Consistency the key for Kearney at Coleraine

Kearney left Shamrock Park on Saturday bolstered by a 1-0 success for three points just days after a decision by the Irish Football Association awarded his club a 3-0 win over the same side.

That IFA decision marked part of a punishment against the Ports due to the loss of a double appeal - with Coleraine enjoying the benefits in relation to a fixture originally scheduled for the opening day of the season but postponed until the final verdict.

Kearney was full of praise for the professional performance produced by his players at the end of a week dominated within Irish League circles by talk of Portadown.

The evening kick-off time of 5.30 also added to the disruption.

“It was a strange situation but credit to the players for a professional performance overall,” said Kearney. “It was inevitable that the focus would centre on Portadown but I look on the 1-0 win as impressive, especially the clean sheet.

“We have had a good week of results in the league and cup but had to show both sides of our performance on Saturday.

“Not every side can win every match, whether it is Crusaders or Manchester City.

“But we dominated the first half and were disappointed going in just 1-0 up at half-time.

“Then in the second half it was a different scenario and we had to show the grit to secure the win.”