David Jeffrey has praised on-loan goalkeeper Sean O’Neill for helping inspire Ballymena United to a share of the spoils at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
O’Neill, who recently signed from Crusaders until the end of the season, has yet to lose in four games since rejoining the Braidmen for a second spell four weeks ago.
The 33-year-old was narrowly beaten by Lyndon Kane’s first half penalty, but produced several crucial saves and provided a calming presence with impeccable handling throughout.
A towering header from Caolan Loughran, who was playing his first game in a month alongside makeshift centre backs Kym Nelson and Sean Graham, secured a point for the visitors.
Jeffrey, who reserved a special bear hug for O’Neill on the final whistle, told the Ballymena United YouTube channel : “There were so many players who deserved a mention but if there was somebody who encapsulated how we performed, it was Sean.
“I thought he was absolutely magnificent. He came and took things he didn’t have any right to take and put his body very much on the line.
“The conditions were very difficult and the swirling wind was very tough to judge, but I thought the players were magnificent.”
Kane had put Coleraine ahead with a 28th minute penalty and had another chance from the spot soon after, only to blaze his effort over the bar.
Loughran, playing only his second game in three months, levelled when he rose to head a Mickey Place corner into the roof of the net for his second goal of the season.
“Don’t forget, that’s Caolan’s first outing in quite some time and what a phenomenal goal,” said Jeffrey. “A great ball in from Michael Place and Caolan absolutely buried it.
“I’m really delighted for the big man because he’s had to be patient and he’s had to be very disciplined but he is very much about team and club.
“In terms of defenders we were down Conor Keeley and Ross Redman through suspension and Chrissy Rodgers is also down with Covid.
“We asked people to play out of position - Kym Nelson at centre back and also Sean Graham there - but we were resilient and showed great fight and courage.
“I would have preferred three points, but I’m happy enough with a point.”
