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

2024-2025 Season: Second Half strikes see us home but JD injured

We had very little respite ahead of the midweek match with Rathfriland at The Dub. Rathfriland, like ourselves, have completely had a better season than last and go into Tuesday's game with designs on taking our top spot from us. They are just one of two teams who have defeated us in the league this season; Coagh United being the other; and you can't blame them if they fancy their chances of completing a double.

But we have no intention of letting that happen.

This is also the second game we are without our first choice wing pair, and we definitely missed their impact at Banbridge. But that was to be expected, right? The thing is that, we know we have to go and get a positive result against the Whites. This game takes us to the halfway point of the season, and it doesn't seem two minutes since we opened our season with a 6-2 Steel and Sons Cup Second Round victory at Seagoe. The bookies have us as slight favourites to take three points tonight with a best price of 11-10 on offer. The Whites are 9-4 to complete that league double with a draw best priced at 5-2 once more. Who will come out on top, eh?

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance; 97 (3 away)

Despite the less than impressive performances by Aaron Porter and Callum McVeigh at Banbridge, we opted to stick with the same side for Rathfriland's visit under The Dub's floodlights. If it didn't work out this time then a rethink of the strategy would be needed. One player not involved tonight and for the remainder of the season is striker Jay McDowell who has returned to his parent club Dungannon Swifts; Jay played 11 times for us this season with just a solitary goal to show. We wish him well. Rathfriland also opted for an unchanged side from the team crashed 5-2 on the same pitch against Queens University, which said a few things about them. We know that they will be a test and a half as they have three players who have scored double figures this season in the shape of strikers Ronan O'Hara and Jonah Mitchell as well as skipper Jonathan Scannell; who is in his 10th season with them. That's concerning. Tonight's referee is Ryan Hanna of Belfast.

We almost opened the scoring after just three minutes when Owen Madine's corner kick as headed just over by Ben Mitchell. The Whites first real opportunity came midway through that same first half when Nigel Prentice sent a half chance over the top of Ryan Dalzell's crossbar as the game started to open up. David Taylor had a goalscoring opportunity blocked by Jamie Fitzpatrick as the sides went in at half time; goalless. Surely it could get better, yeah? Well it did in the last half hour so with action a plenty at both ends of the pitch. We took the lead in the 63rd minute when a reverse pass from Jonathan Doyle released Porter who showed incredible skill to get away from Jack Barbour and provide a low cross for Taylor to tuck away. Rathfriland equalised immediately when a corner wasn't cleared and Steven Drumm angled a half volley past the unsighted Dalzell for 1-1.

Within 60 seconds we had almost regained the lead when a deep cross from Craig Briers was headed down by Cain Stewart (on for Madine) for Doyle who smacked a shot against the post and dribbled wide. Doyle had another chance in the 69th minute when he met Stewart's left wing centre with a fine header but Joe McGovern was well positioned to save for Rathfriland. The openness of the game continued a minute later when Scannell played in the ever-dangerous Jonah Mitchell (no relation to our Ben) clean through but the woodwork came to our rescue this time out. Mitchell then threatened again with 17 minutes to go, his gioalbound effort needing a brilliant save from Dalzell to stop the visitors taking the lead. The momentum had switched in the favour of the Whites and with 11 to go, the woodwork again rescued us when a short corner routine saw Prentice fire in an effort across goal that clanged off the far post. 

That let off was the cue for me to make a huge, and ballsy, call. I decided to take off skipper Johnny Wilson and replace him with Kian McConkey. McConkey had been my centre half substitute so far this season but he was moving into the Mezzala role here with McVeigh taking up Wilson's attacking midfield position. It had immediate dividends as a patient move saw Taylor roll the ball off to McConkey who steered the ball out of the reach of McGovern and into the far bottom corner. It was his first ever club goal. That seemed to take out the stuffing of the Whites as we scored our third a minute later; another deep Briers cross which Stewart headed through McGovern and into the net. With two minutes left to play, our elation turned to concern as Doyle was carried off following a tackle and he was in pain, serious pain. Surely, no? That brought six minutes of time added-on and we almost made it 4-1 in the first of them when Andrew Ferguson picked out the hugely impressive Stewart but the forward shot wide as an offside flag was raised.

