Thompson disappointed not to mark debut with goal

The midfielder, making his delayed debut after being suspended for last week’s opener, felt he had cost his side the opportunity of a rare victory over the Crues when he missed a gilt-edged chance inside the opening five minutes.

Thompson’s burst into the penalty area saw him arrive perfectly to meet Jamie Davidson’s low cross but he delayed his finish, allowing Crusaders keeper Sean O’Neill to rush off his line to block.

“I was delighted to make my debut but I was disappointed not to take the chance I had early on,” said a rueful Thompson.

“Jamie Davidson put it across the box and I nipped in in front of Colin Coates. I maybe had a wee bit too much time to think about it and Ogers made a good save.

“In hindsight I should probably have put the laces through it. It was closer than I thought and I tried to be too cute with it, but it’s a good result all the same.

“Apart from that I was happy with my debut. We had a couple of injuries which is how I snuck back into the team.

“I felt the pace a bit towards the end but I enjoyed it and it was a good result for us.

“Driving forward from midfield is the role I see myself doing in the team.

“The mood is good in the changing room but we’re not getting carried away after two games.

“A lot of people might be surprised by our results but we expect a lot from ourselves and we’re not surprised.”

Thompson has warned his team-mates that they face another stern test this weekend when they travel to a Ballinamallard side who recorded an amazing 5-0 win at Lisburn Distillery.

“Coming from the Whites I was disappointed to hear the result but it was a great result for Ballinamallard.

“It shows again that anyone can beat anyone else and that what I think makes it a great league,” added Gary.

* Follow Ballymena Times Sports Editor Stephen Alexander on Twitter (@Stephen_Bmena)