Short Stories - Episode 1: Knocking The Blues Off Their Perch, a 10 season challenge.

2024-2025 Season: A Tale Of Two Penalties - Volume 2 Chapter 28

With sincere apologies to Charles Dickens' family circle….

So you can imagine that the atmosphere in that home dressing room on Wednesday night at The Dub was rather happy, in fact delirious would be a better word to describe it. We had taken on one of the promotion favourites, a team that was relegated to our league last season, and only gone on and beaten them fair and square. Probably the latest high point in our journey in such a short space of time.

Ken was feeling elated, but not enough to change his mind about extending the wage budget. No chance of Andy Hall coming then, unless the winger decides to change his demands.

Anyway we can't rest on our laurels so to speak, as Saturday brings yet another huge test as we play the other relegated side: Newington, on that plastic pitch at Larne. It also brings to an end, quite a gruelling month of fixtures for the team but nothing gets easier - you have to treat each game as if it is your last. It's like playing Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. However, the bookies don't think that Wednesday's result is going to change their perception for Saturday. They have made Newington 8-11 favourites to win, we are best priced at 100-30 or 10-3 whilst a draw can be backed at 11-4. It's been touted also as the Game of the Day in the Intermediate League to add more spice to the game.

Inver Park, Larne

Attendance: 127 (6 away)

Both sides were unchanged from their last fixtures. This meant that we continued with the partnership of Jonathan Doyle and Jay McDowell up front since they did rather well together on Wednesday. Newington's squad is a mixture of youth and experience and has Rian Brown, on loan from Premiership Champions Larne for the season, in between the sticks. Strikers Darren Stuart and Peter McKiernan have five goals apiece this season, and seem to have struck a decent partnership. One to watch could be central defender Michael Tipping, the 16 year old has already bagged three goals this season in his first nine outings in senior football.

We stunned the home supporters with the opening goal in just the ninth minute. It came about from a deep cross from Portuguese winger Alexandre Machado which was met by a thumping header by Doyle for his seventh goal of the season. A great start indeed. Ten minutes later, Newington were level and in contentious circumstances too. Matt Gibbons seemed to run into Sam Morrow but the referee pointed to the spot, surprising all and sundry. We couldn't believe the decision. Up stepped Stuart to coolly slot the spot kick into the bottom corner. They added a second within five minutes, Gibbons with a low cross from the right that was met by McKiernan who whipped a fierce shot across Ryan Dalzell at the near post and into the opposing corner.

A few words of encouragement were said in the dressing room, with the message that Newington were there for the taking and we could get back into it if we applied ourselves in the right frame of mind. Just before the hour, we were awarded a penalty of our own when Gibbons brought down skipper Johnny Wilson for a stonewaller. Andrew Ferguson assumed responsibility as usual, and slammed his kick straight down the middle to make it 2-2.  New belief in those veins, and we almost went 3-2 ahead three minutes when Doyle intercepted a pass in the centre circle; ran at their backline and saw his shot from the edge of the box go just inches wide. Both sides then pushed for a winner and we nearly had one for each team in the final throes. First of all, Brendan Hughes saw his header parried by Dalzell and hooked clear before we almost won ourselves when a short Callum McVeigh free kick was played into Doyle who turned it into Craig Briers who turned and swept it home. However, an offside flag against the right back soon tempered the celebrations. 

As well as scoring his seventh goal of the season, he was a general menace to Newington's defence all afternoon. As a result, striker Jonathan Doyle was awarded the Man of the Match beers. 

As the match statistics show, the game was a very close event. We had yet another fabulous match in terms of xG compared to that of our opponent. Just think what might have been if we converted a few more of those chances that we created.

Wonder if Ms Coughlan will turn up for the midweek Steel and Sons match? Probably unlikely….

2024-2025 Season: Wake Me Up When September Ends, oh it has…. - Volume 2 Chapter 29

The Newington fixture in Larne saw the conclusion of September which has seen the league programme now showing at almost 25 per cent, as well as progression in the Steel and Sons Cup which we are the holders of and the League Cup where we suffered a predictable Second Round exit in the League Cup to a Premiership Club as in the defending champions.

As you can see, we are still very handily placed in the league standings:

Compared to last season, there are a few surprises. Rathfriland are the surprise leaders, with the recently relegated duo of Knockbreda and Newington close behind. Limavady United and Armagh City had been predicted to have successful campaigns before the big kick-off but are struggling so far, whilst Queens who narrowly missed out on promotion: are also having a less than impressive start.

We start October 2025, with the Fourth Round of the Steel and Sons Cup where we travel to Glen Road to face Belfast Celtic of the Ballymena and Provincial Football League. This is our third successive away trip in the defence of the Cup which ironically mirrors last season where we were away in every round (including the Final) bar playing the semi-final at home. Should we be successful then we will face either Knockbreda or St James Swifts in the quarter-finals at The Dub.

October will also see us play in the Intermediate Cup. The draw for this is to be made on 11 October.

Ahead of the Belfast Celtic fixture, the draw for the Third Qualifying Round of the Irish Cup was made. This is two stages before the bigger sides come to play in it. We were given the following away trip:

Our hosts on the first Saturday in November are Mid-Ulster Football League side Hanover. They play at Brownstown Park Arena in Portadown, and naturally we will be expected to progress. Can we go one stage further this season and make the First Round proper and draw a big name Premiership side to The Dub? 

2024-2025 Season: No banana skins in Belfast - Volume 2 Chapter 30

So the calendar ticked over into a new month, October 2024, and the advent of a new month's games. We were at Glen Road on the first Tuesday evening, playing our delayed Steel and Sons Cup Fourth Round tie against Belfast Celtic and I was mindful that we had come through a tough game on the Saturday and had another tough one to follow this one. There would be some players rested tonight, I just hadn't decided who was going to be given the night off.

The main thing was not to go too overboard with the changes, as I was realistically eyeing up back to back triumphs at the back of my mind.

As the team warmed up on the pitch, Kyle advised me that a certain blonde had been spotted in the main stand at Glen Road. Sure enough as I looked up, there was a young lady with a green and black wooly hat concealing the majority of her blonde locks, and wrapped up warm. Obviously she spotted me as I looked up, and gave a quick smile and wave in my direction. Yep, it was NC. She hadn't shown for the post-game drink against Donegal last month when she was our Club's guest of honour, despite saying she would stick around post-presentation, so it was interesting to say the least that she had shown tonight. Back to the important thing tonight, trying to progress in a Cup competition which we are seemingly having a fair modicum of success in.

Naturally, the bookies think we are going to be in the last eight judging by the odds on offer. They have instilled us as 5-4 favourites to progress and some thought these were a tad generous considering we are the current holders of the trophy. Our hosts have been best priced at 15-8 with a draw at 90 minutes being quoted at 5-2. Can we make it nine wins from nine?

Glen Road, Belfast

Attendance: 271 (104 away)

After much deliberation, we made a total of five changes for tonight's game. Both central defenders were changed, two in midfield and one up front. Coming in were Jack Graham, Ben Gordon, Owen Madine, John-Joe MacDonald and Daniel Reynolds in those positional alterations. Of those not starting this game, Club Captain Johnny Wilson and Portuguese winger Alexandre Machado were on the bench with Jonathan Doyle, Ben Mitchell and Andrew Ferguson given the night off completely. The home side made one change and that came up front with Ciaran O'Hare starting in place of Lynford Pennery who dropped out of their matchday squad entirely. Former PSNI midfielder Mark Anderson, who spent seven seasons with us between 2013 and 2020, was on the home side's substitutes bench.

The game was a typical cat and mouse type encounter, with neither wanting to surrender the initiative to the other. However, we would make the breakthrough with nine minutes to go to the half time interval. A left wing cross from Zach Annett was met by a close range header from Jay McDowell for his first ever goal in PSNI colours. The joy outpouring from the Dungannon Swifts loanee was clear for all to see. That was the main highlight of those first 45 minutes, and it brought a smile and polite applause from that young lady in the stands as we walked down the narrow walkway to the dressing rooms.

We were mindful that the lead was very slender, and far from a foregone conclusion as the second half kicked off. That worry nearly brought the home side an equaliser in the 55th minute Ryan A Doherty, the winger, swept in a dangerous centre where it was met by an unmarked O'Hare who arrowed a free header towards goal but Ryan Dalzell positioned himself perfectly to tip the ball over the bar. We knew a second goal was needed to breathe easier, and it came with 17 minutes to go. Substitute Machado (on for an ineffective Sam Morrow) delivered from the left where Jack Reilly's clearance struck Wilson (who had replaced an equally ineffective Madine) before landing at the feet of Callum McVeigh whose deflected effort found the net past a wrong footed David Nelson.

The visitors almost halved the deficit immediately when O'Hare burst into the penalty area. However, his powerfully struck effort clipped the frame of the crossbar before flashing wide with Dalzell flinging himself across his goal at full stretch, A third goal for us almost came with four minutes to play, and again McVeigh was the heartbeat of it. This time it was a free kick from 30-odd yards out which struck the bar with Nelson helpless before bouncing away from danger. A banana skin avoided, and the defence continues unabated for now.

For a performance where he was solid in defence, as well as the fact he created the opener - left back Zach Annett took the Man of the Match beers home with him and gave more reasons why he should be our starter in that position.

Even though neither side was exactly on the proverbial ball when it came to taking their chances, we made two count when needed. It was also another decent performance in terms of xG as our finishing stat in that was almost twice of the home side.

2024-2025 Season: Build Up to Derby Day - Volume 2 Chapter 31

We came off that pitch at Glen Road, feeling mightly relieved indeed. It could have been an exit and the end of our Steel and Sons Cup defence but the much changed side, managed to get us over the line in and into the final eight. We were one of five ties played that evening, including our prospective opponents in the quarter final stage.

Of those four games, our interest was knowing what was the result from Breda Park. Would there be a surprise or would the game end in the predictable outcome? Well any chance of a shock was deflated after just nine minutes when winger Sam Hughes put Knockbreda ahead and despite the domination in terms of chances, it proved to be the only goal of the first half. Three goals in nine minutes though put everything beyond doubt. First of all Breda left back Matthew Henry made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half but Philip Blackledge halved the deficit 60 seconds later. Breda's third goal came in the 59th minute when half time substitute Ashton McDermott netted, and the job was was complete when Cormac Lawlor bagged their fourth to set up the following:

The above game means that our league visit to Ballymacash Rangers, set for 19 October has been brought pushed back a week to the 26th. However, the first Round of this season's Intermediate Cup is scheduled also for that date so there's a possibility it could be moved for a second time.

However, our preparations for Saturday's derby have been rocked by a groin injury picked up by vice-captain Craig Briers in the Steel and Sons Cup game. Craig completed all 90 minutes at Glen Road but was in a fair bit of discomfort by the end. He is a serious doubt for Saturday, and should he not then we are left with a dilemma: do we throw rookie right-back Tim Millar-Wilson for his debut or switch veteran defender Andrew Ferguson there with either Jack Graham or Ben Gordon coming in at centre half alongside Ben Mitchell. The only good thing is that, and if Craig plays and gets through the game, we have a week's rest before the Knockbreda Steel and Sons Cup quarter-final which I am sure they will be up for.

Ms C was nowhere to be seen after the Belfast Celtic game, however. What kind of game is the Galway ghirl playing at? Is she just doing it for publicity reasons or does she actually want to be seen with a part-time football manager on her arm at those glittering events worldwide she is at? I wish I knew the answer to that one…

One thing is for definite; I'm sure we haven't heard the end of it.

2024-2025 Season: Drama at The Dub - Volume 2 Chapter 32

Our first of two possible League games in October was around the corner, and what a game it was. The first meeting of the season between ourselves and Queens on The Dub pitch which we share. For this encounter, we get the home dressing room and Queens the away one, which obviously will change later in the season. Queens haven't had the best start of the season, compared to ourselves, and that is a far cry from 2023-24 where they were the team that were riding high in the top echelons and we were the ones struggling.