So three huge home points in midweek, and at the expense of a title challenger too. But the question was, how bad was JD's ankle injury?

For an exceptional performance from the bench, Cain Stewart took home the Man of the Match beers back home with him. How we are going to miss his presence from the New Year when he leaves us for Ballymoney United. Can he change his mind, please?

Against Banbridge, we were a lot “off it” but the Rathfriland game here was a lot more like our normal service resumed. Granted they had the bulk of the possession but we scored more goals and got the three points. That's the most important factor here.

2024-2025 Season: Still leading the way…

As I basked in the happiness of winning another game, our eighth league win from thirteen this season, I was more concerned with how bad Jonathan Doyle's ankle injury. It looked serious judging by the anguish which was showing on the striker's face as the stretcher headed down the tunnel. Martin McCarthy's immediate reaction was to send him to his contact at the nearby Kingsbridge Private Hospital rather than to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Since he had been substituted earlier, skipper Johnny Wilson took his stricken team-mate there and said he would update accordingly.

It was just after midnight when Johnny phoned with the diagnosis, and our worst fears were confirmed.

“Hey boss, it's me JW,”

“Alright Johnny lad, how's the patient coming along?”

“He's devastated boss, bawling his eyes out in the room.”

“Take it's a bad one then?”

“Yeah, damaged ankle ligaments. We're gonna be without him for a couple of months according to the quack."

“That's huge. JD's a massive reason why we have got where we are at this moment in time.”

“Tell me about it. He's a damn fine striker, reckon he was on for a 20+ goal season before this.”

“Absolutely, couldn't agree more Johnny.”

“Anyway they're gonna keep him overnight. I'm gonna head off home in a bit then I'll pick JD up tomorrow when they discharge him albeit on crutches.”

“Thanks for this Johnny, true captain you are.”

“It's what I do. Just takes the gloss off tonight's superb win. Some substitution masterstroke by you though even if I didn't appreciate being hooked.”

“Well…”

“Sign of a quality manager that. Anyway I'm away, speak in a few hours boss.”

“No problems, and thanks again.”

So that was that, our main goal threat was going to be a spectator for the next couple of months and we had to find a solution to cope without him. Granted that Éric Akassou was back training again but he's no Jonathan Doyle and without Cain Stewart from the New Year then we would need reinforcements coming in especially now. The decision for Dungannon Swifts to recall Jay McDowell was stinging even more. Aside of David Taylor, Akassou and Stewart (for the next couple of weeks anyway), we had Cathal Farren and Daniel Reynolds plus a number of unproven talents which again weren't as good as what JD is. So it would mean seeing what we could go out and bring in either as a free agent or a half season loan.

The true test of any manager is what he/she can do in the chaos of the transfer market, well that's what they say anyhoo.

We had to make a decision on TJ (Murray) as well as his four week trial was coming to its end. The problem was that we hadn't seen what he could do in a match as you can't play trialists in a competitive fixture and we had struggled to get any non-competitive matches scheduled in too. Do we give him a deal under the end of the season? That was my thinking and I was hoping Kyle would see it the same when I saw him on the training pitch that Wednesday morning for our post-game debriefing. I needn't have got myself so worked up over it as he agreed as soon as it was mentioned.

So with the Lads watching the post-game DVD as part of their debrief ahead of a light session in the gym, Kyle and I sat in the office trying to get a new striker in place. We made an absolutely audacious bid to try and get Jordan Owens in from Crues on loan, now that would have been a real statement but Crues told us to get stuffed. As they did when we asked about one of the striking prospects, saying that they wanted them to play with better quality players. Well doesn't our current league standing show how far we have come in 16 months, doesn't it? Obviously not. The same message came from Cliftonville, Linfield, Glentoran, Larne…you could go on but one club seemed interested and that club was Championship side HW Welders when we asked them about one of their players who was available on a loan. He had experience of playing at our level last season, scoring 12 times in 29 matches, which was a bonus. The biggest plus however was, the Welders didn't want us to provide any financial contribution to the agreement which is fabulous news for us considering our finances.

Now the question is, will he join us in the New Year?

