Oval stalemate ‘a good point gained’ insists defender Ruddy

Ballymena United defender Michael Ruddy shadows Glentoran's Aaron Boyd during Saturday's scoreless draw at the Oval. Picture: Press Eye.

The 20-year-old left-back was one of his side’s stand-out performers as the Sky Blues kept their first clean sheet of the campaign - the first time the United defence hasn’t been breached in 11 games, dating back to the tail end of last season.

“It was a battling performance and a good point gained,” Ruddy told Times Sport.

“Coming away to the Oval is never easy but the boys were pleased with our first clean sheet of the season.

“Near the end Johnny Taylor was lying on the ground with the ball between his legs which could easily have been a goal but he was determined Glentoran wouldn’t score.

“It summed up what we were about throughout the game - everyone dug in and gave 110 per cent.

“I think we deserved the draw and maybe even all three points.

“The shot Ally Teggart hit, the keeper saved it but got just enough on it to put it behind Gary Thompson otherwise he would have had a tap-in.”

Ruddy accepts that he will have to replicate the level of Saturday’s performance, with summer signing Stephen McBride nearing a return from injury.

Having seen off the challenge of Ross Black and Richard Vauls last season, Ruddy is relishing the competition for the left-back slot with the vastly experienced McBride.

I sort of expected that someone else would come in because I think with the various changes that were going on, I was the only other left-back at the club.

I’m still young and trying to learn my trade but Stephen is a good player to learn off and he is an experienced player who will certainly keep me on my toes.

Now it’s up to me to do my best and try to keep my place in the team - that’s all I can do, really.

I made a wee slip against Linfield for their fourth goal but I thought Saturday’s game against Glentoran was one of my better performances.”

Ruddy is also eagerly anticipating the start of United’s defence of the County Antrim Shield tonight (Tuesday).

“I’m extra keen to try to experience that again because I missed that final through injury.

“If we can get past Donegal Celtic, we would be in the semi-final again with a chance of getting to the final so for me personally, I really want to push on in the Shield this season.

“It was great to be part of the celebrations last year but now I want to be part of a trophy-winning team myself,” he added.