What a funny old game indeed Greavsie….

In residence again today was the Galway girl herself, NC. Would she hang around after the final whistle this time? That's what the Lads were saying as they filtered into the dressing room. But she wasn't the only celebrity in residence by all accounts. Sitting at the side of her, like besties, was a certain former Countdown mathematician and the two of them were sharing jokes as we prepared downstairs. As regards the match, the bookies were finding it hard to make an outright winner. They were offering us at 6-4 to take the three points on offer with Queens best priced at 13-8; a draw is available at 5-2. The fixture has also been picked out as the Game of the Day in the League, the second time in as many weeks we have been had this selection. Must be doing something right, eh?

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 245 (123 away)

After wholesale changes in midweek for our Steel and Sons Cup fixture at Glen Road, we brought back what is termed “the heavy artillery” for the bread and butter of a League fixture. This meant recalls for Andrew Ferguson, Ben Mitchell, Alexandre Machado, skipper Johnny Wilson and top scorer Jonathan Doyle with Jack Graham, Ben Gordon, Owen Madine, John-Joe MacDonald and Daniel Reynolds all making way. The biggest call was would vice-captain Craig Briers win his fitness race to feature after being injured in midweek? The answer ultimately came back as no so we were left with a huge call at right-back. The decision was not to throw in Tim Millar-Wilson for white-hot debut but play Sam Morrow there as the former Crusaders winger had advised Kyle (McDowell) he would fill in there if required he'd been a right-back in his younger days growing up. Problem solved. Queens made three changes with Joel Little, David Elliott and Marc McKenna coming in for Kevin Murphy, Mikey Wood and Levi James.

We made a bright beginning and almost took the lead in the seventh minute when a long range free kick from Callum McVeigh that just didn't dip enough to find the net with Little anxiously back pedalling. Queens first chance came seven minutes later, and unfortunately for us: they found the net with it. Top scorer Zach Ferson teed up McKenna just inside the area and he put a placed finish beyond Ryan Dalzell. We should have been level in the 23rd minute when Jay McDowell stepped inside Daniel McMiurray and with just Little to beat, lashed it over the bar. That miss proved costly just a couple of minutes afterwards when a long range strike from Adam Calvert crashed against the crossbar with Dalzell beaten, but straight at the feet of Ferson who had the easy task of converting the rebound. We would go into the half time break 2-0 down, and looking well out of sorts.

As Miss Coughlan and Miss Vorderman took their seats for the second half, I was sending the team with a must perform better message and a stern talking to. It almost had an effect just before the hour when Wilson broke into the Queens penalty area but saw his strike clip the crossbar. We then made a double change, and it would ultimately be the game changer with Cian Stewart and Millar-Wilson for McDowell and Aaron Porter: the latter having had an ineffective game wide right. Three minutes after the double substitution, we had halved the deficit when Stewart beat Little at the near post from the edge of the area. A lifeline. With our confidence increased, we pushed for 2-2 and almost had it with 14 minutes left when another McVeigh free kick from distance went close by skimming the bar. Owen Madine then came on for Zach Annett as we tried to get something, with McVeigh moving from central midfield to the vacated left back slot.

The last ten minutes would be as dramatic as you have ever seen, even possibly topping the 1999 Champions League in Barcelona. In the 80th minute, debutant Millar-Wilson lofted the ball into Morrow who stood up a cross to the far post where Machado stooped to head home. But that was just the beginning of the mayhem. Five minutes later and we were in front for the first time when Ferguson found Doyle whose shot was deflected by McMurray into the path of Stewart who tapped it into the empty net. Just a case of holding on now. But as we entered the 89th minute, Morrow was penalised for a trip on Wood just inside the area and Ferson showed incredible calmness to stroke the resultant penalty for 3-3. Surely that was it? No way, as a fourth goal in 10 minutes arrived as we started six minutes of time added-on when Calvert cleared the ball as far as McVeigh who returned it into the mix where Shane Boyle's defensive headed clearance landed at the feet of Morrow who drilled a shot into the bottom left hand corner with Little motionless for 4-3. Absolute limbs and carnage. 

It was some redemption for Sam, having conceded the penalty moments earlier. Could we see it out now, or would there be even more drama to come in the time added-on? Yes we could, and we picked up three huge points against our nearest and dearest. As for the two ladies in the crowd, they left together: still laughing and joking with each other.

For his sensational impact from the bench, Cian Stewart edged Ferson for the Man of the Match beers which went down well with everyone. It's a bit of a shame that come Ne'er Day 2025, he won't be a PSNI player anymore as he's joining Ballymena and Provincial Football League side Ballymoney United on a free transfer.

Both sides put a great spectacle for the fans with the xG being incredibly high. It was a shame someone had to be on the losing side. 

2024-2025 Season: Whatever will be, will be…. - Volume 2 Chapter 33

As we relaxed in the bar at The Dub, the talk was whether either Miss Coughlan and/or Miss Vorderman would show their collective personalities as well. So did either? Answer actually was affirmative as they both showed up to jointly present Cain (Stewart) with his Man of the Match beers. The clicking of flashes whilst the photographs enabled Johnny (Wilson) to try and coax something out of me.

“Boss, don't know about you but I can't believe it. What a game, eh?”

“Yes Johnny, not good for the old heart rate but hey ho. Anything important you wanna mention?”

“Actually yeah, you going to…well you know?”

“Know what Johnny?”

“You know boss, approach either Nicola or Carol? Big chance boss to get in there.”

Johnny winked as I took a large swig of my pint of Guinness. 

“OK then, I'll go now…”

“You got this boss man…”

So I walked calmly across towards the area where the photographing had taken place, but there was just Cain and no sign of Coughlan nor Vorderman either. I naturally assumed they had gone to the ladies.

“Those two, gone to ladies Cain?”

“No, they've gone. Nicola's got a function at the Europa and Carol's tagging along with her.”

I muttered my mouth “baws…” and across to Johnny, all he did was shrug his shoulders. Anyway despite this, we were in a good mood indeed as we had beaten Queens and ever better still, the results elsewhere had gone to plan. Rathfriland had lost their first league game of the season, a 5-2 beating in Lisburn by Distillery, Moyola had beaten Newington 1-0 on the plastic pitch in Coleraine whilst Knockbreda drew 3-3 at Portstewart. Superb. Those results, coupled with our win over Queens, saw us rise to second - just two points behind Rathfriland who still led the pack. 

Next on the agenda, team wise, was deciding on who to play for the “Under 18s” on Tuesday against Ballinamallard United Reserves. A rather strong squad seemed to be the right decision football-wise. As for those females, whatever will be now….why should I be making the first move eh?

2024-2025 Season: Time for a break… - Volume 2, Chapter 34

The strains of AC/DC's Back in Black sounded as I pulled into the car park after the Queens University thriller at The Dub. A few minutes later, I was walking into the apartment and opening the balcony doors which gave a view across Belfast Harbour. All peace and quiet. I picked the remote control, pointed it at the TV and it warmed up. On the screen was Sky Sports News, a common sight. But I couldn't bothered with the same news on loop, every half hour. There was a big hockey game taking place just a matter of a hundred or so yards away. Tonight's entertainment, Belfast Giants against Cardiff Devils in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Giants were hoping to win the title back after seeing Sheffield Steelers complete a Grand Slam the season before, whilst visitors Cardiff were hoping for a first trophy under Pete Russell: who was also the national team's Head Coach.

I poured three quarters of a whisky shot glass with some Jura, added a few cubes of ice, and relaxed. After all, there was very little else to do. Then as Jarrod Gourley stretched the twine and lit the lamp for the visitors, the mobile rang…unknown number! Normally I would have ignored it, but I was intrigued for some reason. Who was it?

“Hello?” I answered.

“Hey Mark, what you doing?” came the response, and it had a soft Irish lilt to it - almost Galwegian. 

“I'm, I'm watching the Giants hockey game. Who is this?”

“It's Nicola, Mark. Nicola Coughlan.”

“Oh hi."

“Just wondered if you fancied coming to the Europa for a drink later? Say around 10:15pm in the hotel bar?”

“Erm, I suppose I could do.”

“Right I'll see you then, 10:15pm at the Europa.”

The hockey game had a dramatic finish, Giants scoring three times in the last 10 minutes to record a 3-1 win on home ice. I headed to the confines of the bedroom to get changed and was about to walk through the door when the message tone sounded: “Sorry Mark, have to cancel. Go to go back to Galway. See you soon; Nic x” Just rotten luck. Anyway, more fish in the proverbial sea as they say.

Come Tuesday, the “Under 18” side took on the Ballinmallard United second string at The Dub. A strong side which included Craig Briers, on his return from injury, as well as Man of the Match against Queens: Cain Stewart. However, despite the strength in depth, the Mallards Reserves came away with a 1-0 win thanks to a 59th minute winner from Gary Armstrong. Not the result we wanted but the main thing was nobody came off the pitch injured which bodes well for Saturday's Steel and Sons quarter final at The Dub against Knockbreda where a place in the last four awaits the winners. The following night saw the First Round draw for this season's Intermediate Cup being made, and as you can see we are on our travels once more:

Our hosts play in Division 1C of the NAFL so we will be expected to progress. We played Ballyclare Comrades in the same stage of this competition last season, a similar result in the shape of an away win would be ideal. 

2024-2025 Season: Doing the right thing - Volume 2, Chapter 35

I was about to turn off the radio, and make a very late evening meal when some breaking news came through: Championship side Bangor had parted company with Lee Feeney after almost four and a half years in the role. The broadcast had just been completed when my mobile rang, it was the local football reporter angling for an update:

“Evening Mark, it's Liam O'Kane here.”

“Hi Liam, what can I do for you tonight? Just grabbing a bite to eat before I pack for Cyprus.”

“Ah going to Nicosia tomorrow then?”

“Yeah. Anyway…”

“Guess you've heard the news from Bangor just now?”

“Aye, and I can tell you now that I'm not interested in applying or being approached.”

“Right, but it would be a step up for you?”

“It would. But I'm not bothered, I've got a project here and it's a project I want to see through.”

“That's fine, I'll leave you be then. Enjoy Nicosia."

“Thanks, goodnight.”

I just knew that I was going to be touted, even before the call came through. Just shows that the smallest bit of success can see an increase in one's managerial standing and cause you to be linked jobs left, right and bloody centre. The following morning I was sat waiting for my flight to Nicosia when a text came from Ken: “Just seen the BelTel back pages, thanks for the loyalty. Ken." - obviously my statement to Liam had ticked all the right boxes for Ken and the PSNI FC hierarchy. Well I did have a project unbeknownst to Ken, and I was remaining hopeful that I could see it over the line. We might be only in season two, but the way this season has started then we might just be heading on the right track.

It was a double header away from home for Northern Ireland in this international break, first stop Nicosia as the top two in UEFA Nations League Group C2 locked horns. The merry band of away fans were leaving happy by the time of the final whistle as Shayne Lavery's 28th minute goal stood up as the winner to send Michael O'Neill and his squad above their hosts and into top spot. A couple of days on Ayia Napa's beaches were next for me before heading to Latvia for game two in Riga. Could they cement that newly acquired first place? Alas, despite dominating the game, that proved not to be the case as they drew 1-1 despite taking a 37th minute lead courtesy of a Dion Charles penalty kick: Latvia taking just seven minutes to level. With Cyprus winning 2-0 in Gibraltar simultaneously, next month will be decisive.