We go back to the scene of a triumph on Saturday, the 4G pitch in Coleraine where we lifted the Steel and Sons Cup last season. Our opponents are Moyola Park, and they're having a wretched old season so far as they sit in 12th spot. But they could easily surprise us? My team selection is far from clear cut either. With Distillery just a point behind, we know we need to keep winning until the big game against them at The Dub at the end of the month. Every game, and every point counts…

More updates are on the way….

2024-2025 Season: Leading the way as Christmas arrives.

The penultimate game of 2024 was around the corner, and to be fair the year had been quite a good one for us in all respects. We knew one thing was for sure; that if we could avoid defeat in Coleraine then we would be still in first place over the Christmas period ahead the final game of the month on the 27th against our nemesis from 23-24: Lisburn Distillery.

We have no intention of letting this go…

Moyola Park aren't having a good 2024-25 campaign as they find themselves in a race for survival. They are in 12th position with just Donegal Celtic and Limavady United below them. Our record against them sees us with one win from the three previous meetings, which was the Steel and Sons Cup Final, whilst the other two games have been draws. Despite languishing so low in the standings, the bookies have Moyola as 5-4 favourites to take the three points this afternoon. We have been best priced at 15-8 whilst you can get the draw at 5-2.  Can we record our third away win of the season or will Moyola inflict our third league loss on us - the previous two being away from home as well. One can only wait and see.

Coleraine Showgrounds, Coleraine

Attendance: 33 (3 away)

We made a couple of changes for the trip North to Coleraine, one enforced. That enforced change would be Cain Stewart leading the line alongside David Taylor in the absence of top scorer Jonathan Doyle whom is going to miss a massive chunk of the second part of the season. It was Stewart's penultimate outing in PSNI colours before his move on Ne'er Day. The other change saw John-Joe MacDonald come in on the left wing and Callum McVeigh switch back into the Mezzala role alongside skipper Johnny Wilson with Owen Madine dropping down to the bench. Moyola were unchanged from their last game which meant that Samuel McIlveen and Jake Morrow, both who shone against us last season, remained on the substitutes bench for Kenny Shiels' men. Today's referee is Glenn Buchanan of Ballycastle.

You've heard of the phrase “Like taking candy from a baby” right? Well, we certainly took the candy from the baby that is best known as Moyola Park today as we waltzed home with three more points in the bag despite the home side having the lions share of the play and possession. And we did it despite going a goal down in the first five minutes which makes it all that more impressive too. The home side took the lead when veteran striker Mark Kelly hoisted a corner to the far post for Matthew Ward to rise above all and power a header into the roof of our net. A bit of a shock to the old system. But we have resilience in our team and levelled in the 19th minute when MacDonald played a ball inside to Taylor who then showed incredible vision to scoop the ball over the home defence for Stewart to run onto and steer the ball beyond the advancing Findlay.

Ten minutes later we were in front. MacDonald's deep cross from the left  was challenged for by Stewart and home defender Zach Woolsey. However, in Mr Buchanan's vision Woolsey's challenge was a tad aggressive and awarded us a penalty whilst cautioning the centre half. Up stepped our reliable penalty taker, central defender Andrew Ferguson and he blasted it into the net despite Findlay going the right way. The match continued to see Moyola have the bulk of the possession and the greater amount of shots, we held stead fast on the premise we could score a third and clinching goal on the break. That came three minutes from time when Aaron Porter had a shot blocked by substitute McIlveen but the teenage winger steered his second bite of the proverbial cherry into the far bottom corner and out of the reach of Findlay to seal the points. 

Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to see the Police win away…

The Man of the Match beers went to our on-loan striker from Ballymena United, David Taylor. Taylor created the equaliser for Cain Stewart and was generally a nuisance up front which Park's central defensive duo of Selfridge and Vauls could not handle.

Despite having less shots than Moyola, less possession and a slightly less xG, we got the points that we needed to remain at the top of the table. Sometimes you can't always win pretty, ugly wins also count.

2024-2025 Season: Feliz Navidad

The win at the Coleraine Showgrounds wasn't just a win that avoided a banana skin, but it was a win that ensured one main thing: that we would remain top of the pile over the Christmas period. We have a three point gap, and a better goal difference which some might argue is worth a point or three of its own to second placed Lisburn Distillery. Ironically we host them in our next game, our last game of 2024.

