Kearney: we are ready to burst the bubble of Swifts high-flyers
DUNGANNON Swifts early season performances have shocked many in the league with Kris Lindsay’s men sitting pretty in third spot in the Danske Bank Premiership.
One man who hasn’t been shocked by their start is the manager of today’s opponents, Coleraine, who are hot on the heels of the visitors to the Showgrounds.
“I wouldn’t say surprised, I know Kris well, I played with Kris, he’s a competitor, a good guy and he knows his football,” said Oran Kearney. “It’s great to see them up there and it’s great to see them having that start and ideally I’d like to end that next week! But at the same stretch the queue for teams up around that area is huge and it makes for an exciting league.”
As it happened, Crusaders inflicted a first defeat of the season on the Swifts meaning that they and Coleraine remain the only two unbeaten sides in the league.
But three draws in Coleraine’s five games to date, including a disappointing scoreless affair with Institute at Ballycastle Road means the boss is far from happy.
“There are three draws in that (unbeaten run) and that has irritated me, to be honest,” he said.
“Unbeaten is fine but if you’re laying that with loads of draws you’re not really getting anywhere. Those four points that we’ve lost still rankle with me.
“Unbeaten is nice but the more important thing is we keep racking up the threes rather than the ones.” But it’s not just wins but tins that Coleraine want with the Bannsiders taking part in a charity event in aid of Causeway Foodbank, who help local people in crisis, at their clash with Crusaders on September 21.
Fans are asked to bring donations of canned foods, chocolate, tea bags, rice, pasta sauces, dried pasta and other foodstuffs to help the effort which can be dropped off at the neighbouring Vineyard Compassion church.
Defender Gareth McConaghie said: “I have seen the amazing work the charity does. Let’s show our support by helping stock up the Foodbank warehouse and look after those who are struggling in the community.” • CARRICK Rangers have welcomed Liam Hassin back to the club following his departure from Larne.