'It wasn’t the start we were looking for' - Ryan on draw

Larne strike Andy Ryan admits that his side didn't get their Gibson Cup defence off to the start they hoped for as they drew 1-1 with Coleraine.

Ryan was one of nine players that started the victory against Lincoln Red Imps who didn't start the game at the Showgrounds.

He scored a penalty to level after Matthew Shevlin's opener and was pleased to make a contribution off the bench.

"It wasn’t the start we were looking for - we wanted to come and get the three points and I think we struggled in the first half but that was credit to Coleraine, they pressed us high up the pitch and made it difficult for us," he conceded.

"Thankfully I hit the back of the net [with the penalty] it’s got us a point which is the most important thing. We have a lot of games to catch up and hopefully we can build on today."

The Scotsman also admitted that their fixture pile-up, due to various league games being postponed as a result of their European run, will have ramifications on their title ambitions.

"There are going to be difficult weeks every week between now and Christmas, so we need to rest up and go again," he told BBC Sport NI.

"We have a big squad so we can rotate when we need to."