That said, going to Cyprus meant a catch up with this gadgie and he didn't kick any advertising hoardings this time unlike in 1998:

The man in question of course is Georgian Temur Ketsbaia who celebrated scoring a winner for the Geordies against Bolton Wanderers by taking his shirt off and then kicking ten bells out of an advertising hoarding or two. He was quite calm actually and telling me how much he's enjoying life in Cyprus these days but he remembers his time on Tyneside with a great deal of fondness. Coming home, I arrived back to find out that we were completely injury-free and could go into the Knockbreda game with all our big name players available. One person wasn't happy though, and that was Ballymena United manager Tom Mohan who was whining like a spoilt brat over David Taylor's lack of game time so far. Jeezo, there's no pleasing some folk so I just shut him up by saying I'll try and get him some game time soon but little does Mohan know: his player has to start proving his worth to shift the current partner to Jonathan Doyle. No room for sentiment…

2024-2025 Season: Knockbreda knockout as we make the Final Four - Volume 2, Chapter 36

The talk the days before the game was what would we expect from Knockbreda on Saturday. Considering that we had beaten them just three and a half weeks previous in one of our best performances ever, then we were cautious that we were going to face a wounded animal. They were going to be up for a bit of revenge and it's usually best served cold as the saying goes. But we have confidence in ourselves, we have a fully fit squad to choose from and we're the holders of said Steel and Sons Cup too.

We're not going to let anyone take our trophy from us anytime soon, regardless of whatever stage we are in.

There was a certain buzz around The Dub as we walked in this afternoon. One step from another semi-final and for a team that has been built on free agency and no money whatsoever, this is huge. You could cut the atmosphere like a knife through hot butter, that's how we were feeling. It wasn't nerves, but calmly believing we had the tools available to do the job in hand. Knockbreda would best know that we are far from a pushover. As for the bookies, well they had us as slight favourites to go through at 6-4, ‘Breda were 13-8 to win away from home and it’s 5-2 if you think the two sides are going to be inseparable after 90 minutes action today. Can we justify the favourite tag?

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 271 (128 away)

With everyone fit to play, it was time to field our strongest side possible for the visit of ‘Breda. This meant that Craig Briers returned at right-back after missing that thriller with Queens. His return meant that Sam Morrow could feature on the left wing and Alexandre Machado back to the right with Aaron Porter making way there. There were two other positional changes too; Connor Maxwell replaced Zach Annett at left back whilst David Taylor was preferred to fellow loan striker Jay McDowell up front. Could Taylor finally show us why we were so keen to bring him in on loan from Ballymena United? We want him to succeed surely but he’s failed to deliver when given his chances beforehand; maybe today is his day? 'Breda made a couple of change of their own with Odhran Skelton and Adam Grant coming in for Shea McAuley and Ashton McDermott who were left out of their matchday sixteen altogether. Former PSNI striker Jake Moore was on their substitutes bench but fellow former PSNI player Raul Zabrauteanu missed out on a return to The Dub.

We almost made the perfect start with a goal in the third minute when Morrow's cross was met by a header from fellow winger Machado but it just didn't dip enough under the bar to beat Michael Argyrides. It then became a game of cat and mouse for the next half hour with neither side wanting to wilt, and you just knew that it would need a moment of magic to break the deadlock and that's what we got in the 32nd minute when Morrow found former ‘Breda midfielder Callum McVeigh at the edge of the area and he took a touch before drilling home a superb shot that found the net off the post with Argyrides well beaten. That got our collective tails up as we gained so much confidence from the goal. Skipper Johnny Wilson then surged into the penalty area and it took an important block from Cormac Lawlor to deny the captain a goal, and from the resultant corner Andrew Ferguson’s shot was parried by Argyrides before being hacked clear. Yet we did add a second in the 39th minute, Maxwell finding Morrow who spun away from two defenders before powerfully curling the ball into the far corner. 2-0 ahead at the break; and well deserved too.

‘Breda came out with purpose in the early stages of the second half, they had obviously been given a proper telling off from Chris McCann but we stood firm as a unit to repel the danger, so much our in the 55th minute came as a surprise. A loose ball came off ’Breda half time substitute Brandon Bradshaw into Morrow whose shot thudded against the post but Taylor was on hand to tuck away the rebound for 3-0 with his first for the Club. Within four minutes, they had one on the board when a low cross from the right by Sam Hughes was finished well by Tamer Atrach with Ryan Dalzell left leaden footed. Yet we didn't let up as we had our fourth in the 65th minute when a weighted pass from McVeigh saw Taylor escape from his marker's attentions and beat Argyrides with a placed effort for his second of the afternoon.

With the tie looking as good as in the bag, we sent on three changes and all with the same advice: keep the tempo high and score more if the opportunity arises. The nap hand was completed in the 78th minute when a ball forward from Briers was picked up by one of those substitutes, Owen Madine, who held up play superbly before sending the ball back to the onrushing McVeigh who finished with aplomb past Argyrides for 5-1. The visiting fans had almost left when their side scored a second three minutes from time when Adam Harwood's lofted ball over the top was collected by Jack Evans, who had been kept very quiet all game by Ben Mitchell and he shrugged off the latter's attentions before finishing calmly. The striker almost made it 5-3 a minute later when he headed a Nathan Clarke cross against the post and wide but 'Breda were well beaten by then. Semi-Finals here we come!

On an afternoon when many star performances were on show, left winger Morrow took home the Man of the Match beers with him. The former Crusaders man had one goal and two assists to his name today.

Despite not having the bulk of the possession, we were very consistent when it came to goals to shots on target ratio, 100 per cent. Another fabulous afternoon in terms of the XG as well which has been a constant positive throughout the season so far. Proud as…

Who will we get in the semi-final, and where?

2024-2025 Season: October coming to an end - Volume 2, Chapter 37

If the League win over Knockbreda had been nothing short of fantastic, then the Steel and Sons quarter-final win against the same opponent was on a whole new level indeed. It had ended 5-2 but I felt we could really embarrassed them if we had fashioned out more clear cut opportunities. Considering we were finding goals hard to come by at the same point last season, the switch to 4-4-2 has really paid dividends and some.

We mulled in The Dub's bar post game, wondering whom our final four opponent would be. It would be one from the following: Linfield Swifts (the reserve team of the 56-time Premiership Champions) who defeated Crusaders Reserves 3-1, divisional rivals Newington who beat Larne's reserves 3-1 or Tobemore United who won 3-0 at Ballymoney United. Ideally I wanted Tobemore United as they are probably the lowest ranked side left. Would I get my wish? We were the last name out…

Not the draw I wanted to be fair. In fact, it's probably the toughest one possible. I'm expecting quite the battle. Can see the Swifts overcoming Tobemore in the other game though. 

What was such a pleasing fact about the win, was that David Taylor rewarded me with his first goals for the Club on his latest chance. If he hadn't delivered then it would be hard to justify keeping him here. Perhaps there could be a goal laden partnership with Jonathan Doyle? That said, Doyle hasn't scored in the last three games but he's still our top scorer. To see goals coming from everywhere else on the pitch and from different sources can only be a good sign as well.

This Saturday sees us head to Lisburn again, but this time to The Bluebell Stadium to face Ballymacash Rangers. It's always a rather intimidating atmosphere  there with myself being given some special individual treatment from their hardcore support. Perhaps Dad's got something to do with this, I can hear the chants in my direction now…

Question is, do we change the side up again or go with the same one? With games in the Intermediate Cup and Irish Cup in the next seven days that follow Ballymacash, it could be a case of rotation and tinkering a bit…

2024-2025 Season: Maxwell's in the House for three more points - Volume 2, Chapter 38

Saturday came around and with it, a league match. Actually we were one of only four league matches being played as some of the other sides were involved in Intermediate Cup action. Before heading off to meet the boys at The Dub for the coach journey to Lisburn, I munched down a couple of rounds of toast, smothered in peanut butter and assessed the league table as it stood.

It certainly looked appealing.

We were sat second, three points behind leaders Rathfriland Rangers but with a better goal difference of four. The equation was simple in my mind, away win with Newington losing at home and we would ascend to top spot for the first time ever under my tenure. I did wonder if any of the team had seen it that way, they probably did, but I was not going to use in my pre-game talk extensively as it could create overconfidence and we don't need that. Anyway arrival in Lisburn was as predictable as always, running the gauntlet of vitriol from a certain section of home supporters who know my background. Being called a FB is something I have had to learn to live with and especially since the move here more than ever. As regards match odds, it seems to be one that's very hard to call a winner from. Ballymacash are 11-10 to record a home win with us at 9-4 to get that away win which would propel us to the top, whilst a draw can be found at 5-2.

The Bluebell Stadium, Lisburn

Attendance: 110 (54 away)

Having pondered with the thought of making a few changes ahead of Tuesday's Intermediate Cup trip to Ballywalter Recreation, I decided to stick with the same starting eleven that demolished Knockbreda just seven days previous. The only additions were rookie right-back Tim Millar-Wilson and winger John-Joe MacDonald, but other than it was definitely as you were. Ballymacash themselves made a single change and it came in central defence as Brian Johnston (no, not the cricket commentator brought back to life) replaced Stephen Black. Former Glentoran duo Dylan Davidson and Carl McComb also started for the home side.

The only real chance, if you could call it one, in the first 28 minutes came on the 12th minute mark when Connor Maxwell's left wing cross was met by a header from Alexandre Machado but it clipped the bar and went over. Then another moment of magic broke the deadlock and how. Home skipper Crane thought he had cleared his lines but the ever willing Doyle recycled possession before finding Callum McVeigh 30 yards out and his low drive skipped off the wet surface at the Bluebell and nestled into the bottom corner. It was Callum's 6th of the season. Eight minutes later we almost had a second when a flighted free kick from Sam Morrow was headed goalwards by Ben Mitchell but kissed the outside of the post and drooped wide. Other than this, it had hardly been a half to remember.

The home side drew level in the 56th minute when a well planned out corner routine saw Owen McKeown fire a low effort of his own through a crowd of players and beat Ryan Dalzell. We almost regained the lead with 12 minutes to go with another long range effort from McVeigh, this time a free kick that smacked against the post with home custodian Brian Neeson beaten all ends up and sideways. With a minute to go, Johnsron saw red for his second caution in the game when he brought down Cain Stewart right in front of the referee. Could there be any more drama in the four minutes added on? You bet. It came in the fourth of those four when Morrow's corner was headed down and into the net by left back Connor Maxwell. Scenes and limbs everywhere! There was no time for Ballymacash to come back after that, resulting in the home support serenading me with “Cheating FB” as I applauded our away support.

The Man of the Match beers could only go home to one person, and one person alone: Connor Maxwell. The on-loan Ards defender scored a dramatic winner for us, his first goal for us, and was outstanding defensively and in attack.

Not our best performance this season so far as our hosts kept us reasonably subdued, as the xG confirms. But two efforts on target resulted in two goals and three more points on the board. We like that!

2024-2025 Season: Still sitting pretty - Volume 2, Chapter 39

As we sat on the coach going back to Belfast following that dramatic win at Ballymacash, the question was: had we done enough to ascend into top spot?

The answer was unfortunately not as Newington had beaten Portstewart 3-1 in Larne, which meant that they had gone top by having a goal difference of plus 8 compared to our own plus 7. That's how narrow it is. In fact, the entire top five are separated by just three points as you can see from the table below:

We're definitely over achieving once more as if you remember we had been predicted for a 13th placed finish out of 14 by those know-alls in the media before a ball had been kicked in anger. They must be running out of face cloths at present at B&M as pundits and reporters are going through their doors to purchase a new one following every result which we're garnering. Yes, we're still in the early stages of the season but there's a great togetherness in that dressing room as players are stepping up week in, week out. Another pleasing aspect is goals are coming from all sources; Jonathan Doyle leading the way with seven but Callum McVeigh has six from central midfield (he of the long range strikes) and overall we've had 12 different players score for us (not including any own goals) which adds more positives and illustrates we are not a one-man team by any chalk.

So we have one more game to play in October and that comes on Tuesday night at Ballywater Recreation's Davidson Park ground. The Intermediate Cup is hardly on my list as priorities, even Ken sees it that way too which makes a change, but it's a Cup and we want to do reasonably well in it. It could be also the chance for some fringe players to get some game time but I need to be very astute about whom I have on the bench as we are limited to just three for the first rounds. Do I cover all outfield options and sacrifice the substitute goalkeeper in the hope the starting custodian doesn't get injured or red-carded? That's a heck of dilemma to have.

