‘We looked more like the Coleraine I’d expect’ – Kearney

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney praised his side’s efforts following Monday night’s victory over Crusaders at Seaview…

A goal from Josh Carson in the first-half followed by a quick-fire double from Jamie McGonigle after the break helped the Bannsiders secure all 3 points, propelling them to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.

Speaking to colerainefc.com the Stripes’ boss expressed his delight following the win in North Belfast.

“It’s obviously a great pleasure (to get the win) we’ve had a lot of ding dong battles here throughout the years I’ve been here,” he said.

“I thought we started the game well for 25 minutes and then Crusaders came into the game strongly for the last 20 minutes of the first-half.

“In the first 20 minutes of the second-half they really knocked at the door but credit to our lads we showed a bit of resilience tonight.

“We dug in when we needed to and we always felt that if we could get through that initial 15 or 20 minutes the game would open up and it proved that way.

Despite the victory, Kearney hinted that there is no time for complacency for the challenges ahead.

“It’s three points and I said to the players before the game that by our standard we’ve huffed and puffed this year,” he added.

“Yes we had 8 points from 12 games but if I’m being honest we’ve yet to really put on a performance like tonight.

“There is more to come but at this stage of the season it’s all about getting points on the board and get up and running.

“A lot of our guys won their first trophy back in May and it’s hard not to let the joy and adulation carry over into the start of the next season.

“I feel that the last few games have been about getting the last few cobwebs out.

“With every game we’ve looked a little bit more like it and more up to speed and tonight was by far the best

“I hope that is the switch hit and the start of things to come.”

The Bannisders boss also paid tribute to striker Jamie McGonigle who helped secure the win over Stephen Baxter’s side.

“The finishes are just Jamie finishes I see it time and time again and he’s as clean of striker of the ball as I’ve seen and it’s great to see them go in,” he continued.

“He’s probably the best one touch finisher I’ve ever worked with and seen.

“He still frustrates us at times and there is some work out on the pitch that could be better.

“At times in the earlier games this season he’s just done OK.

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m too sore or harsh on him and then he goes and does a performance like that and it vindicates everything.”

Tuesday night’s victory marked a second debut for Aaron Canning who recently returned to Coleraine after a spell away from the club and Kearney was full of praise for the full-back.

“I thought it was an exceptional performance, a bit of a gamble and it’s easy to stand here afterwards and say that it worked,” he reflected.

“I suppose the other side of it is you aren’t throwing in an 18 year-old with no experience behind him as he has 250 odd appearances for us at this level and showed me all the quality that I knew was there.

“I’m delighted for him, without going into his private life it’s been well documented about his past and everything that has gone with it but in the same stretch the change he’s made in his life in the past 6 or 7 months has warranted him the chance to go and put it right.”

A vast number of the Stripes’ faithful made the trip to North Belfast and the Coleraine manager showed his gratitude for their efforts.

“The last 18 months has been a roller-coaster but the atmosphere and following it has created has been brilliant,” he concluded.

“I’m not surprised it’s more expectation than anything else.

“To a man the fans were fantastic tonight and they could be heard loud and proud.”

Coleraine now turn their attention to the Irn-Bru Challenge Cup where they face Scottish side Formartine United at the Showgrounds on Saturday (KO 7.45pm).