VIDEO: Ferguson thrilled with Boxing Day triumph

Having twice trailed in the match, it looked as though United would have to settle for a share of the spoils before Matthew Tipton popped up with a late winner, to the delight of his manager.

“I think after watching that game, Oran (Kearney) and myself might have to think about getting a defensive coach!” laughed Ferguson.

“No matter what we seem to tell players, they don’t seem to listen at times.

“We spoke about stopping crosses into the box but for some reason they don’t want to do it and we conceded two more goals in that way.”

Ferguson also praised his players’ efforts on the big occasion.

“It’s Boxing Day, at your home ground, against your big rivals, in front of a good crowd – the most important thing is three points and thankfully we were able to get them – even if we did t the hard way!

“Oran told me we deserved to win. Coleraine scored against the run of play in the first half.

“At 3-2 we thought we had another goal from Mark McCullagh’s header which some people thought had crossed the line.

“Within 30 seconds, they almost scored, won a corner and from that scored to make it 3-3. Credit to the boys who have come from behind again to win the game – that’s the third game in a row that has happened.

“I’m delighted for Matthew Tipton, not just getting the winner but his all-round play, his work rate and everything he did was exceptional. It was everything you need from a striker in a big game”.