IRISH LEAGUE: First goal was vital admits Bannsiders boss

James McLaughlin in the first half, and Jamie McGonigle in the second had the best chances for Kearney’s men on the day, but unfortunately they couldn’t take them.

“I think James just gets caught with his eye on the ball, and although everyone in the stadium knows how much time he has, he felt he was under pressure and had to take it on first time,” said Kearney.

“From my position I could see he probably could have take a touch and walked the ball into the net, but to be in the actual moment of that he felt there was people around him and he had to finish first time.

“With Cliftonville having lost three of their last four games if that chance goes in, or the one Jamie hit the post with before the hour mark, it would have asked a big question of them. For me it’s disappointing that we haven’t taken some of those chances.

“There was a suggestion of hand ball for their goal but I don’t know for sure, I would have to watch it back again.

“They didn’t really create a big lot, I think Chris only had one other save to make when the game opened up in the last 20 minutes or so. Up until that point we were coping comfortably.”