'We'll take the point' - Devine after Oval draw

Glentoran manager Declan Devine says he was satisfied to secure what could be “a hugely important point for us in the end” from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Coleraine at the Oval.

The Glens trail Irish Premiership leaders Larne by four points going into the post-split fixtures after an eventful encounter in east Belfast.

After a lengthy stoppage in play because of an injury to Bannsiders striker James Akintunde early in the game, Jamie McGonigle gave Coleraine the lead on 44 minutes before the away side were reduced to 10 men when Rowan McDonald was given his marching orders for a challenge on Pat Hoban.

Jordan Stewart nodded home an equaliser for the Glens before Hoban’s penalty was saved by Ryan Schofield.

“It was important we didn’t lose that game. Of course we would have liked to see the penalty go in but you have to give their goalkeeper huge credit,” Devine told BBC Sport NI after the game.

“It’s an outstanding save because Pat has put huge power into it.

“The character our players have shown is immense. We were hugely disappointed at half-time but the energy we put into the second half, we’ll take the point.”

The Glentoran boss went on to praise goalscorer Stewart and the application shown by his side.

“Jordan Stewart showed his quality on numerous occasions and to get in at the back post, it’s a huge goal for us.

“The players deserve great credit for the effort and commitment they’ve put in over the past seven days. We maybe weren’t as fluent but you can’t knock this team’s willingness to keep going until the end.”

Devine’s opposite number Ruaidhri Higgins thought his team deserved more from the game and expressed his “disgust” at the decisions which saw his side reduced to 10 men and have a penalty awarded against them.

“Really proud of the players but disgusted again coming to the Oval, with a lot of things that went on,” said Higgins.

“This is our livelihoods. The players and staff here are full-time.

“Last time we came here in the league, 1-0 up and comfortable, a red card and a penalty against us, this time we have come here and had a penalty and a red card against us.

“We were in total control, away, not on a good pitch, two good sides going at it, but we were in total control of the game, scored a brilliant goal and we deserved more.

“It was a bit of justice with the penalty save. I’ve seen the penalty back and the red card back and I bitterly disagree with both. Both decisions are wrong.”

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