We now have 12 Cup Finals to go through and have no intention of letting this slip…

Our January fixtures are confirmed as follows:

Therefore winning the proverbial six pointer against Distillery and the back -to-back away games at struggling Portstewart and Donegal Celtic, which are potential banana skin games in their own right, would put us in a real strong position. We have banned the “P” word from the dressing room, believing that we shall take each game as it comes and do our best in them.

Back to Saturday's win, it was the penultimate outing for Cain Stewart in our jersey before his move to Ballymoney United when the winter transfer window opens for business on Ne'er Day. The problem is that we cannot get out of the transfer, it was arranged when Cain was struggling for form and goals earlier in the season following his summer free transfer move from the Welders.  With Jonathan Doyle out injured, we have to see what we can conjure up once that transfer comes up. One option was a bid to make David Taylor's loan move from Ballymena United permanent. Whilst the Sky Blues were happy to let him go on a free transfer and for us to sign him, the player himself turned down the permanent switch but is committed to seeing the season out with us. Maybe, just maybe, we might be able to bring him in the summer. He will be monitored closely. However, we had more luck 24 hours after that failed Taylor transfer as the loan target signing has agreed to join us on Ne'er Day. So it's a case of one in, one out.

Who is the new signing then? Well we've raided the Welders again and are bringing in their 22 year old reserve team striker Joshua Kee. With no financial outlay from our side, the deal makes perfect sense. He's also a striker that knows our division too which is a bonus in itself as he bagged 11 goals in 23 games on a loan spell with Portstewart last season including one against us when we won 2-1 at their place. If he can gel with Taylor then he becomes a very useful option to have under our sleeves when Doyle is fully fit again.

As for injuries, the treatment room is starting to slowly empty. Ivorian striker Éric Akassou has recovered from his thigh strain and is back in training but way short of match fitness. Another to start training soon is winger Sam Morrow, who has made a good recovery from his foot injury and should be training next week by all accounts. We could risk putting him on the bench for the Distillery clash but I'm wary that we might only get, at most, half an hour out of him and even then it's a risk as we don't want him to aggravate his injury. Such a tough call. Alexandre Machado is about 2-3 weeks away from returning to training from his ankle injury whilst the big one, Jonathan Doyle, won't be back until mid-to-late February with his absence. It's definitely going to be a case of juggle here and there and also see if there's anyone out in the market to give the quality we need on the pitch to get us over that line.

Christmas Day meant the Final of the Steel and Sons Cup at Fortwilliam Park, Tobemore. There was no surprise in it as our conquerors Newington took home the trophy for the third time in their history, which have all come in the last seven stagings, with a 2-1 win. Tiarnan McNicholl and Peter McKiernan, with his fifth goal in the competition, scored for the winners whilst Michael Tolan scored the sole home goal in front of 527 spectators. I didn't go however as a cracking Christmas Day meal was being consumed in the regal surroundings of the Europa Hotel in Belfast. It was another Christmas alone as Ms Coughlan and Ms Vorderman stayed at home with their familes but did wish a Merry Christmas by text. Kristin Davis said "Happy Holidays" via email from the States. Maybe the New Year might see one of them back in the picture but honestly don't hold your collective breaths.

2024-2025 Season: Some daylight…

Christmas had been and gone and nothing had changed, it was just business as usual as far as I was concerned. The main focus was seeing what we could achieve in the games that remained. If we could complete the double over Lisburn Distillery on Friday night under the lights at The Dub, then we could make a real statement that we were not going to give up what we have gotten so far: lightly.

Well if I want us to kick onto the next level then this season is a defining one.

Distillery are one of our biggest rivals, alongside the two relegated clubs and fellow tenants at The Dub: Queens University. They missed out on promotion last season and are expected to make a good challenge this, They have a better standing in the game than us and probably aren't as limited financially, so to complete the double over them would be a real statement of intent. I mean nobody expects us to win, right? We beat 3-0 on their own patch at the New Grosvenor Stadium earlier in the season and they are hurting over it, they want revenge for sure. The bookies quite fancy them to do it despite us leading the table as they have been priced as 6-5 favourites to go home with the three points. if you think we will complete that double then you can get a best price of 2-1 for us to do just that, it's 5-2 for the game to end in a draw.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 234 (82 away)

