Haveron asks for big response from players

The result was a dent in their push for the Championship 1 title but they are by no means out of the promotion hunt.

Paul Young got the home side off to the perfect start with the opening goal with just four minutes on the clock.

Former Linfield man Miguel Chines scored twice in the second half to put Hugh Sinclair’s side in the driving seat, before Ben Roy netted a consolation on 72 minutes.

“I couldn’t fault our players for the way things went, we kept playing good football and carving out chances but they (Knockbreda) just hoofed the ball forward at every opportunity and depended on their big physical presence on winning the day,” Haveron said.

“It wasn’t the way the purist wants to see football played, but they are playing to their strengths and that’s fair enough.

“But that’s the only way they can play and we know what to expect again on Saturday and it’s up to us to try to get them to chase the game.”

He added: “We must respond with a top level performance. If we produce that, and I believe and expect we will, then I am confident we can achieve a win.

“Winning all three games is a tall order, I won’t deny that, but that’s what we have got to do if we are serious about wanting to play in the top division next season.

“I have never shied away from a challenge in my life and I’m not going to do it now. That’s the message from me to my players and I am convinced they will be with me going into these remaining three matches.”