Anyway, our November looks like at this at present:

As it shows, we have at the moment a very quiet month. However, providing we overcome Ballywater, we will be in the Intermediate Cup Second Round draw which is being made on Friday 8 November 2024. The ties for that are usually played in November as well so expect one more fixture to come into play providing there's no shocks at Davidson Park. The big game next month is our trip to Larne again to face Newington in that Steel and Sons Cup semi-final so it will be ideal if we can go there with everyone fit and field our strongest possible team. We worked so hard to win it last season, we want to retain it. Winning trophies breeds confidence and the Club's stature. But it increases the chances that other teams might come knocking for my services, which I am determined to rebuff.

2024-2025 Season: Away the Lads! PSNI enjoy a fabulous five-star night in Ballywalter - Volume 2, Chapter 40

Having extended our unbeaten run in all competitions to six, we had every reason in the world to feel confident about making it seven on Tuesday night despite thinking about making a number of changes. However, what was immediately evident was the sudden drop off in performances by the “Under 18s” as Sunday saw yet another strong side succumb to defeat. Inflicting the pain at The Dub were Annagh United Reserves who scored three first half goals to win 3-0 and make it two defeats in a row for us.

Onto Tuesday then…

Despite playing their football at NAFL Division 1C, Ballywalter have not been underestimated by us. Everyone is expecting this to be a tough game for us with the home side fancying their chances on their Davidson Park pitch which is a proper throw back. Even the bookies think that it's got the indication that we are probably in for a hard match and we will have to work hard to avoid a giant killing. They have made us slight favourites at 11-10 with our hosts at 9-4, and a draw in 90 minutes to be found at 5-2. Basically, it's the same odds from Ballymacash on Saturday just gone but with the odds for home and away wins swapped around. Hopefully we can give any of our fans travelling something to smile about on the East Coast.

Davidson Park, Ballywalter

Attendance: 93 (2 away)

With the fact we are playing our second game in 72 hours, we made a number of changes for this match. As reward for his patience, Newry City loanee was given his debut in goal with regular number one Ryan Dalzell given a well earned rest. Also being rested were Andrew Ferguson, Sam Morrow and Callum McVeigh with the latter being named as a substitute in case we needed him and the other two given the night off completely. Replacing the three were Jack Graham, Cain Stewart (allowing Alexandre Machado to switch to the left) and Owen Madine. It was still a rather strong side despite the four changes, and could have been more if we really wanted to do that but we didn't want to disrespect our hosts. That said, Ballywalter fielded their first choice side against us with all 11 starting players changed. 

We set about the game with a sense of purpose which was what I want every game, starting on the front foot. Therefore it came as no real surprise that we took the lead in just the 11th minute when after some probing football Graham  set up Connor Maxwell in the centre of the pitch 30 yards out and he lashed it beyond an unsighted Keith McKee for his second in successive matches. Four minutes later, we should have had a second when Graham's lofted pass was headed into the danger area by Jonathan Doyle but David Taylor headed over with the goal gaping. We did get a second in the 19th minute when Paul Morrison had his pocket picked by Johnny Wilson and the skipper took a couple of touches before hammering it top bins with McKee nowhere near. That was the cue for us to put the foot to the pedal more and take the tie beyond Ballywalter.

Two goals in as many minutes did that. First in the 27th minute, a surging run from Craig Briers saw him measure a cross on a proverbial plate for Taylor to tap home our third. Then we made sure it was game over when Stewart produced an inch perfect delivery of his own, and once more Taylor provided the finishing touch for 0-4. Little had been seen of the home side but they pulled one back in the 42th minute when Ryan McKenna drove from distance and the shot seemed to squirm under Hoskins who will definitely want it back. Yet the four goal lead was almost restored soon afterwards, Wilson firing inches wide with another long range effort.

Despite the comprehensive scoreline, I was in no mood to say ease off. A fifth almost came early in that second half when Doyle struck the post with a drive but it wouldn't have counted because he had been adjudged offside. He was denied again in the 56th minute by another flag which rubbed out his deft headed finish into the corner from a Mitchell long pass. Taylor could have extended his personal tally further but a combination of efforts which were either saved well by McKee, over the bar or hit the post meant he didn't. McKee then produced another quality to turn a long range strike from Graham around the post with a minute to play but another long range effort by Wilson in the first minute of added-on time whizzed low past him to complete the nap hand. Banana skin tie? What banana skin tie….

For an imperious performance in central midfield, skipper Johnny Wilson was the recipient of the Man of the Match in Ballywalter tonight. That said, there were so many brilliant performances tonight all over the pitch.

The match statistics say the whole story of the game for sure, we absolutely tore them to pieces and could have had more goals to add to the five that we actually did score. It could have, and should have been a cricket score. The XG is probably one of the highest we have had since the season started in earnest in August. So proud of this team. 

The Second Round draw is a week on Friday, with the ties apparently scheduled for 23 November when we have a blank weekend. Obviously that's going to change now! Hopefully we will get a nice draw….

2024-2025 Season: Feeling honoured - Volume 2, Chapter 41

Coming away from Ballywalter, I felt a proud man indeed. My changed side had gone into a cup match which could have ended in my eyes, an embarrassing exit to a team that plays four divisions below us. That's why I was loath to make so many wholesale changes and keep them to a few as possible. With the changes being so successful, I'm looking at doing something similar for Saturday's Irish Cup game away to Hanover FC.

And why shouldn't I?

Yet the following 48 hours saw my stock rise higher, from a club and personal aspect at that. It all began at around 10:00am Thursday when our Media Manager Ella Adams phoned me whilst I was looking at putting the finishing touches to Saturday's possible team selection which I was going to run by Kyle in the next half an hour or so.

“Morning Mark, you OK?”

“Aye dead on Ella, what can I do for you?”

“Just thought I'd garner your reaction to the current lead story on the Intermediate League's website.”

“Not seen it Ella to be fair. Anything good on it?”

“Think you'll like it. If you need to give me a few thoughts back then just ring back, OK?”

“Sure, no problems Ella. Will have a look now before I have a meeting with my coaching staff.”

So I loaded the web browser and selected the league website from my list of favourited pages. What came up was to leave my jaw dropping.

For the second time in just three months, I had been awarded the League's Manager of the Month. This was completely unexpected indeed. Considering there were a couple of other managers with identical records to my own, I really felt a sense of pride in my beating heart. I had only had a couple of minutes to myself and digest this accolade when Kyle came bursting through the door like he was a police officer on a drugs bust, albeit out of breath.

“Mark, Mark…you seen the news? Congratulations for the second time this season.”

“Yeah just reading it the now; and thank you for the appreciation mate.”

“No problems gaffer, really goes to show what an excellent job you're doing here. Some belated birthday present.”

“Quite. Anyway you wanting to have that team selection chat the now?”

“No time like the present. Strike while the iron's hot…”

We went various team permutations in the next hour, and eventually came up with three which would be all be dependent on if any last minute injuries would cause a re-think. As always, we would announce the team to take the field on the day itself when we met The Dub before hopping on the team bus to go to Brownstown Park in Portadown. It's what we have done as a rule all the time since I took the job, so why change the habit of a lifetime. It just keeps everyone guessing; especially the fourth estate who thrive on rumours.

As that meeting concluded, my email client pinged to announce an incoming message. It was from Ken, who wasn't in his usual office today. The email was a regular one that he sends every month where he tells me what the board's opinions on me are at the moment, and usually also the results of the monthly fan engagement as well. This has been positive so far, but any slide in form could see the ratings go downhill faster than Konrad Bartelski on a set of skis at Val D'Isere.

So all seems to be top notch at the moment, and that's further reinforced by the dressing room atmosphere being great as well. This kind of positive opinion is like music to any manager's proverbial ear. Long may this continue. I've just got to maintain this, and adding a trophy or two will enhance it no end. 

Portadown on Saturday…

2024-2025 Season: Six of the best as Hanover are hammered - Volume 2, Chapter 42

So Saturday means the road towards the National Stadium starts in earnest for clubs like ourselves. We have set an objective this season of actually making the stage where the top clubs enter in the hope we can attract one of those to The Dub, someone like Linfield, Crusaders or Glentoran would be ideal. But we had that dream last season and that was ended in Banbridge, so hopefully we will have no mistakes this time around.

We are in the middle of a busy November so every game does indeed count.

Having avoided a banana skin in midweek at Ballywalter, we face another one today. This is why I have decided not to make wholesale changes against, just rest players and try to keep everything fresh. The biggest concern I have at the moment is that with top scorer Jonathan Doyle though. Not as a person, but the fact he has not scored since bagging at Newington at the end of September. Yet he feels it will happen sooner rather than later. The bookies don't feel that there's going to be a shock in Portadown today as they have made us short favourites at just 1-2. Hanover, if you fancy them for the giant killing, can be backed at 5-1 whilst the draw at 90 minutes is available at 3-1. 

Brownstown Park, Portadown

Attendance: 166 (12 away)

Considering we were playing our third game in seven days, I decided to ring a few changes again for this game. All in all, five players who were involved at Ballywalter on Tuesday night were either rested or given the day off as regards players. Those players were Craig Briers, Ben Mitchell, Johnny Wilson, Alexandre Machado and David Taylor with only vice-captain Briers being on the bench. Coming in were Tim Millar-Wilson (making his full debut), Andrew Ferguson, Louis Blackstock, Sam Morrow and Ivorian striker Éric Akassou whose last appearance was two months ago in the League Cup loss at Larne. A chance to impress for the big striker then. Hanover made a total of eight changes from their last fixture with Jamie McKeown, Craig Archer and skipper Aaron Potts being the only three players to retain their starting spots.

There was a fair old hoolie blowing around Brownstown Park as we kicked off, meaning that we would be determined to keep the ball on the deck as much as we can when playing into said hoolie. We almost took an eighth minute when Cain Stewart pulled the ball back for Millar-Wilson who subsequently teed up Blackstock whose drive smacked against the underside of the bar before bouncing the safe side of the goal line and Hanover thrashed it clear. We were determined to ensure the home side would not get a sniff at causing an upset, and made sure it was the higher ranked side that had to prevail. The deadlock was broken eventually in the 27th minute when a Morrow shot cannoned off the far post but Stewart was on hand to tap in the rebound. Morrow almost made it two a couple of minutes later when he picked up a rash clearance from Carter Ferguson but his swerving drive went wide. 

Two goals in as many minutes put the tie beyond our hosts. In the 36th minute a measured cross from Stewart was met by a free header from Akassou for his first goal for us since signing in the summer, and then it was bus syndrome for the striker as he scored again two minutes later. That one came about when a loose pass from Andrew Downey was intercepted gleefully by Morrow who bombed forward then held it up and laying the ball back for the onrushing Akassou who drove the ball home with intent. We had a fourth on the hour when Blackstock fed Morrow just inside the penalty area and the left winger smashed it first touch top bins for 0-4. That was the cue to make a couple of changes with the tie in the bag, Daniel Reynolds and Kian McConkey coming on for Stewart and Andrew Ferguson respectively.

Reynolds almost made it five within three minutes of his introduction, a long range effort that looked to fly into the top corner until Lewis Lafferty dived full length to push it away. The substitute then provided a delicious cross which Doyle headed against the post - was the striker's drought going to continue? Hanover bagged a consolation in the 73rd minute when Gray's cross was deflected off Millar-Wilson and struck the near post, the rebound then evaded Paddy Hoskins' grasp for James Cox to poke into the unguarded net. A minute later, we had a fifth when Blackstock's weighted pass sent Doyle away and he showed pace and power to shrug off Carter Ferguson and beat Lafferty at his near post. His first goal in 515 minutes play. It became six of the best seven minutes from time when a deep cross from Millar-Wilson was met by a header from Morrow who saw Lafferty push that onto the bar but land nicely for the winger to poke in the rebound. As comprehensive as you can get, no banana skin here.

He had two goals and an assist today, and generally was a nightmare for Hanover all afternoon. The Man of the Match beers today went to Sam Morrow who was just imperious. That said, there were a number of great performances by others again.