The team news tonight was that we named an unchanged starting eleven for this top of the table encounter. This meant that Cain Stewart started on his final outing in our colours before his New Year transfer to Ballymoney United. However, there was plenty of excitement as Sam Morrow was named on it after sustaining a foot injury at the start of the month. Will he feature at some point, well that will be wholly dependent on how the game is going. If we're winning and comfortably then I might give him a run out but if it's too tight to call then I probably won't. Distillery also have an unchanged side out, and know that an away win which is by three or more goals, will see them replace us at the summit. We need to pay particular attention to the strike force of Joe Tully and Jason Lewis who have 31 goals between them this season, that said left winger Ellis Brown has 10 goals himself so this game is going to be a toughie. Tonight's referee is Mark Dillon of Bangor.

After a tentative opening 20 minutes where chances were at a premium, we had a sighter when David Taylor played in Stewart 25 yards out but the striker saw his effort sail over the bar with Niall Morgan untroubled. Three minutes later, Morgan was picking the ball out of his net when Callum McVeigh's right wing corner was met by a stooping header from central defender Ben Mitchell for his first goal of the season. The goal certainly irked the visitors and they almost equalised four minutes when a well flighted free kick from Brown only just cleared Ryan Dalzell's crossbar. There was nothing Dalzell could in the 33rd minute when Lewis' cross was headed out to Josh Lynch by Mitchell; Lynch headed it right to Tully who volleyed home his 19th of the season via the inside of the far post. Then just as the half time whistle was about to shrill, we regained the lead when Connor Maxwell's throw was collected by John-Joe MacDonald who spun away from his marker and the winger curled an effort out of the reach of Morgan for his first goal of the season as well. We had been outplayed comprehensively in those first 45 minutes but we were somehow ahead; totally against the run of play.

Obviously Distillery had been given a few choice words at the break as they came out determined, and Brown went close again with another long range free kick which this time drifted inches wide of goal. Our response was to go close to a third when a well judged right wing cross from Aaron Porter picked out Stewart but he directed his shot over the bar when well placed, he should have really hit the target to be fair. Midway through we had breathing space when MacDonald weighted a pass down the line for skipper Johnny Wilson; who shook off the weak challenge of Curtis Woods; before firing across Morgan and into the far corner for 3-1. There was a roar of excitement when Morrow was introduced for the final ten minutes and he had an important role in the fourth and final minute of time added on at the end as we scored a fourth; the popular winger with a pass to Wilson on the penalty spot and he swept home his 10th of the season - sparking delirium in the home support.

For his best performance since joining us, John-Joe MacDonald was given the Man of the Match beers. Not a bad showing for somebody who is not a regular choice in the starting eleven.

After 45 minutes we were completely outplayed, but as you can see we turned it around. We didn't have the biggest xG recorded considering we had just bagged four against our nearest challengers. Sometimes statistics mean nada, the points are the most important thing: right? 

2024-2025 Season: Finishing off the year

So we managed to complete the double over Distillery with a comprehensive win under the floodlights at The Dub. Did I expect it? To be frank, nope. Whilst I like to go usually with a positive attitude in every game that we play, I chose to go with a cautious one against the Whites because I was so wary of their firepower which they have at their disposal. Whilst this meant that they would the majority of the ball, I believed we had a strong defence and the ability to pick them off when the opportunity arose.

Certainly worked didn't it?

We were the only match played on Friday night, everyone else was playing Saturday afternoon. Saturday's action would see Newington leapfrog the Whites into second place behind us and five points adrift as you can see from the below table. They achieved that second place by thrashing Ballymacash Rangers 5-2 at the Bluebell Stadium with teenage defender Michael Tipping scoring a brace of penalties and Peter McKiernan: a hat-trick.

Donegal Celtic's loss to Armagh City, and Limavady United's home draw with Knockbreda has seen those two swap positions and put the former in danger of an immediate relegation back to the fourth tier. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable enough if I was Moyola Park nor Portstewart to be fair. Actually we open 2025 at Portstewart, so we could push their fears of relegation even more. It's also a chance for us to really kick on and maybe extend that advantage up top.

