David Jeffrey blasts state of playing surface at Showgrounds

Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey was far from happy after watching his side beat Cliftonville 3-2 on Saturday.
David JeffreyDavid Jeffrey
David Jeffrey

Two Tony Kane penalties and a strike from Cathair Friel sealed the Danske Bank Premiership points for Jeffrey’s Sky Blues.

But it was not the performance of his team that had angered Jeffrey - but the state of the Showgrounds playing surface.

“I have nothing against stock car racing or motor sport but they have cut-up the playing surface and it is not good enough.

“The cars have driven all over the pitch and it is a disgrace.

“We are trying to play a certain style of football and you can’t do that if the pitch is driven on by cars the night before a match.

“The council have been great and have given us a ground keeper but what can he do if cars are driving all over the pitch.

“There were tyre tracks in the middle of the pitch and it’s just not right.

“Something has to be done about this,” he added.

But Jeffrey was full of praise for his players after the victory against the Reds.

“At half-time they were beating themselves up but I showed them the evidence that showed them how well they had played.

“And I told them to have the same belief I have in them and go out and work your socks off.

“We got the result and I don’t think anyone can say that we didn’t deserve it. I am really pleased with the players.

“And Gary Thompson was superb. He worked his socks off,” he added.