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Steven Crawford

Marty Gallagher praises teammates as he bounces back after Cliftonville slip

They say being a goalkeeper is the loneliest job in football as there is no hiding place when a mistake happens.

Marty Gallagher experienced that very scenario in last week's clash with league leaders Cliftonville.

The Coleraine stopper has excelled in recent weeks after replacing Gareth Deane in nets.

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But two uncharacteristic slip-ups at Solitude led to the Reds taking a two-goal lead.

The Bannsiders though bounced back to secure a share of the spoils with Gallagher playing his part with a couple of important saves before the end.

He retained his place for the 1-0 win over Carrick Rangers in midweek, making an unbelievable save to deny Lloyd Anderson what looked a certain equaliser late on at The Showgrounds.

Gallagher was pleased to be put his Solitude slip behind him and praised his teammates for the support they gave him in the aftermath.

"Saturday was disappointing for me as you don't want to let people down, and obviously I let the club down," he said.

"All the players knew how disappointed I was. I was down in the dumps as I don't like to let people down.

"Every game I have a fear of letting people down and I know I did that on Saturday.

"However, I'm lucky there's a good changing room in there, good boys around me.

"I was more disappointed with myself than anybody else but thankfully there was a quick turnaround and I knew I was playing tonight with Gareth being suspended.

"It's about putting it behind you, moving on and thankfully we had a game tonight.

"I'm an experienced player, I'm 32-years-old and those things have happened before and will happen again.

"That's the joys of being goalkeeper.

"It's all about mental strength and I didn't have much to do on Tuesday night as I was well protected.

"Getting the three points was the most important thing."

And as for that save Gallagher played down his heroics.

"They were asking me in the changing room about the save but I can't even remember," he said.

"Nedas broke down in the corner and cut the ball back for Lloyd Anderson and I knew I had to get back across the net and cover the goal.

"I managed to spread myself, stick my right foot out, and got a touch to it."

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