Kearney pleased with the work out as Bannsiders hit goal trail

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney has praised his sqaud after they hit the goal trail in their opening two pre-season games.

The Bannsiders dispatched Moyola Park and Tobermore United last week with eight goals scored and none conceded. But it wasn’t just the performances Kearney was pleased with, he told Times Sport he was delighted with the fitness levels of his squad.

“This is our third pre-season as a group and the lads are definitely getting used to what we do,” said Kearney.

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“To be fair to them they all came back in great shape and they took to the training really well.

“They have worked really hard and you would expect them to be going into the games feeling tired, but they are looking sharp. In the two games the guys have retained the ball really well, which is impressive.

“I know people like to see a few goals in pre-season, and they have got that in the two games already, but for me it’s all about game time and building them up ready for that first league game.”

Kearney was also satisfied with the performances of trialist Stephen McClements, who picked up a goal in the opening game at Moyola.

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“Stephen has shown up well in the games and he took his goal well,” he said.

“I think he’d be the first to admit the intensity of the training was a shock to his system. We’ll take another look at him this week and make our mind up.”

New striker Gary Browne also found the target netting three goals in the two games. “Strikers always want to get goals earlier on in the season,” said Kearney. “But for me Gary’s overall play has been excellent. We have very mobile midfielders and it is good for them to know that when the ball is played up Gary will hold it up yntil they get there.

“Stephen Douglas has also been superb, but then I knew he would be he’s a Rolls Royce who just cruises through games.”

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