VIDEO: Floodlight delay proved costly - Ferguson

Glenn Ferguson said he was more disappointed that his Ballymena United side couldn’t hold on for victory in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Warrenpoint Town than he was about the furore surrounding the floodlight failure.
Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson was left to rue the delay in Saturday's game at Warrenpoint. Picture: Press Eye.Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson was left to rue the delay in Saturday's game at Warrenpoint. Picture: Press Eye.
Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson was left to rue the delay in Saturday's game at Warrenpoint. Picture: Press Eye.

“We came in at half-time and told the boys they had to stand up and be counted,” said the United boss.

“We changed the shape of the team and I thought we were building momentum.

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“We brought Matthew Ferguson on at half-time and I thought he did quite well. He’s played a great ball through to Gawley who squared it to Tippy to get us level.

Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson was left to rue the delay in Saturday's game at Warrenpoint. Picture: Press Eye.Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson was left to rue the delay in Saturday's game at Warrenpoint. Picture: Press Eye.
Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson was left to rue the delay in Saturday's game at Warrenpoint. Picture: Press Eye.

“We certainly did have the momentum then and the second gaol came from a great ball from Neal Gawley, a good knock-back by Darren Boyce and Tippy did what he does best.

“We had two or three other chances to build on that but we didn’t take them.

“Getting taken off the pitch didn’t help us either as it gave Warrenpoint the chance to re-group and re-structure what they wanted to do and it gave them a wee lift.

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“We tried to dig in but I can give nothing but praise to the players because we had seven players already out and another two went off today before half-time.

“We held on and held on but we were caught from a great ball into the box and a good header.

“Credit where credit’s due, it was a good goal, but we were disappointed it happened the way it did.

“When the referee starts a game, the health and safety of the players are his responsibility.

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“When it’s dark and he deems it a health risk to the players, he has to make a call.

“Thankfully we were able to get the lights back on and we were able to play the game out with no controversy. It’s just disappointing that it happened at this level, especially as it’s not the first time.

“I remember when I was at school and doing PE as an exam, 76 minutes of the game had to be played - but that wasn’t yesterday!

“I think there were 70 minutes played so I don’t think the result would have stood and we would probably have had to go down there in midweek,” added Ferguson.

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