McNamee: We deserved a point against Welders

Larne battled hard in a match which they probably didn’t do enough to win but didn’t deserve to lose. A late own goal denied them a point, keeping them second-bottom but with vital games in hand on the teams around them.

“We deserved at least a point and maybe more especially the way we played in the second half,” said McNamee. “Their winner was hard to take as it came out of nothing but we need to get the heads up again as we still have plenty of games left to put things right.

“They didn’t really threaten us very much and it was bad to concede so quickly after we scored. We will go to Warrenpoint knowing we can give them a game and, believe it or not, some of the boys are looking forward to playing an away game. I haven’t played away from home since I joined the side.”

Despite Saturday’s disappointment, the former Donegal Celtic defender says he is really enjoying life at Inver Park.

“I am settling in OK, but it was disappointing to go out of the cup competitions so soon after I arrived but we can now concentrate on the league. I am happy to be here and the boys have made me very welcome.”

Asked about his preferred position, jokingly, McNamee added: “Maybe I am slowing up now that I am 27 and I am better off in defence. I need to get game time and get myself up to speed and I think I am nearly there. I am happy enough at the back but, to be honest, I like playing up top.

“I think we have enough quality to get ourselves out of trouble. The manager has brought in a good mix of players and it will keep everyone on their toes. I know the team recently put together a good run in the league but there have been too many draws and now today’s defeat means we have to keep working hard but as I said the players believe we can do it.”