Skipper Johnny Wilson's brace took him to ten goals for the season, just three behind injured top scorer Jonathan Doyle. That said folks, I am very happy that the scoring has been so spread out this season with Sam Morrow just behind the top two on nine and David Taylor, our loan striker from Ballymena United, on eight alongside Callum McVeigh. There's a good spirit within the ranks but Craig Briers and Owen Madine are still walking around with long faces like a wet weekend in Wrexham. Briers is my first choice right-back and has had the attitude since I praised him for excellent form which he; remember took exception to. Strange bloke. Madine on the other hand finds himself on the sidelines due to the good form of Wilson and McVeigh, I cannot really drop them both or either because they have been dependable as. If Madine wants out, then away you pop young man.

The league position has also caught the attention of Ken so much so he has changed the wage budget to reflect so; we're £1 a week in debt to it now as opposed to £21 pre-adjustment. He wants to start talking contracts too which is good but I've walked away from it at the moment as it's no different to what is currently in place now. Jeez, show some ambition Kenny lad!  If we do go up, and I say if, perhaps the tune will change - it has to. 

One player isn't going to be part of us is midfielder T J Murray, whom we offered a contract to after his trial period had elapsed. He's decided to reject our offer, and sign for none other than Queens University - our biggest rivals. Guess there will be a bid of needle when we play The Students next in the latest Dub Derby. With Joshua Kee on his way on Ne'er Day, it's one in and one out then. I would really like to bring some quality but Ken's very stringent on what we pay out. Talking about Kee, he was on target for the Welders second string when they played against our “Under 18” side: the Welders winning 3-1 with Kee scoring their second whilst Scot Kevin Hanratty scored the others with John-Joe MacDonald scoring our lone goal.

Bring on 2025, eh?

2024-2025 Season: One in, one out and a Premiership call…

2025 and the start of a new year which is going to have many a up and equally many a down. 

It's also the opening of the winter transfer window too which lasts until 1 February. Like most clubs we are going to see what's available and what's not. As stated previously, we have now lost the services of Cain Stewart who has joined Ballymoney United, and whilst the fanbase are not happy: there's nothing we could do as this deal had been planned in October 2024 when Cain was struggling for form and goals. We tried to keep him but he decided to move on when the window re-opened and that's that really.

Coming into the Club is the confirmed loan signing, Joshua Kee.

Standing at exactly 6 feet tall, Joshua brings us height and goalscoring threat to our attacking options. He has appeared in the Championship for his parent club and has had a short yet unproductive spell in England's National League with Chesterfield. With Jonathan Doyle on the sidelines with his injury, I am hoping Joshua is going to do a great job for us up front. He will be given an instant debut alongside David Taylor in our first game of the New Year at Portstewart on Saturday, a place he knows well having been on loan there last season.

That said I couldn't believe the cheek of it though as struggling Limavady United are trying to tempt Sam Morrow away from us now the window is open. Of course Sam is aware of their interest and that we want to retain his services, as he forms a very integral part of our team jigsaw plan. I really hope he tells Limavady to go forth and totally multiply with their approach. I mean swapping a promotion challenge for a relegation scrap is like chalk and cheese, surely Sam is not that daft to go there…

There was reason to smile again on New Year's Day, and not because I stayed stone cold sober for the umpteenth time on Hogmanay despite being in London to see “The Bells” chime out the Old and ring in the New but because I've done it again. For the third time in five months, I have been awarded the Playr-Fit Intermediate League Manager of the Month; thereby increasing one's stock again. Director of Football Callum McGuigan was straight on the phone as soon as the news broke. Must be doing something good.

Continuing with the managerial talk, my hometown club Sunderland finally have appointed Michael “Cindy” Beale's permanent successor. They announced it on Christmas Day no less. Replacing Beale is the former Feijenoord Rotterdam and Rangers Head Coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

So it's Portstewart on the first Saturday in 2025, and a chance to keep the gap at five points after Newington's 4-0 demolition of Queens 24 hours previous. But life wouldn't be life without a bit of drama. Well I had arrived at The Dub early, 9:00am to be exact for an early pre-match briefing and chat with Kyle (McDowell), club captain Johnny (Wilson) and the afore mentioned Mr McGuigan before we set off for the North Coast when my mobile burst into life with its ringtone:

“Good morning Mark.”

“Morning. Who's this?”

