Lay-off did not affect performance

"We were a little bit rusty but I think that was to be expected from the length of the lay-off," said Kearney.

"That said however I'm more than happy with the performance especially after having a month off.

"The rustiness was always going to be there because you lose a bit of the match sharpness when not playing.

"That said we went about things the right way and in the end we weren't really that troubled by Holywood, " Kearney added.

Despite the slightly slow start the former Ballymena United and Linfield midfielder felt his side just got stronger and stronger as the game went on.

"No doubt about it as the game wore on we got stronger and stronger and that's very pleasing from my point of view.

"It was a great all round performance and from one to eleven I have to say that I am over the moon with every one of them.

"With everything that has happened in the last few weeks with players leaving it was just the reaction I was looking for.

There were some cracking performances and that's bodes well for the next game we have against Carrick."

The Ballymoney native was also quick to praise the teenager's in his teams performance.

"The three young fellows were superb and not for the first time this season either and that's a credit to them.

"We don't make any excuses for them just because of their age but in truth we haven't had to as they have been excellent.

"They have stepped up to the mark brilliantly this season and that despite none of them being over seventeen. Chris (Rodden) has been a revelation at the back, and both Ciaran Clarke and Shane Jennings have been excellent."

Kearney was also quick to praise several other players who hadn't been in the starting line-up's recently.

"Paul Owens was super and I know with speaking to him that he has been training hard over the Christmas period.

"His performance was very energetic and to be honest that's a massive credit to the lad.

"Some players in his situation were he was playing regularly would have moped about but he has been the complete opposite and that's great. Having Decky (McKeever) back as well is another massive bonus for me and he didn't disappoint at all. I don't doubt the quality we have in the team and that showed in the all round performance that we got."

With the massive scoreline the United manager felt that his side were always going to progress from this tie.

"I don't think that the result was ever in doubt especially after the early goal we scored and they never really posed us any problems.

"In truth I expected this type of performance because the players have been itching to get back playing again.

"I always felt that we had more than enough in the locker to see off Holywood and that's no disrespect to them.

"The next game will be a tough tie, especially away from home but I'm confident we will do the business," concluded Kearney.