BOSS Kearneypraises hishungry players

The Bannsiders are up to third in the table following Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Carrick Rangers.

They are also through to the semi final of the League Cup, where they were paired with Championship One leaders Ards, with the tie to be played on Tuesday 15 Decemeber at the Bangor Fuels Arena.

Kearney’s men are now ten games unbeaten in the league and the boss says the run will continue for as long as the players want it.

“It’s that simple, the run will continue for as long as the players want it to continue,” he told Times Sport.

“I haven’t changed anything I’m doing, I’m still singing the same songs, saying the same things, and producing the same training
sessions.

“We have a real chemistry this season, the players have really bought in to what we’re trying to do, and they’re one big unit.

“It’s all credit to them becuase they have created this run and kept it going.

“I think the way they celebrated the goals today shows just how much it means to them.

“When you see Lyndon Kane’s goal go in, as much as the players are all tired, every player ran to him to celebrate at the Railway End. It just shows you what it means to people.

“That’s why we’re on the run we’re on at the minute, no other reason.”

Teenage defender Kane echoed his manager’s sentiments after scoring his first senior goal.

“Ever since pre-season the atmosphere in the changing room has been brilliant,” he said.

“All the new people Oran brought in have been excellent.

“There’s a great mix of youth and experience, we all get on so well and I think that’s what is bringing the best out of us all.”

The Bannsiders are now just one game away from their first final in nearly four years.

Kearney though is refusing to get carried away and is determined to keep everyone focused on each game as it comes along.

“Every club in the semi final is there on merit,” said Kearney.

“There’s certainly no easy games as every one of those teams knows they are one game away from a final.

“If you go into a semi final believing you’re already in the final you will be asking for trouble.

“You have to go out, be professional and work hard.”

First up for Coleraine is a trip to Ballinamallard United this Friday night.

It’s a long trip for the Bannsiders but it’s one Kearney is looking forward to.

“We’ll rest up this week, we’ve another big one coming on Friday night away at Ballinamallard and we’ll be challenging the players to go and do the same again,” he said.

“I like Friday night games and I enjoy playing under lights.

“We had a great experience last week playing under lights at Ballymena. There’s a real buzz about night games at this time of the year.

“I’m quite happy to go there on a Friday night. Hopefully it will be another good night for us and under lights it will bring the best out of us.”