Lead loss but Dungannon Swifts' Rodney McAree clear 'we'd have crumbled' in past seasons at Seaview

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Dungannon Swifts lost a two-goal lead at Seaview but manager Rodney McAree opted to focus on the positives of a “terrific” away display – with special mention for “out of this world” Tomas Galvin.

The Swifts held the upper hand over Crusaders thanks to goals by Galvin and Dean Curry inside the opening half hour at Seaview.

However, the hosts hit back after the break as a Jordan Forsythe penalty and Kieran Offord finish left it level at 2-2.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite frustration over the point from such a promising position, McAree highlighted the growth in his squad this season.​

Battling for the upper hand during Crusaders' home draw with Dungannon Swifts. (Photo by Inpho/Stephen Hamilton)Battling for the upper hand during Crusaders' home draw with Dungannon Swifts. (Photo by Inpho/Stephen Hamilton)
Battling for the upper hand during Crusaders' home draw with Dungannon Swifts. (Photo by Inpho/Stephen Hamilton)

"I think it's testament to the lads about where we've probably come to (as a squad) that you're coming away from Seaview and disappointed that you've only got a point,” said McAree on the official Dungannon Swifts club social media platforms. "In the first half we were terrific...for large parts of the game we were terrific.

"At the start of the second half you would expect a response from Crusaders and we concede twice.

"Last season we'd have left here with no points, we'd have crumbled.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"But I thought the boys showed tremendous character, tremendous grit and determination to get something from the game.

"In fact, I thought we'd good opportunities then that we could have gone and won it.

"So you're disappointed to be leaving with a point but we have to take the positives out of that."

Galvin fired the Swifts in front with a slick strike, before Curry’s finish.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"From the neutral's point of view, the supporters, the paying public, today was a good game,” said McAree. "I thought both of them (Curry and Galvin) were outstanding.

"Tomas, for a young lad to play in the position he was today – more or less as a centre midfielder – he showed tremendous qualities.

"His strike's absolutely out of this world.

"He could've scored a second one just before half-time and should that have gone in it's 3-0.

"Unfortunately it hits the post...we've come to Crusaders and hit the post, hit the crossbar and one cleared off the line as well, plus other half-chances too.

"So lots of positives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"John (McGovern) has been superb, he's enjoying his football.

"He's massively frustrated in the changing room because he feels as if he's missed an opportunity to get us the three points.

"He's hit it like a shell...he's maybe two inches, a wee bit lower, it probably goes in the back of the net.

"As long as he's getting into those areas and showing the qualities he has been showing then I'm more than happy."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Swifts sit on 30 points from 19 games following a strong start to the league campaign in contrast to many outside predictions.

"We've half a season played...it's been great, I just hope the second half of the season is as good,” said McAree. "But there's teams hovering just behind us, there's teams busting their guts to try and get by us...we'll just enjoy the moment and look forward."

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1737
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice