Boss Kee happy with players fighting spirit

Kee who saw his team take the lead thanks to Stephen O’Flynn’s super strike fell 2-1 behind with minutes remaining, but the ex-Derry City striker was on hand again to grab their equaliser in stoppage time.

“To come to Dungannon on the first day and do what they did and the effort, commitment and spirit that they gave I’m really, really pleased,” he stated.

“I did speak to the players that we did have about eight or nine players missing either through injury, suspension or international clearance not coming through in time, so if I’m being honest with you. we were down to the bare bones in terms of personnel.

“In fairness we held the lead for quite a long time and we had a decent shape to us and defended well but credit to Dungannon they kept coming at us.

“They tried to play and they were patient by trying to play the game the right way but when we conceded two quick goals obviously you were disappointed but the fact that we came back shows the character in the team was excellent.

“I just had a conversation with young (Jamie) McIntyre before the came on how to get involved in the game and make an impact and he’s picked up the ball from a throw got the cross in and then Stephen O’Flynn does what he has does best since he has come here and that’s score goals.”

After getting in front the Drumahoe men conceded twice in the closing stages, but Ryan Harpur’s penalty award by referee Ian McNabb certainly looked very soft.

Paddy McLaughlin didn’t seem to do much when he challenged Abiola Sanusi, but the substitute went down easily and the Newtownabbey official pointed to the spot.

“Paddy was saying it was not a penalty but I need to see it again,” he added.

“Paddy said that he nicked the ball and the boy fell over, but it didn’t look like a penalty in fairness from where I was but the referee said it was a penalty.”

The Stute gaffer felt his players didn’t kick-on and seemed to be happy trying to defend their 1-0 advantage, but overall he was pleased with everyone’s display.

“The first 20 minutes we were excellent, we controlled the game and we took the game to them but we were more interested in holding onto our lead than trying to score a second and that was our problem.

“I was happy with (Dwayne) McManus in midfield and I was pleased enough with the back three and Michael Doherty did what he had to do and O’Flynn scored goals, while Darren McCauley did well.

“Thomas McBride we had to play him in somewhat of an orthodox position for him but he’s got physical qualities and he works hard for the team and he put in a good shift for the team and credit to him as well.”