Boss reflects on incidentsthat hindered The Hoops

“We are disappointed to lose such a key league game but there were several factors that led to our downfall. First we were hit with an early blow by conceding a goal after just three minutes,” said O’Kane.

“It was a soft goal and a mistake by the goalkeeper, but he has been in great form this season so we can’t be too harsh on him. Then we had another blow by losing Raymond Fitzpatrick through injury. As a result of these two incidents we never really got going and it was very lack lustre from us in the first 45 minutes.

“They had a man sent off early in the second half and from then on we dominated possession and did manage to create three guilt edge chances but failed to make any of them count. We have lost a bit of ground but the last time we were defeated we bounced back and hopefully we can do the same again.”

The manager is preparing for an Irish Cup tie against Carrick Rangers but is confident his team can progress. “We are at home and have to make the most of that advantage,” added Ciaran. “We have faced and beaten five First Division teams in a row in cup ties so we are aiming to make it six on Saturday.

“We are missing players but Brendan Mackin, young Michael Toland and Stephen Boyd come in for what should be an exciting cup tie.”