Statistics never lie, as you can see we absolutely battered them. We could have had double figures easily. Today's result means that we have scored 24 goals in the last six games, with 11 of them coming in the last couple of matches.

Who will we face in the Fourth Qualifying Round? Draw is on Monday lunchtime…

2024-2025 Season: Cup capers and other nonsense… - Volume 2, Chapter 43

The trip back from Portadown was indeed a very happy one indeed. Once more, a much changed line up had come up trumps in what could have been a very awkward Cup game. I could have easily fielded the heavy artillery against Hanover and really gone for it but that would have potentially given the home side licence to counter attack and embarrass us, and we didn't want that. Still we did the job, and are now in the last qualifying stage before the Premiership top dogs come out to play. It's like the second round of the FA Cup in England, the stage before the big names enter the fray.

This time, we are praying for a decent draw so we can get a money spinning home tie in the First Round proper. Well, that's the plan anyway.

As we listened to the results round-up, we discovered we weren't the only ones who went on a goal spree against a lower ranked side. Fellow Intermediate League sides Coagh United, Newington and Limavady United all hit big scores. Coagh hit the biggest tally of all, nine, at home to Chimney Corner with one-time PSNI transfer target hitting a first half hat-trick. Newington bagged five without reply at Crewe United, whilst Limavady United scored six of their own without reply against Bangor Amateurs. There was just one shock result though, and that came at Celtic Park when Derriaghy Cricket Club FC saw off our fellow Intermediate League side Donegal Celtic on penalties following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

We had to wait until Monday lunchtime for the draw, which was featured on a BBC Radio Ulster sports round-up bulletin:

So we have been sent our travels again, this time to face the giant killers from the Third Qualifying Round. Bearing in mind now they have one Intermediate League scalp on the hit list, we have to ensure that we don't become giant killing victim number two. As a result, our trip to Coagh United which was scheduled for the last Saturday of the month has been brought forward a week to the 23rd.

This weekend takes us back on home ground when we host Limavady United at The Dub. Limavady are one of two without a league win this season after right games played, and have just taken two points all season which were against Ballymacash Rangers and Banbridge Town at the end of September. Since then they lost three in a row, one which was a shocking 4-1 away loss at Sirocco Works in the Intermediate Cup First Round., before that comprehensive Irish Cup success. Saturday's match sees the return to The Dub of last season's first choice goalkeeper Jonah Magill and naturally we want to extend our good form pf eight games unbeaten in all competitions of which the last six have all been in the win column.

Whilst people were speculating about this, Friday afternoon saw the Intermediate Cup Second Round draw:

It's yet another away trip, this time to Killyleagh which is the home village of Dundee's Trevor Carson. We have met our hosts before, in a Irish Cup Third Round Qualifying Round game last season at The Dub where two goals in the final 20 minutes from Sean Hill and Jonathan Doyle helped us to a 2-1 win. This now gives us the following schedule for November with four matches in 12 days which is really going to test our limitations. Thankfully, we have 10 days off after Saturday before game one of those four matches, and we will probably need it too. If we can get through them with success then perhaps, we can start to dream of anything being possible.

But first of all let's dispose of struggling Limavady, right?

2024-2025 Season: Ascending to the summit after another six goal show - Volume 2, Chapter 44

With November now pretty much confirmed, we headed into Saturday's home game with basement dwellers Limavady United with our confidence still on a high. We're unbeaten in six, scoring goals for fun and generally feeling rather pleased with ourselves. Some might say that we are overachieving more this season than we did last, but I always held the belief that we could really do something special if everything clicked into place.

Safe to admit, it's certainly clicking at the moment.

Some tweaks here and there, and we're smiling. There are success stories all over that there football pitch and in every position. When you have that, you feel good but you remain mindful that just one result against you can change positive vibes into negative ones. The bookmakers obviously think that we're going to keep this run going too as we are a best price of even money to record another win in the W column. Limavady haven't won all season in the league, and have just two points from eight games, as a result they are 5-2 to pull off a shock away win. If you somehow think it's going to end in a draw then the best odds you can get for that is at 13-5.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 98 (3 away)

After two games of rotation, we go back to fielding a very strong side again. There are seven changes to the team that won so well at Hanover in the Irish Cup seven days previous. In fact, the only players to keep their spots are Andrew Ferguson, Connor Maxwell, Sam Morrow and Jonathan Doyle. The outstanding Callum McVeigh is back in central midfield alongside his skipper Johnny Wilson whilst Ballymena United loan striker partners Doyle up front. There is an air of expectation we can score a few today. Limavady come with Jonah Magill in goal, his first appearance back at The Dub since swapping us in the summer for the Roesiders. I hope he gets a good warm reception back but that's where the sentiment ends. They make two changes with Adam Robinson and Hugh Carlin coming into the starting eleven at the expense of Graham Crown, who is suspended for one game after five yellows this season, and William Shaw.

Following a cagey start where Limavady were determined to frustrate us, we broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when McVeigh curled in a sweet free kick from fully 30 yards out top bins with Magill grasping at thin air. A top notch effort from a player who's on the top of his own game at the moment. Then seven minutes later we scored the first of two goals in just three minutes; Ferguson's lofted pass was headed goalwards by Doyle at the far corner of the six yard box and it beat his former team-mate at his near post. A third came in the 36th minute, Morrow's pass was weighted to perfection and Taylor who remained calm to slot it past the onrushing Magill for 3-0 and end the game as a contest there and then.

It could have been four inside the first 20 seconds of the second half but Morrow's powerful effort required a superb save from Magill. McVeigh then produced a dipper of an effort in the 59th minute but it just didn't dip enough to go under the crossbar. Shortly after that we introduced Cain Stewart and for Alexandre Machado and because we felt confident it wouldn't damage us. The visitors pulled one back in the 62nd minute, Ian Parkhill standing up a cross to the far post where Mark Caldwell scored with a looping header over Ryan Dalzell. Our response was swift with two more goals in a three minute burst that saw us go 5-1 up by the 68th minute. First of all, McVeigh's short free kick was played to Stewart who drilled one from distance that beat Magill at his near post and then McVeigh got on the act again with yet long range free kick that found top bins.

Michael McCrudden thought he'd made it 5-2 with a sweet finish from a wonderful Andy Whiteside pass but an offside flag tempered those celebrations whilst McVeigh was denied his first hat-trick by a post following Craig Briers' creativity. Parkhill and Caldwell combined to set up John Butcher for his first senior goal with 11 minutes left but who else but Doyle would have the last word when he hammered a shot into the roof of the net from point blank range, giving Magill no chance of a save, after Briers split the visitors wide open. It was Jonathan's 10th of the season.

Another fantastic team performance saw many stand outs for the Man of the Match beers. However, the call was made and McVeigh was deemed to be the very lucky recipient for the first time this season.

Whilst the xG was a shade under 2.00 considering we had scored six goals, the facts that we converted more than half of our shots on target was very pleasing indeed. Some of the other statistics are good reading as well.

With Newington failing to win at Distillery, we are top of the league. 

2024-2025 Season: Cindy gets the old bullet, but I'm going nowhere…. - Volume 2, Chapter 45

When the rest of the results came through on Saturday teatime, the big one we were waiting for was from The New Grosvenor Stadium in Lisburn where Newington were in action. Much to our joy, the result ended 3-2 in Distillery's favour which meant that with our dismantling of bottom-placed Limavady United: we would be ascending into the top of the table position for the first time this season.

How the drink flowed in celebration at The Dub, and subsequently in the centre of Belfast. Yes, we had reason to do so…considering we are probably the team that are exceeding all predictions made. Imagine what would be the reaction if we did the unthinkable…

As the team celebrated, our PR officer had sent me some news which she thought I would be interested in. She was right.

My hometown club, and the side I have supported since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, had decided on a managerial change. Gone was Michael “Cindy” Beale, the supposed “brains” behind the Rangers CoVID title win in 2021, with the Black Cats languishing in 14th. Was I going to put myself forward as his successor? Considering I've only been in this managerial game for 16 months, I think not. SAFC will need someone with experience rather than a relative rookie such as me. Anyway I've got a project here in place and it's one I want to see to fruition. Just remember I turned down Bangor earlier this season…

The start of the week began with Owen Madine coming into the manager's office and asking if he could get more game time. With Callum McVeigh in the form he's in at the moment, it's hard to fit him (Madine) in at present. But I will see what I can do, anyway we have a lot of fixtures coming up so he might get game time if there are signs others are flagging. If he wants away, then that's his call…I'm not going to change a winning team drastically unless there's circumstances which might dictate it.

Other than the Madine chat, it was a routine week for us as our next match wasn't until the 19th when we travel again to Larne to take on Newington in the semi-finals of this season's Steel and Sons Cup….the trophy which currently sits in our cabinet and one that I want to keep for a second season! Newington best be aware that we're not going to relinquish this without a fight. Meanwhile, Friday night was spent at the National Stadium at Windsor Park watching the Green and White Army's penultimate UEFA Nations League match. They ended up winning 2-0 against a Gibraltar side that had just two efforts in 90 minutes. The goals came from Tottenham's Jamie Donley and Bolton's Dion Charles, although midfielder Isaac Price picked up a straight red at 1-0 for a kick out at an Gibraltarian player. With group leaders Cyprus also winning 2-0, it sets it up for top spot shootout at the same venue on Monday night.

But all's good in the hood as they say….

2024-2025 Season: Late goals end the Cup defence- Volume 2, Chapter 46

The new week would see the start of the hectic schedule of games, four in eleven days. Therefore we might need every body available to us to get us though it. However, I started the week with my second trip to the National Stadium in just 48 hours to see if the Green and White Army could win their big match against Cyprus. If they did, they would be promoted to Group B. 

Windsor was rocking, with not a spare seat in the house. Within six minutes, they had every reason to be joyful when Eoin Toal put them ahead and it got even better in the 27th when Stuart Dallas doubled the lead. Could they hold on or better still score move? As it was, the scoreline stayed unchanged and after four minutes added-on at the end: unbridled joy for those in green and white. From a personal standpoint, it was now over to us.

I've never been a fan of plastic pitches, not now and in the past. In fact, if anyone fancied a discussion with me about them, then I'd give you a rational argument to why I don't like them and whether leagues should allow them. The trip to Inver Park is our third trip there this season, which we have lost and drew so far: perhaps it will be third time lucky on Tuesday night? The home side are seen to be favourites to make the Final with 5-4 being the best price available for them. We are priced at 15-8 with a draw at 90 minutes being quoted at 5-2. Can we make a second Final in as many seasons?

Inver Park, Larne

Attendance: 301 (15 away)

With a fully fit squad to choose from, we decided to go with an unchanged side from our last game to go up against Newington. We have also covered every possible position in the five substitutes so it's the strongest possible side we can field in such a high profile match, probably one of the biggest ones we have been a part of this season. Newington make three changes to the side that lost 2-3 to Distillery in their last game; Marc Maybin, Odhran McCart and Stephen Hunter all come into the side at the expense of Larne loanee Rian Brown, Eamonn Hughes and Darren Stuart. Tonight's referee is Jason Gillespie, not the Australian cricketer but a bloke from Ballygawley in County Fermanagh.

After a slow start, we started to grow in the game and almost took the lead in the 13th minute when Sam Morrow was presented with a half chance but saw his shot smack against the crossbar. We struck the same crossbar four minutes later, a long range free kick from Callum McVeigh that pinged off the same woodwork with Maybin well beaten. It was only a matter of time before we would break the deadlock, right? Well we did in the 25th minute when a patient build-up ended with a nice turn and shot into the far corner from David Taylor. It was the Ballymena teen's sixth goal of the season, all of which have come in his last five outings. A minute later, we were two goals to the good when Taylor and Morrow played a one-two inside their own half before the latter went on a solo run which ended in him sliding the ball past the advancing Maybin. Was the semi-final all over bar the shouting before the half hour mark had been reached?