“Oh yes, my name is Ronnie Millar.”

“Yes Ronnie, what can I do for you?”

“You might be aware or not that we at Crusaders disposed of Kevin Horlock just before Christmas.”

“Right. I wasn't aware but go on…”

“Well we've been really impressed with what you're doing at PSNI. Would you like to come for an interview for the position, you're one heck of a strong candidate Mark…”

“Um, let me process this and ring you back Ronnie. I have your number.”

“Sure, don't leave it too long though…”

Woah, absolutely holy sh*tbaws! Yeah Crues are struggling this season, 10th in the 12 team Premiership but they want to consider me as their new manager?  This is gonna test one's loyalty…

Bet Ken's panicking now, eh?

2024-2025 Season: I suppose it's good to talk, yeah?

So I'm now being headhunted for a role in the Premiership, Northern Ireland's top division, and by one of their “big” clubs in Crusaders. Ronnie Millar's phone call that Saturday was a real curve ball and I simply didn't know how to react? Did I call him back and accept or tell him thanks but no thanks? I needed guidance and that could only come from my three trusted lieutenants. So I walked into the meeting, which was in Callum McGuigan's office at The Dub, where they were waiting for me, and came out with the question without hesitation:

“Good morning men, I need to ask you one question. Just be honest with your reply. Crusaders want to interview me for their managerial vacancy, do I accept?”

“Go, see what they say.” Johnny Wilson responded, the first one to do so.

“Second that.” Callum McGuigan added.

“Third it.”  Kyle McDowell responded.

“Really?”

They all nodded in unison.

“Where do they want to interview you Mark?” Callum asked.

“Crowne Plaza, Milltown.” I replied.

“Go and see them, just don't feel pressured to accept because they're a bigger club in terms of size and reputation.”

“Cheers Callum. I'll be back within the hour. We got time, right?”

“Of course, bags of it. Rest of the squad ain't due here for the bus to Portstewart until 11:15am.”

Therefore I made the call to Ronnie Millar and told him I was en route to the Crowne Plaza at Milltown where the interview was going to take place. It was a place I knew well, having chilled in the Lockkeepers Arms in the summer and used the gym at the hotel itself many times in the past. Plus I knew a few of the lads that ran the Cooke Rugby and Instonians Rugby sides that played on the pitches on the fields adjacent to the hotel. Ronnie was there, welcoming me and conducting said interview, whilst Crusaders' Club Secretary was also there but purely in a note taking capacity for Ronnie.

As it was, the interview went OK. I presented my vision and thoughts to Ronnie but deep inside I knew I was being emotionally chewed up good and proper. However, I didn't let my body language suggest it which was good. Even though Ken has been a bit of an Ebenezer (Scrooge) when it comes to his financial acumen, inside I still felt that I owed him more. I was halfway through season two of my personal ten season plan, and we were making excellent progress to get out of the Intermediate League for an assault on the Championship. It was a season ahead of schedule as I had planned to get out of the current division by the close of season three, spend four seasons tops in the Championship and then the remaining three in the Premiership with the culmination of it all being PSNI in European Club Competition: Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League. I didn't care which.

After 45 minutes I thanked Ronnie for his time and headed straight back to The Dub where the three musketeers were still there. It was 10:20am.

Time to concentrate back on the away game at Portstewart now, and a chance to restore the five point lead at the head of the table. That was priority for me in the immediate train of thought, nothing else but. 

Season 2024-2025: Seahawks are put to flight

None of the squad knew about the conversations that I held with Crusaders at the Crowne Plaza Hotel this morning. In fact I wanted to keep it as hush hush as possible so got pinkie promises from both Kyle (McDowell) and Club Captain Johnny (Wilson) that they wouldn't say a word either. It only takes a loose word either or there for the Fourth Estate to find out and start running stories, in other words Chinese Whispers as they say. As far as I am concerned, it's just business as usual for me and the Club. Whatever will be, will be right?

Anyway Portstewart presents to us a banana skin of a league match. We're of course riding high at the top of the table, they're in the lower reaches and thinking about survival. Chalk and Cheese football it is. 

