Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ALL BE FUMING IF I’M PUSHED OUT
Coleraine can find answers in title run-in: Gareth
COLERAINE defender Gareth Mcconaghie is determined to stay hot on the heels of league leaders Crusaders in the run-in.
The Crues, chasing a third title in four years, left it late to salvage a 1-1 draw with Oran Kearney’s men in Tuesday’s top of the table clash at Seaview.
David Cushley’s 84th minute goal (right) cancelled out a Jamie Mcgonigle penalty to keep the North Belfast men two points clear with four games to play.
Stephen Baxter’s men are odds on to lift the Gibson Cup at the end of the month, but Mcconaghie is confident Coleraine can take it to the wire.
He said: “We’re still there and there’s a long way to go. We have four games to play, so there could be a few more twists and turns.
“We’re taking the positives from MARK ALLEN has slammed the big-money China Open structure.
Only the top 16 in rankings automatically qualify for the World Championship but Sunday’s China Open winner will pocket £225,000 and world No 55 Chris Wakelin can nick a last-ditch Crucible Tuesday and the fact we put up a good show and let everyone know we’re not here to give up on the race.
“It’s still all to play for. Our aim is to keep chipping away, try and pick up more wins and see how far we can take it.”
With time running out, the title destiny is firmly in Crusaders’ hands. They complete the run-in with three home games against Glenavon,
Linfield and derby rivals Cliftonville, before an trip to Ballymena United on the final day.
Mcconaghie said: “We’re looking a favour now, but there’s no point talking about favours if you don’t look after your own results. We have to focus on our own performances.
“The run-in will be a challenge and every game is tough at this spot for lifting the title.
A victory over in-form Mark Williams in the last 16 today would seal a Crucible spot for Allen who would become the first Masters champion in history not to be seeded if he fails to qualify automatically.
“Does somebody winning the event from low down the rankings deserve a spot at stage of the season, but we’re happy to be in there. We have to look after No1.”
Mcconaghie believes Coleraine – chasing a first league title in 44 years and with an Irish Cup final to look forward to against Cliftonville on May 5 – did themselves “proud” at Seaview.
The big centre back said: “We were disappointed to concede a soft goal from a set piece, but Crusaders are a great side and I felt we did ourselves justice.
“It was always going to be tense, with the crowd and both sides chasing the win. It was always going to be high pressure, but this is the type of game you want to play in.” the World Championship? I don’t think so,” fumed Allen, who beat Yan Bingtao 6-4 32 yesterday.
“That’s what [World Snooker Chairman] Barry Hearn likes. He likes creating stories. Whoever’s 16th will be pushed out to 17th and they’ll be crying their eyes out and that could well be me.”