“As you saw today he’s a massive goal threat and it’s about getting that out of him.

“He was a big signing for us and we are delighted to have him.

“I really enjoyed us in possession, movements, rotations and the way we opened the spaces, and then when the ball was turned over, we were really disciplined.

“But it’s only one game, we’ve got to build and replicate it next week.”