Higgins happy to 'dig out' win over Ballymena

Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins says he is "just delighted to get the three points" as his side closed in on leaders Larne thanks to their 1-0 victory over Ballymena United.

Will Patching's first half goal was enough to see his side claim victory at the Showgrounds as Larne fell to a defeat at home to Carrick Rangers which leaves Higgins' side just two points adrift.

However, the Bannsiders' boss said events at Inver Park were "irrelevant" unless his team got he job done and was delighted they dug out the win.

"The main thing tonight was the result," Higgins told BBC Sport NI

"In the first half, I thought we were really good, played how we wanted the game to go. We had dominance and had them on the back foot, but in the second half we got a big cagey and maybe lost our composure for parts.

"We've limited them to just two chances in the game and without being brilliant in the second half, we've dug out a 1-0 win.

"In the early part of the season, maybe we wouldn't have won it, but have shown a good side to us tonight."

The win was made a little sweeter for Coleraine fans following defeat by their rivals on 26 December.

Higgins paid tribute to the support for helping his side get over the line and also his players whose recent run of form has them within striking distance of the leaders.

"Winning at home to Ballymena was really important to us after Boxing Day," he continued.

"Our supporters were fantastic tonight and it shows the potential of this club. If we get that on a fortnightly basis when we are at home, it can be a really special place.

"That's out 12th home win in 15 which is some return and we've taken 16 (points) from our last 18 available, so the players deserve so much credit and we are sticking in there, so we will move on to Dungannon."