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Steven Crawford

Oran Kearney backs his goalkeeper after uncharacteristic Solitude slip

Oran Kearney has backed his goalkeeper Marty Gallagher to bounce backed from Solitude disappointment.

The Coleraine stopper was left "devastated" according to his manager after two uncharacteristic errors handed Cliftonville a two-goal lead.

But Gallagher played his part in helping the Bannsiders secure a share of the spoils as he pulled off several important saves after Matthew Shevlin's brace had drawn the sides level.

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Kearney backed his keeper and said he fully expected Gallagher to put the mistakes behind him.

"Marty's pulled off three great saves during the day, but he's devastated in there because of the goals," said the Coleraine boss.

"He's been outstanding for us right up until this point and he'll continue to be outstanding because he's a good character.

"That's what football is all about. It's not going to be plain sailing all along, there will be moments when questions are asked of you and you have to respond.

"That's up to Marty now, I fully expect he will respond and kick on from this now."

Kearney was delighted to see his side bounce back after Ronan Hale and Ronan Doherty had put the Reds 2-0 in front before the hour mark.

It was an enthralling affair at Solitude which threatened to boil over at times, Kearney said it came down to the healthy respect both clubs have for each other as well as their desire to win.

"There's a huge professional respect between both clubs," he said.

"Everyone wants to win and do well.

"Paddy has done a brilliant job here and the group of players he has assembled is as good as there is in the league.

"We're moving in that direction too, we're finally getting back to a place we want to be.

"People pay their money for competitiveness. Thankfully nobody was over the edge today and no-one was sent off.

"But it means something to me and I want it to mean something in our changing room and I have a fair idea what it means to Paddy and his players as well.

"No matter who we play there's a healthy rivalry and respect but I want to win and that's how it has to be."

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