Mick McDermott believes Glentoran "dominated" against Cliftonville on Tuesday night but were left counting the cost of poor decision-making at the Oval.
The Glens slipped to third in the table after Rory Hale's second-half goal consigned them to a 1-0 defeat on Mersey Street.
McDermott's players enjoyed plenty of possession and created several openings but couldn't find the net in what was a frustrating night for the home side.
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He told Glens TV: "I thought we were the dominant team tonight, no question about it. But that's football. If you don't take your chances, and you concede a poor one, then you don't win the game.
"But in terms of overall performance, I thought we were clearly the dominant team tonight.
"When you come off a game like Newry at the weekend when it is a sloppy, poor performance, then you can be critical.
"But tonight, especially in the second half, we had them pinned back for long spells and created multiple opportunities to get into good areas. We had many half chances and a few good chances.
"If we had a bit more composure we could have hit the target, and their keeper made a couple of saves.
"I think we created multiple opportunities which was a positive. I can't be critical on how the players applied themselves, but we can be critical of ourselves in the final decision making and execution in key areas.
"But we are playing a Cliftonville team who are on a good run, and to be dominant as we were is a credit to our players.
"But we are disappointed we didn't get anything from the game."
McDermott also reflected on the number of high-profile injuries he has had to contend with this season.
The Glens have been without club captain Marcus Kane for most of the campaign, while Luke McCullough and Ciaran O'Connor - now on-loan with Warrenpoint Town - have also been sidelined for long periods.
"It has had an effect since September or October when we lost Marcus Kane, Luke McCullough, Ciaran O'Connor," McDermott added.
"Think of the unfortunate injuries. They aren't muscle strains. These are a broken foot, a torn cruciate ligament. Marcus lands on the turf at Inver Park in September. We had Gael Bigiramana out tonight.
"Our injury list would start most weeks. But credit to the boys who have stepped in. Sean Murray was superb tonight. Seanan Clucas was his usual self and can play multiple positions.
"Conor McMenamin created multiple things down the left hand side and had energy.
"All around I thought we could have been better, but I thought we were better than our opponent.
"But again, there are no prizes for being better. You have to Put the ball in the back of the net."
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