Newington needed something to get back into the semi-final and were given a chance from the spot in the 34th minute when Connor Maxwell slid in on Matt Gibbons; up stepped 16 year-old central defender Michael Tipping who belied his teenage years to send Ryan Dalzell the wrong way from twelve yards. With twenty minutes to go, we had the chance to seal the tie when Jonathan Doyle was clean through but Maybin produced a stunning fingertip save to deny our top scorer. Sensing they had to throw caution to the wind, Newington launched an assault after assault on our goal. 

With three minutes to go, Hunter was denied an equaliser when Maxwell cleared off the line. Two minutes later, they did equalise when Gibbons' volleyed pass was met by a looping header from Paul Donnelly which evaded the backpedalling Dalzell and nestled in the net. Then just as the fourth official was going to appear with their board, Newington scored again. This time substitute Keith Fallon was the creator and Hunter steered a left foot finish into far corner of the net to cap a remarkable comeback. Three minutes of time added-on were advertised. Could we save our defence, and force an extra thirty? Alas not, that late show ended our defence of the Steel and Sons Cup. God I hate plastic pitches, did I tell you that? 

Newington's 16 year old striker Hunter scooped the Man of the Match award, but instead of getting beer: he got a case of Coke Zero. His winner tonight was his eighth of the season, all in this competition. David Taylor was named as our best performer on the night where a few others failed to deliver to their usual high standards. 

Despite having almost the same amount of shots as our host, we were completely outshone when it came to the xG for the match. Ours was below 2, Newington's was over 3. The better side won on the night if the statistics are to be believed.

2024-2025 Season: Licking one's wounds - Volume 2, Chapter 47

It has to be said that the mood on the bus coming back from Larne on Tuesday night was as depressing as you can imagine. From looking good at 0-2 in the 26th minute to losing it with two goals in a frenetic final minute is an absolute kick in the baws. We had thrown it away but fair play to Newington though for causing us to crumble and collapse like the Titanic. It was a night where a number of our usual best performers were some way off it, and the home side took full advantage indeed.

Did the ten day gap between games have some effect? Who knows, but it wasn't the best.

The question is though, does this mean that I will be forced into changes for Saturday's trip to Coagh? I simply haven't given it any thought yet but I might take up the option. What disappointed me most were the performances of Ben Mitchell, Connor Maxwell, Callum McVeigh and Jonathan Doyle with McVeigh and Doyle being particularly below par. Not even the inclusion of Cain Stewart could be classed as an improvement either. We just simply fell apart. Saturday sees us travel to Coagh, which is near Cookstown in County Tyrone and they themselves will be looking to get back to winning ways. Our loss to Newington makes this game that bit more intriguing.

Wednesday was spent training and watching a horror movie on DvD; the match. Hopefully that will tell everyone that we let ourselves down and that we don't want to have a repeat of that any time soon. That night saw me travel to Tobemore to watch the other semi-final between the home side and Linfield Swifts; aka the Blues Reserves. Considering we had zero involvement now, it was a chance to see what we might have been up against if we had successful in Larne the night previous. As it was, Tobemore dominated the game but it took a 84th minute headed winner from Tom Patchett to see Tobemore book their place in the Final by a 2-1 margin. Tobemore will host the Final on Christmas Day, but I won't be there as I'll be tucking into a Christmas lunch somewhere in Belfast…

There were two Swifts players that caught my eye however. Think we might have to get a more detailed analysis on both, might be future acquisitions.

Our fixture list sees us travel to Killyleagh and Dunmurry after Saturday's game, with a “Under 18” game in Newtownards chucked in for good measure. It's certainly been a very busy eleventh month of the year. Quite where we will stand after it, well that's anyone guess. Ideally still in top spot in the league standings and in the next rounds of the Intermediate and Irish Cup competitions…

2024-2025 Season: Two losses on the spin as we fail to make our chances count

After the dramatic collapse in the last minute in Larne, we knew we had to put it right as soon as possible before it becomes a problem. However, Saturday's opponent in the shape of Coagh United represented a task in its own right. Coagh are the league's meanest defences so far, but on the flip side: we're one of the league's most potent attacks.

Something is going to give, right?

Saturday's game is our only league game in November, a chance to possibly give ourselves a bit of breathing space because there are a number of sides below us (Coagh included in that mix) waiting for a slip up. The bookies think that both sides have a decent chance of taking the three points on offer, with us being slight favourites at 7-5. Coagh themselves are best priced at 13-8 whilst a draw can be found at 5-2. 

Hagan Park, Coagh

Attendance: 95 (2 away)

The problem I was faced with on Saturday was to either make changes from midweek or not. As it was, I chose to make two and both came in defence with Ben Mitchell and Connor Maxwell taken out of the firing line. Jack Graham came as a natural replacement for Mitchell and partnered Andrew Ferguson in the centre of the back line but who would come in for Maxwell? Would I pick Zach Annett, Mohammed Butt or do something else? Well I switched Callum McVeigh there because of his versatility and the fact he's played already for us in said position this season. Taking McVeigh's Mezzala role was Owen Madine in a rare start alongside skipper Johnny Wilson. Coagh made just one change themselves with Jourdan Shearer, no relation to Alan, coming in for Jamie Douglas. Douglas has recently made for transfer by the home side, and is available on a free…but he doesn't interest us!

The first half was one that we dominated from start to finish, but were unable to score that all-important goal which the control deserved. Our first chance came in the ninth minute when a corner from Alexandre Machado was headed out to top scorer Jonathan Doyle but his sweetly struck volley went wide of William Hassan's goal. We went closer in the 24th minute when a deep cross from Machado was recovered by Doyle who in turn teed up Sam Morrow to strike the foot of the post when it looked like 0-1 all over. Doyle himself went closer 11 minutes before half time, smashing a long range effort off the crossbar with Hassan beaten all ends up. Yet Coagh remained unscathed, much to our chagrin.

You just knew something was going to happen in the second half, just knew it and it did so six minutes into that restart when Coagh opened the scoring again the run of play. Former Linfield trainee Kai McCormick played a quick throw-in to Michael Connolly who turned McVeigh inside out before beating Ryan Dalzell at his near post. Typical. Madine thought he had equalised midway through the second half when it looked his long range free kick had found the top corner but Hassan produced a brilliant fingertip save to deny him. A McVeigh header struck the woodwork for a third time and as we pushed for an equaliser, substitute Cain Stewart struck the woodwork for a fourth time with a minute to go. Whilst pushing forward, we were going to be susceptible to concede a second and that happened in the first of three minutes added-on when Niall Bayly's left wing cross was headed in by Shearer for 2-0.

So a second successive defeat for us, we need to “arrest” this slide quickly. If you pardon the pun…

Another game where we failed to perform, skipper Johnny Wilson and the recalled Madine were the best of our sorry lot. As it was Coagh's right back Kai McCormick was the welcome recipient of the Man of the Match beers. Bet he enjoyed them.

The statistics show how bloody wasteful we were. Granted the xG was better than Coagh's but seriously, only 5 shots on target from 22 shots? For a team that's top of the pile, well it's quite frankly unacceptable by all means. We should have taken them to the cleaners and asserted our first placed position. No other words about it but embarrassing. 

I had thought of resting plenty for the upcoming Cup games, might be unlikely now as I just want to get back winning matches.

2024-2025 Season: Getting prepared for the trip to Killyleagh

The feeling on the bus back from Coagh was a question of: how did we manage to lose that game? The answer was equivocally obvious; we were absolutely dog poo when it came to shots to being on target compared. Could we draw any positives from it? Yes, we had still retained top spot after the 10th round out of fixtures. This was because none of our nearest challengers could take full advantage of our slip up. However, what makes it more intriguing now is that there are three teams all on 20 points: ourselves, Newington and Rathfriland Rangers. We head them by goal difference only.

In the crowd on Saturday was former Linfield trainee Timothy “TJ” Murray, a 29 year old central midfielder who can play the Mezzala role which we have in our engine room. Whilst we currently have Callum McVeigh and Owen Madine battling for this role, my assistant manager thinks TJ represents an upgrade on both of them which given his pedigree is a fair old assessment. We have taken TJ on a trial for a 4 week period which takes him up to just before Christmas but there's every chance that he could obtain a regular gig with us if he shows what he's more than capable of producing.

As well as featuring for the Blues in the top division, TJ has also represented Carrick Rangers, Warrenpoint Town and Ballymena United in the Premiership, and it was during his spell with “The Point” in 2017 where he walked off the pitch for a period after alleged racial abuse in a League Cup match against Lurgan Celtic. He has also featured in the second tier with Dundela, Ards and Portadown who released him in the summer on a free transfer. So he has the pedigree for sure.

Sunday saw the “Under 18” team back in action trying to get back to winning ways themselves. They hosted the Ards second string at The Dub but despite teenage winger Aaron Porter bagging a brace, they endured a 5-3 loss to the same side that they beaten 6-1 nearly two months ago on the same pitch. The other goal came from Cathal Farren, playing in a front two with Jay McDowell.

We move onto a midweek date in Killyleagh, don't expect much in terms of changes - maybe one or two if that.

2024-2025 Season: Killyleagh conquered in extra time Intermediate Cup success

It's safe to say that the back to back defeats from Newington and Coagh have an effect on the dressing room. Whilst the lads are still behind me, the mood has definitely been deflated like taking air out of a balloon. However, we are all in this same battle as one and we win as well as lose as one. All good teams have a bump in the road at some point, that's a given.

What is more crucial now is how we respond to these setbacks and look to get back to winning ways.

We start the last two games of November with the first of a pair of Cup matches. The Intermediate Cup Second Round tonight, and the Irish Cup on the Saturday. For us, it's a chance to progress further in both competitions in comparison to last season's efforts in the same tournaments. Last season we went out of the Intermediate Cup at this stage when Tobemore United defeated us 2-1 at Fortwilliam Park, so we are hoping that lightning doesn't strike twice. We face Killyleagh tonight, a team that we edged past in the Irish Cup last season. However, tonight sees them have home advantage as opposed to us. The bookies think we will make it through easily as we are 4-6 favourites to make the Third Round. Killyleagh, if you think they'll provide an upset, are 7-2 with a draw at 90 minutes best priced at 11-4. There has to be a winner tonight; no matter what.

Showgrounds, Killyleagh

Attendance: 99 (6 away)

To try and get back to the winners circle, I made a trio of changes from the side that was defeated at Coagh. Andrew Ferguson was rested with Ben Mitchell partnering Jack Graham in the heart of defence, Callum McVeigh was another that was given a rest but was available from the bench as Connor Maxwell started at left-back and Jay McDowell was given another time to shine up front alongside top scorer Jonathan Doyle. Trialist TJ Murray was ineligible for the game as he cannot play in competitive games like this but we will be trying to get him some match practice in before his trial period concludes. Killyleagh also made three changes of their own with Ciaran Monaghan, Kyle Martin and Conor Dunne replacing David Mallie, Reece Atkinson and Callum Mills in their starting eleven. Tonight's referee is Ross Dunlop of Carrickfergus.

We made the worst possible beginning as Killyleagh opened the scoring after just four minutes on the clock. A flowing move saw central midfielder Kyle Martin feed namesake and supporting right wing-back Karl Martin who was calmness personified as he slotted the ball beyond the advancing Ryan Dalzell. It was a reminder that we needed to be on our game and wake up otherwise we'd be on the end of an embarrassing Cup exit. We levelled on the quarter hour when Curtis Craig was dispossessed just inside our half, and from the loose ball the Portuguese winger fed Owen Madine who in turn produced a first time pass into skipper Johnny Wilson to curl a low finish from outside the area and past the despairing dive of Jonathan Holland. We should have been in front seven minutes when Doyle played in strike partner McDowell but the Dungannon loanee smacked it against the post when he really should have scored. A let off came in the 25th minute when Graham planted a weak header into the path of Craig who advanced but like McDowell, struck the post. Maxwell fired over in the first minute of time added-on but we went in at 1-1 from an entertaining first 45 which we slightly edged.

