IRISH LEAGUE: Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey knows work has to be done

The former Linfield manager watched on as his side gifted Ards four goals in a 4-3 defeat for the Sky Blues.

And that result means United have conceded seven goals in their opening two league games at the Showgrounds and Jeffrey admits that has to change - and soon.

“We have conceded six goals, we have conceded three goals and we have conceded four goals and to be brutally honest none of those goals came from a brilliant pieces of skill.

“Those goals came from individual errors or a catalogue of errors, like giving away free-kicks or not picking up.

“We scored great goals today but the reality is if you score three goals in both of your two home games you should be getting more than a point.

“We have got to eradicate that and the only way to do that is with hard work. It’s as simple as that. I am bitterly disappointed,” he added.

And Jeffrey believes his side should have got something from the encounter - but they shot themselves in the foot.

“We had three great points against Ballinamallard and we had a great opportunity today but we threw that opportunity away.

“Allan Jenkins first goal was a clinker. Cathair Friel’s had class written all over it and Caolan Loughran scored with a great header.

“But when you look at the three goals we conceded. We gave away needless free-kicks and that cost us.

“We will just have to work very hard on the training pitch to fix this.”