Kearney pleased with performance but not result

Kearney had called for a response from his players following last week’s 3-0 defeat at basement side Warrenpoint Town.

And although things improved performance-wise at Carrick Rangers, the Bannsiders still made the journey home without any points.

“I’m disappointed to the lose the game,” told Times Sport after the game.

“We had a very disappointing result at Warrenpoint last week, who have gone on to have aq barnstorming week on the back of it.

“More than anything we were really disappointed with last week’s performance.

“I can have no qualms about this week’s performance.

“I said to the lads after the game that I will be hard on them when I need to be.

“Today we battled, we grafted, we did all the things which are needed on a day like this to get something out of the game.

“Also the amount of chances we created compared to even the game at Warrenpoint last week was sky high as well.

“We were nearly into double figures of really good opportunities or chances created.

“Today we have come up against a very good goalkeeper, who was inspired on the day, and maybe our own finishes weren’t of the quality needed.

“Jamie (McGonigle) in particular when he’s one-on-one with the keeper, but he puts it the wrong side of the post.

“Those are game changing chances as they go up the other end and score a minute later.

“It is the hardest part of the game though and I can’t fall out with people for not scoring goals.

“No one means to miss a chance.

“Looking at the other aspects that performance from us today was right up there with how we have played for a big part of this season.

“The big difference is in other games we’ve put the ball in the back of the net, today we didn’t and that is what has cost us ultimately.”

This was Carrick’s first home game in a number of weeks as the pitch suffered in the weather.

Although it was heavy Kearney had no issues with the surface.

“As I said it’s just very disappointing because I was happy with how we dealt with everything else including the pitch,” he said.

“I was sceptical about it before the game, but it played well and it held up well.

“After a defeat the last thing I’m going to do is say the pitch is this, that or the other.

“Our pitch is by no means an oil painting either.

“Credit to everyone who has put the work in this week to get the game on.

“Was the pitch a game changer? Did it have a massive impact on the result? No it didn’t, and I said that to Gary as soon as we shook hands after the game.

“I’m glad it didn’t and I’m glad the pitch did hold up and we got it played.

“Irish League football is Irish League and you can go from playing here to playing at Windsor Park a week later.

“I said that to the players before the game, you have to be adaptable and play the conditions and the scenario you are in.”