In the fourth minute of the second half, Killyleagh scored again to stun us once more when Craig spun Graham like a kipper and curled home a beauty from the edge of the box. We were really struggling, and that struggle got more serious with 19 minutes to go when they bagged a third. Craig created with a superb run down the right before turning it inside for the supporting Nathan Johnston  who leathered one top bins past Dalzell. Words were said and yelled from the touchline as we sought to save face. We needed the mother of all comebacks to stay in the tie. Five minutes after that third home goal, we had a lifeline when Madine's shot from distance was parried onto the post by Holland but the rebound was gladly converted by substitute Éric Akassou with his first touch since replacing McDowell. Sensing we could score, we poured forward and levelled it in the 78th minute when Wilson sent Machado speeding down the left wing and from his accurate low cross, Doyle finished superbly for his 11th of the season. Killyleagh looked at each other and wondered what had just happened.

No further goals in normal time came about so we headed into an extra thirty and possible penalties. Seven minutes into extra time, we hit the front for the first time in the game when the ever impressive Machado headed the ball into the path of Craig Briers who surged past the attentions of Monaghan before standing up an inch perfect cross for Akassou to head home his second of the evening. Yet we were thankful two minutes later to ‘keeper Dalzell who dived full length to push away Callum Carleton’s long range strike away and keep us in the lead rather than make it 4-4. Just before the end of that first period of extra time, we almost had a fifth when Briers saw his long range effort clip the bar and go over after Madine had teed him up. We did seal the deal with two minutes of the second extra fifteen when Briers saw his initial corner headed back to him by Ryan McDonnell, and he ventured into the area unchallenged before steering a shot across Holland and into the far corner for 3-5; game over. Whilst we didn't really want extra time, a win is a win and hopefully the morale has taken a positive stride forwards.

There were a lot of improved performances from a number of players tonight. However, our Portuguese left winger Alexandre Machado was given the Man of the Match beers to take home and naturally it was a case of Sagres.

In this extraordinary match which had everything, we were a lot more like ourselves as the xG demonstrates. Hopefully, we can take this dominating performances into the next game and beyond. It should improve the mood I would like to hope.

The Third Round draw will be made on Friday 6 December 2024.

2024-2025 Season: Poppies are deflowered

When you are doing rather well in the managerial game then it's obvious that you are going to attract the attentions of other teams, and this is no exception whatsoever.

So far, I've declined offers from both Bangor and Knockbreda as I want to continue with my project here.

So it came as a real surprise that I got an offer from the English leagues as I was preparing for Saturday's Irish Cup game at Derriaghy. The call didn't come from my beloved Sunderland, who have yet to appoint their successor to Michael Beale who was sacked at the start of the month, but from Kettering Town. “The Poppies” ply their trade in National League North which is on par with the standard we are playing at the moment.

A few further background facts about Kettering Town:

• They were formed in 1972
• Club currently lies in 21st out of 22 in National League North, four go down
• They have a transfer budget of £6K, compared to zero here, and a positive bank balance
• Legendary Northern Irish footballer Derek “The Doog” Dougan was player/manager here between 1975 and 1977
• Under Dougan, Kettering were the first English side to have a shirt sponsorship deal which was with local business Kettering Tyres
• Other notable former managers of the Club have been Ron Atkinson, Tommy Lawton (twice), Graham Carr (father of TV “comedian” Alan) and Gazza
• They have fabled FA Cup history as giant killers, twice reaching the Fourth Round: most recently in 2008-09

They were very keen to invite me for an interview, and pay for my flights over to Birmingham International where I would be whisked to Latimer Park to discuss matters. As it was, I issued my third managerial decline and thanked them for their consideration. With things going well this season, I have my heart on staying until 2034…well that's if PSNI are willing to keep me that long!

2024-2025 Season: Two Cup wins in a week

After turning down Kettering, I was totally focused in getting the team prepared for the trip to Derriaghy Cricket Club on Saturday afternoon. It was another banana skin of a game, following on from Tuesday's Intermediate Cup win at Killyleagh. The message was quite clear and loud: don't underestimate them as they have already sent Donegal Celtic of our division out of the Irish Cup and will; on home turf; fancy their chances that we could be a second scalp.

But we're not in the mood to make that happen, are we?

Saturday's match also represents the final qualifying stage before the Premiership and Championship clubs come in. Even though it's the fourth qualifying round of the competition, it's technically the fourth round of it. This is the stage which we exited at last season when Banbridge Town defeated us 2-1 at Crystal Park in a tie that was remembered for the dubious sending off of Ben Mitchell 13 minutes from time which I still maintain to this day was an act of the dark arts by the Banbridge striker in opposition. We're not odds-on today to win away, but are slight favourites at 5-4. Derriaghy are 15-8 to make us another giant-killing whilst you can also get 5-2 for a draw after 90 minutes.

Seycon Park, Dunmurry

Attendance: 356 (184 away)

With the game at Killyleagh having gone to extra time, I was deliberating whether to make wholesale changes for today. Which players looked jaded, which players looked fresh as daisies - that was going through my thinking for my team selection. As it was I made just the single change, and that was to restore Andrew Ferguson into the centre of the defence alongside Ben Mitchell. Fergie's inclusion was just not because he was fresh and raring to go but Jack Graham had a bit of a 'mare at Killyleagh and needed to be taken out of the firing line. 

Other than this, we were unchanged which meant Owen Madine remained in central midfield and Jay McDowell was given another chance to impress up front alongside Jonathan Doyle despite Éric Akassou scoring twice from the bench on Tuesday night. Derriaghy made two changes with Sean Cleary and Neill Fordyce coming in for Marco Pertosa and Angelo Ferretti. Jonah Nicholl who saved two penalties in the shootout win in the previous round started in goal, determined to stop us. Today's referee is Colin Gray of East Belfast.

The weather was quite frankly awful as we kicked off in Dunmurry. Not content with that fine rain which absolutely soaks you through, we had a strong wind to deal with as well. Therefore playing it on the deck would be the best way to deal with it especially when you are playing into it as we would be doing so in the second half. Loan signing McDowell had the first real chance inside 11 minute when strike partner Doyle played him in but Nicholl denied him, anyway it wouldn't have counted as the striker was adjudged offside. We continued to force the pace and Sam Morrow drove an effort inches wide of the far post following a spot of head tennis in the home defence. It was only a matter of time for us to breach them, and Alexandre Machado was the next to go close with a shot from outside the area that clipped the post with Nicholl frantically scrambling across his goal.

The opener finally arrived in the 28th minute when Doyle's floated cross from the right was met by a downward header by Machado for the winger's third of the season. He nearly had his and our second eight minutes when a corner was half cleared to him but like Morrow earlier, saw his effort go inches wide of the far post. We had the wind against us in the second 45, and knew we had to play pass and move possession football as we thought Derriaghy would try and use the wind to their advantage. Seven minutes into the second half, we had a second when a great cross from Morrow was converted by the on-rushing skipper Johnny Wilson for his eighth of the season. Moments later it was almost three when Madine's cross was headed inches over by Machado. A third was due, and it came with 13 minutes left when some patient play from Craig Briers saw him find Morrow in a pocket of space and he lashed it furiously top bins at Nicholl's near post.

A fully professional performance by the boys to complete their second win in four days.

There were a number of good performances considering the majority were playing two games in such a short space of time. As it was, winger Sam Morrow took home the Man of the Match beers. It seems like he's most happier on the right and Alexandre Machado most happier on the left, so I reckon we will keep it that way going forwards.

A thoroughly top notch performance by the lads to book their place in the next round. To allow them just four shots in 90 minutes is really a credit to us, one word sums up our performance today: domination! Hopefully everyone's feeling a lot happier now, eh?

2024-2025 Season: That's November in the bag…

Those Cup wins really were a lift as losing them could have really damaged the team morale, not to mention again how embarrassing the Cup exits could have been. We're definitely exceeding all expectations this season but there's still plenty of football left to play. Whether this brings more trophies and a surprise P-word is still open to conjecture.

Anyway Monday started with me calling a team meeting and telling the players how immensely proud I was of them and what they have achieved this season so far. The response back was positive which was very pleasing. I then took three players to one side to congratulate them individually on their own excellent form. Skipper Johnny Wilson and star striker Jonathan Doyle both appreciated the warm thanks but Vice-Captain Craig Briers seemed a wee bit affronted when I said the same to him. Obviously he seems to be a sensitive wee soul.

With those tasks in hand, we listened as a group to BBC Radio Ulster at lunchtime to hear the Fifth Round draw (or to some the First Round proper) draw of this season's Irish Cup which we were so happy to be in. Whilst we sadly didn't land one of the big fish at The Dub, we bagged Championship side Ballyclare Comrades as a home tie and it's a tie which we think we can be successful as we beat them in the Intermediate Cup last season. The pick of the ties is a tasty all-Premiership fixture between Linfield and Larne at The National Stadium at Windsor Park. The matches are scheduled to take place on 18 January 2025. But Queens were also drawn at home, to last season's losing finalists Crusaders. Therefore one of us would be switched and unfortunately it was us who drew the short straw.

The 18th of January had also originally set aside for our home match against Rathfriland Rangers. However, as you can see it has been included in our December schedule whereupon we have five games to play as opposed to four:

Looking at those games, I quite fancy our chances in the first four but am fully invested in the fact the Distillery home game is the hardest one of them all. If we can harvest a double figure haul from all five matches then we will probably stand a good as anyone's chance of remaining in the top two. That said, Ken's issued us with his monthly board and supporter engagement survey results which are still highly promising. The only slight is that he thinks we're going to falter soon and finish mid-table as per his pre-season requirement. Oh, how I want to prove him wrong and get us promoted…

Apparently Saturday's home game against Armagh will have three extra special guests in the crowd, and I'm going to be filmed no less. What's this all about, eh? God knows….

2024-2025 Season: And just like that….

So who were the three special guests to be in the crowd against Armagh? Well Ken knew, he knows everything that has to be said…

You've heard of the TV show “Sex and the City” right, well there's been a follow up series to it called “And just like that” which continues the trials and tribulations of Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte. Well they've apparently made an episode where Carrie goes a world book tour, and part of it is being in filmed no less. There's a mini segue where Charlotte gets chatting online to a “footballer” online and he invites to watch him play hence the scenes at The Dub. Unfortunately for Charlotte it ends in tears as she finds out from the team's manager, that's where my cameo comes in, that he doesn't actually play for the fictional team “Belfast Athletic” and is actually a noted catfish who has duped many ladies around the world with his stories so much so that the FBI and Interpol are trying to apprehend him.

All sounds exciting, eh?

Therefore the guests are no other than Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon who play the three roles advised above. They were doing the filming for the football segment in small sections on Friday and on matchday, with the latter day being the shots of them being in the crowd and some of the game against Armagh City . I would get to meet them all on Friday afternoon, once training was out of the way and the players had gone home.

Before filming could begin on the Friday, all the players and backroom staff huddled into The Dub's canteen which is actually at the adjoining House of Sport, to see whom our Third Round opponents in this season's Intermediate Cup would be. We're on our travels as you can see:

It's not the easiest draw we could have actually asked for. This is because our hosts are having a reasonable season of their own in the second tier, lying third behind leaders HW Welders and second-placed Loughgall. They will be a real test of our credentials and have some very good players in the ranks who are definitely upgrades on our own across the pitch. Our lower league affliilate Dunmurry Recreation are still in this very same competition, they entertain our Intermediate League rival Donegal Celtic at the same stage. Imagine if we had been drawn against each other.

The filming lasted about an hour and three quarters, and was really good. My “speaking” role was with “Charlotte” aka Kristin Davis and my gosh, what an absolute cougar of a woman she is. You wouldn't believe she's coming up to her 60th birthday in February, I've never been in the company of such an attractive mature babe as her since meeting Cherie Lunghi ("The Manageress") a number of years further back. She was so dead polite as was Mrs Matthew Broderick (SJP) but Cynthia Nixon looked like she didn't want to be there at all. So after filming it was a quick drive to Kyle's and up to Coleraine to watch Moyola Park take on Coagh United in the Friday game. That would end 4-1 in the visitors with right-back Kai McCormick shining again, this time with two goals.

