No disappointment despite draw

"I wasn't overly disappointed with Saturday's result but then again I wasn't overly pleased with it either to be honest," he said.

"I know we had a very good win at the start of last season but no matter how much you plan the opening day doesn't always go to plan.

"Of course you always want to start the season with a win but it's not always possible and then the next target is to make sure you don't get beat.

"The opening game is a bit like a cup final as the players are over excited to get back going again and it can affect the performance sometimes."

With the performance below what was hoped for the Kearney know that it can happen although it definitely not welcome.

"I know from my playing days what the buzz is like on the first day of the season and this year as a manager it wasn't any different.

"Sometimes it can be unrealistic and players can be too excited about things and it doesn't help and the play can be disjointed.

"It's good to get the first game out if the way so that we can adjust what needs to adjusted and hopefully then things will settle down.

"The opening day is always tough and that's the way it turned out for us this season unfortunately."

Despite not winning the game Kearney did praise the opposition although he did think their defensive style helped them.

"Carrick Rangers did well and they deserve some credit for the performance they put in last Saturday against us.

"I spoke to their manager Stevie Small and he said that they were poor in preseason and he was very happy with their display.

"From my point of view they were very defensive at times and they were playing with six across the back for most of the game.

"They tried to hit us on the break and that's the way they play so we and to deal with this although they did catch us a few times."

On his own team's performance his felt that they were a little toothless at times and where not their usual deadly self in front of goal.

"We definitely were a bit toothless in front of goal and Shane didn't have the same presence up front that he normally has.

"Trevor Hutchinson relies on Shane to win the first ball and when this doesn't happen it makes things more difficult.

"I think maybe the hype has got to them and the occasion of the opening day has got to them and they were struggling to make things work.

"That said though I know that down the line things will get better as they have this game out of the system with Tobermore last night (Tuesday).

"I know we will be pushing on from here and I have no doubt that the performance will be much better from now on," concluded Kearney.