McAree praises players for 'perseverance' in 'ugly' win

Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree praised the "perseverance" of his players as they secured an "ugly" 1-0 win over Ballymena United to elevate themselves to second place in the Irish Premiership.

Substitute Andy Mitchell's 85th-minute penalty after Joseph Moore had been penalised for a rash challenge in the area secured victory for the visitors to the Showgrounds, who sit eight points behind leaders Linfield.

"We did the simple things well and got our just rewards in playing it simply, passing it simply, getting an opportunity in the 18-yard box and thankfully we get the penalty kick which leads to the winning goal," reflected McAree.

"It was a case of perseverance, keep a clean sheet and hopefully the goal will come for us. The boys deserve immense credit."

Ballymena goalkeeper made a string of outstanding saves in the first half in a keenly contested encounter.

"I thought we created the better opportunities over the course of the game.

"Ballymena went close on occasions and we rode our luck at times. The free-kick that hits the post is a great delivery from Ben Kennedy. I felt at that stage it could be one of those days when we get a real ugly 1-0 win. It always felt like it was going to be a 1-0 victory either way.

"Thankfully today that proved to be the case."