We're expecting a tough match tomorrow, can we make it three from three in this latest win sequence? Would be nice.

2024-2025 Season: Three from three as Armagh are swatted aside

The busiest period of any season are always the months of December and January. They can be very much, what they call it: season-defining. If you can make it through them without a multitude of defeats and an injury-free treatment room then you are going to have a good final quarter of the season left. For us, that's our target as we have five games in December and four, as it stands so far, in January of which the first seven are all league matches.

I know we're taking each game one by one, but it really is so crucial. This is a real testing time and I hope we can get through it.

After my cameo small screen involvement 24 hours previous, it was time to get serious again and welcome Armagh City to The Dub for our 11th league outing of  the season. Armagh had been actually the side that most pundits had predicted before the big kick-off to be this season's Champions but are in mid-table as they arrive here. That said, we will adopt the same attitude of not underestimating any opposition just in case it comes back to bite our collective arses as one. The bookies obviously think Armagh have a chance of walking away from The Dub with the points as they have made them slight favourites at 7-5. We, despite being at home, are 13-8 with a draw priced at 5-2.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 108 (6 away)

We make just the single change from the side that won in the Irish Cup at Derriaghy, and it's a recall into the front line for Ballymena youngster David Taylor for Jay McDowell. Other than that we're unchanged, despite Craig Briers and his personal beef which he has with me despite him playing week in, week out. He'd be more upset if he wasn't getting a match at all so quite why he was affronted by getting some praise for top notch form is an absolute mystery. Armagh make a single change themselves with Lewis Anderson coming in for Darragh Conroy. They are captained by experienced striker Stefan Lavery who has hit 10 in 17 games after bagging 15 in 35 outings last season. He is partnered by Scot Chè Reilly who has scored nine times since arriving from Livingston  in the summer. Today's referee is Gareth O'Donnell from Enniskillen.

We made a positive beginning and opened the scoring after ten minutes on the clock. Some smart play on the right wing by Sam Morrow saw the winger drill in a low cross that was swept home from point blank range by top scorer Jonathan Doyle. It was JD's 12th of the season. We went close to a second eight minutes later when Alexandre Machado's corner was headed just over the bar by Ben Mitchell as we looked to assert a stranglehold on the match, and then Owen Madne saw his long range free kick brilliantly turned away by James Carson just as it looked it was going top bins. We did get that second on the half hour when skipper Johnny Wilson picked out Taylor in space 25 yards out and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net with Carson helpless. Armagh's first real chance came three minutes before the break when Carson's long clearance was picked up by Lavery who shrugged off the attentions of Ben Mitchell but sent his effort over the top.

Our plans suffered a bit of a setback just before half time when Machado had to be substituted following a late, but unpunished, challenge from Anton Reilly: Callum McVeigh taking the left wing spot vacated. We would bag a third in that time added-on when Taylor's dangerous cross caused mayhem and after Carson had denied Doyle and Wilson, there was little he could do with the third attempt which was slammed high into the net by Morrow for 3-0. The dominance continued in the 54th minute when Morrow left Shea Geraghty floundering like a whale washed up on a beach before finding Doyle who had the simple task of tucking away his second of the afternoon. Lavery then sent a shot high, wide and not very handsome over the bar as Armagh sought consolation; which finally arrived in the 69th minute when Anderson's pass was dummied by Lavery and Reilly tucked away his 10th of the season. Still we went forward and only an offside flag against McVeigh in the final minute denied us a fifth from the boots of Johnny Wilson.

A solid performance, but Martin McCarthy looked a worried man. What was on his mind?

For the second successive match, Sam Morrow was taking the Man of the Match beers home with him. The former Crusaders winger had a goal and two assists this afternoon, and was a deserved winner of the award to be fair.

If last Saturday was a dominating team performance then today was a whole different ball game. Granted Armagh did contribute but we were just completely a different level. I mean just look at that xG today….

2024-2025 Season: Hammer blow 1, 2, 3, 4….

It was good to make it three wins from three and start the month of December so positively with such a comprehensive home win over Armagh City. That win had seen us go two points clear at the top as Newington could only draw 3-3 at Rathfriland Rangers; the other side that were on 20 points at the start of the day's play. Distillery lie fourth, three points behind us, after a late 87th minute equaliser from Jack Morris gained them a 2-2 home draw with Ballymacash Rangers at the New Grosvenor Stadium in Lisburn.

Happy days indeed, right?

That definitely was making the post-match Guinness go down well, and a message from Kristin Davis telling us all how much SJP and her good self enjoyed their first ever experience of Northern Irish football. Both ladies are going to become supporters of the Club from deep inside the Hollywood hills going forwards and will be following our fortunes online. Who knows they might just come back for a second match sometime in the future when their busy schedules allow them to come across the pond to do so.

Surely nothing could dampen the feel good factor? That said neither Sam Morrow, Alexandre Machado nor Éric Akassou had come into the bar to join us and Sam's usually the first one to get to the bar before anyone else. It was then when Head Physiotherapist Martin McCarthy popped his head around the door, and beckoned me over to him. What did he want?

“Mark, need to speak privately. It's not good news mate.” Martin said.

“What's not good news Martin. Please enlighten, you're talking in riddles to me.” I replied.

“Well, we've picked up not one, not two but three injuries from today's game. Two of them are big losses, and it's really gonna hurt your team planning.”

“Go on….”

“Sam (Morrow) has a very damaged foot injury, Alex (Machado) a seriously twisted ankle and Éric (Akassou) a pulled thigh. The injuries to both Sam and Alex were because of some over zealous tackling by Armagh, I'm actually amazed Sam made it through the entire game to be fair. Both wingers are on their way to the Royal as a precaution for assessments, Éric has been taken home to rest by his wife.”

“What the?”

“Sorry Mark, I am surprised you didn't see me with my head in my hands most of the game.”

“I did wonder, and should have guessed with the amount of times you were running onto the pitch. You were like a Duracell bunny Martin…anyway how long do we have to do without their services more to the point?”

“Sam and Alex, between 4-5 weeks. Éric, maybe a week and a half.”

“Oh no, both my first choices wingers out for the rest of the month and the start of the New Year. Devastating Martin, simply devastating.”

“Yeah.”

“Right, thanks for informing anyway. I'm going to have to try find myself a Plan B, This is possibly season defining.”

With that, I walked back to the bar where Kyle was talking with Ken. I beckoned Kyle over, and told him the injury woes - he was as crestfallen as I felt at the time. Surely this couldn't get any worse, my mobile then rang….

“Mark, hello?” came the voice at the other end.

“Yes? Who's this?” I responded in an exasperated tone as if I wasn't wanting to chat.

“Mark, it's Tommy Mohan - Ballymena United manager.”

“Hi Tommy…what can I do for you? Your boy's found his feet now, scoring some serious goals for fun. Today's strike was a real worldie…”

“That's what I'm worried about.”

“Worried about him scoring goals, you for real? It's what we signed him on loan to do, provide goals.”

“You're not playing him as a poacher, it's his principal role. We agreed that when I allowed him to join you on loan.”

“Did we? Been a while, I can't remember that. Had a kip since then Tommy, surprised you could recall that from a fair few month ago.”

“Anyway, he needs to play in that role going forward. He'll do even better then. If he stays in the role at the moment, I might have to consider recalling him back to Ballymena. That's all.”

And with that Mohan ended the call before I could even reply. What a demanding diva or something stronger I thought. Mohan had just made my day even more darker after the injury blows. Who the actual f**k does he think he is?  Anyway we will see…

Finding solutions to the gaps now vacated by Sam and Alex's injury absences were paramount. Big holes indeed.

2024-2025 Season: Better late than never, eh Mr Madine?

The loss of both Sam (Morrow) and Alex (andre Machado) was something than I had not expected. I could deal with the loss of one winger but not both of them to be fair, as we had seemingly hit on a winning formula with them playing in those positions. However, whilst we do have cover in the positions: the quality isn't as good as what they provide.

Picking their replacements for the next four to five weeks is not going to be easy at all.

Banbridge Town, this Saturday's opponents, are a side that have a proverbial Indian sign over us. Not content with beating us twice at Crystal Park in the League and the Irish Cup, they embarrassed us at The Dub as well last season. It's time to set that record straight. But we have to do it without our strongest possible line up, so much so that we have to find bodies to step up. The bookies have obviously looked at the previous meetings when declaring their odds as they have made the home side slight favourites at 7-5. If you think we can get a win there, we're best priced at 7-4 with 5-2 the price for a share of the spoils.

Crystal Park, Banbridge

Attendance: 69 (5 away)

So new wingers in place and new partnerships to form with the full backs then. After much deliberation all week, I decided to go with the promising talent that is Aaron Porter on the right and Callum McVeigh on the left. There was options to go with either Cain Stewart, Sean Hill or Daniel Reynolds wide right but Porter really has that X-Factor in his play when he's on it. Granted he's just 18 but he has a maturity well beyond his tender years, and he deserves a shot to show the Intermediate League why we were so keen to have them. McVeigh, who replaces Machado, has played in the wide left role for us before and done rather well even though he's a natural Mezzala in central midfield. As for our hosts, they make just one change with Michael McCavitt coming into midfield in place of Jack McCreanor who drops to the bench. Today's referee is Tim Marshall from Irvinestown, County Fermanagh.

It was a very cagey beginning at Crystal Park as neither side was showing any sign to yield to the other, and we had to wait until the 13th minute for the first real attempts in anger so to speak. A deep cross to the back post by Craig Briers was headed against the post by McVeigh, and then recycled for Owen Madine to launch a long range strike that Ben Purvis in the home goal pushed away for a corner which ultimately produced nothing. Banbridge should have taken the lead nine minutes later when striker Jack Deeney found himself with a clear shot on goal six yards out but inexplicably struck the bar. We would punish that miss in the 25th minute when Porter's cross was headed away from McVeigh by Jake Redpath but straight to Connor Maxwell who took one touch before thundering a shot from just inside the penalty area and across Purvis to the far bottom corner. Sensational strike.

After skipper Johnny Wilson had gone close with a long range strike that didn't dip enough to go under the bar but inches over, Banbridge hit us with a double salvo in seven minutes. In the 33rd minute, Jordan King provided the inch perfect cross from the left and Deeney swept it home; then McCavitt's slide rule pass picked out Graham Ward who steered a low shot underneath Ryan Dalzell. Yet we had other ideas and would go into half time at 2-2 when Madine surprised all and sundry (including me) with a stunning curling free kick that beat the leaden footed Purvis at his near post when everybody was expecting him to put it into the mixer. A moment of genius. The home side should have regained the lead just eight minutes into the second half when King surged into the box but weakly shot straight into the palms of Dalzell.

With just 18 minutes left, they did edge back in front but in calamitous circumstances from our perspective. A cross from Scott Gormley was inadvertently turned into his own net at the near post by the luckless Ben Mitchell with Dalzell beaten. That was the cue for a late cavalry charge as we looked to get something. First McVeigh headed inches wide from a cross by substitute Reynolds then top scorer Jonathan Doyle smacked one against the bar from distance with Purvis again a virtual spectator. We kept pushing and in the second minute of six added-on, bagged the leveller. McKeown's clearance for Ward was intercepted by Andrew Ferguson to Wilson who quickly moved it onto Madine who struck a sweet effort from 25 yards into the bottom corner; his second of the game. Dramatic football or what?

In one of his best games in our shirt, Mezzala Owen Madine took the Man of the Match beers home with him. He has seemingly regained that role again after a spell where he was not in a good form beforehand. Two quite fantastic goals too!

We weren't at our best for sure today, and if it wasn't for Madine then we would slipped to a deserved loss on the record. As it is, one point is better than none. Who knows how crucial it might be in the final standings come next April?

Rathfriland in midweek, the re-arranged game that had been planned for the last Saturday in January initially. Another huge game, but then again every single one is.