'Mountain to climb' for Coleraine in chase to capture Irish League crown
Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins accepts “a mountain to climb” in the Bannsiders’ bid to end a 52-year title drought.
Saturday finished in a 1-1 draw at Declan Devine’s Glens after Jamie McGonigle shot the visitors into a first-half lead before Jordan Stewart levelled things up 15 minutes from time.
Coleraine played the second half with only 10 men after defender Rowan McDonald was dismissed for a challenge on Pat Hoban.
Striker James Atkintunde was stretchered off after a lengthy period of treatment with what appeared to be a horrendous leg injury.
Referee Shane Andrews awarded the Glens a penalty with only seven minutes left but Hoban stepped up only to see his spot-kick superbly saved by Ryan Schofield.
“It’s now an uphill task in terms of us catching Larne, it gives us a mountain to climb but I felt things (decisions) were out of our control,” said Higgins. “I thought we were the team in control of the game, there is never a massive number of chances created in these types of matches.
“What I am really proud of is after the injury the players turned in a really committed performance, they kept going and showed real personality...sadly, they didn’t get what they deserved.
“I have to be totally honest in my opinions...we didn’t get what we deserved."
Higgins admitted his heart went out to Atkintunde, adding “I went on to the pitch to see James...he’s the best young man you could ever meet and it’s a massive blow to him personally and the club.
"You could see our players were really hurting.”
Although disappointed with the result, Glentoran boss Devine believes his boys are still very much in the title frame.
“It was important for us not to lose the game, so our target now is to win all five games in the split,” he said. “It's been a tough week, both physically and mentally.
"But the players gave everything, they were running on empty.
“I’m not too dejected...I still believe there is a lot to come from this team.
“There are five games to go, so we still have a lot to play for.
“Only for an outstanding save by their goalkeeper (from the penalty), we would have been coming away with all three points.”