Naturally the one other side wanting a Portstewart win today is Newington. The Larne-based side reduced the gap between us and them, in second, to just two points last night when they dismantled Queens 4-0 at Inver Park in a Friday night game. Therefore for us, an away win is imperative as it will make the gap grow back to five. Thus it has come as a bit of a shock when you see the odds offered by the bookies, you won't believe them especially given the disparity of the league positions. They have made us slight favourites at 5-4 to come back home with the three points that are available which is surprising to say the least. The Seahawks are 2-1 to shock us and provide Newington with a helping hand; whilst you can get 5-2 for the game to end in a draw.

Seahaven, Portstewart

Attendance: 97 (1 away)

We made a couple of changes from the side that crushed Lisburn Distillery in the final game of 2024. Following his cameo in said game, Sam Morrow was restored to the starting eleven albeit on the left wing, as opposed to his favoured right, He came in for John-Joe MacDonald who slipped down to the bench, and it was hard to make such a call but you want to name your best in every game then sometimes you have to make that decision. The other change came up front and it was an enforced one at that. With Cain Stewart now a Ballymoney United player, we gave an immediate debut for our new loan striker from HW Welders: Joshua Kee. Kee partnered Ballymena United loanee David Taylor in an exciting new partnership with Jonathan Doyle still absent until late February. Portstewart named an unchanged side themselves which meant starts for former PSNI central defender Louis McKeown and also Glenn Law who scored a hat-trick against us at The Dub last season in a 4-3 away win for them. This afternoon's referee is Evan Boyce of Ballygowan.

Knowing we needed to make a good start, we immediately went on the front foot as the game kicked off in persistent drizzle. That positive start was rewarded as early as the eighth minute when Joel Bradley tripped Morrow right under Mr Boyce's nose as they challenged for a Callum McVeigh cross. Penalty for us, and up stepped Andrew Ferguson to confidently put it away from twelve yards. We thought we had a second in the 23rd minute with McVeigh again involved, his well flighted free kick being met by Ben Mitchell who looped a header over Alan Walsh and into the far corner but it was chalked off for a pushing related infringement. We weren't to be denied that second as it came six minutes later when Ferguson's lofted pass found Kee making a run and the new signing connected with a sweet volley across Walsh for a debut goal and 0-2.

Morrow headed just over as we continued to dominate, surely a third wasn't that far away? It came in the 34th minute when McVeigh first of all nutmegged Law before whipping in a cross that McKeown headed away but straight back to the midfielder. Given a second opportunity, he sped away from Johnston before cutting inside and smashing an effort into the roof of the net with Walsh given no chance whatsoever. The home side looked shell shocked. They almost pulled one back on the stroke of half time Adam Davidson with a 25 yard free kick that went over the bar with Ryan Dalzell untroubled. But they must have had a right old rollocking at the break as they came out with more passion about them and reduced the arrears in the first minute after the restart when Bradley headed a Michael Leetch cross back into the mixer and although Ferguson headed it out, it was a weak one as it landed at the feet of Smith who volleyed it first time past a bemused Dalzell.

That got the home crowd excited again but we restored our three goal lead on the hour, Ryan Morrow tripping namesake Sam in the box and a second penalty of the afternoon for us. Again Ferguson assumed responsibility and he sent Walsh the wrong way for 1-4 with his second of the game. The scoring didn't end there as the Seahawks halved the deficit five minutes from Law weighted a pass into Bradley who provided the accurate low finish. They came at us with intensity after making it 2-4 and almost made it a one goal game six minutes from the end when substitute Seamus Duffy's cross was almost turned into his own net by Ferguson but Dalzell was alert enough to scoop the ball away and safe at the near post; sparing the veteran central defender's blushes. We held on after that, gap now back to five points with ten games to play.

For his brace from the penalty spot where he was as cold as ice, veteran central defender Andrew Ferguson took the Man of the Match beers back home with equally good contributions from Callum McVeigh and the debutant himself; Joshua Kee.

A comprehensive away performance in terms of the xG and the fact half of our shots were on target. They might have had the majority of the possession but the three points are coming home to roost with us; and that's all that matters right?

2024-2025 Season: A busy week

It was a very happy bus coming home from the North Coast. We had avoided the banana skin at Portstewart, and kept the five point advantage in place with just ten games to play. Newington are our biggest challengers and we're due to play each other on the second Saturday in February so that could be a huge and defining moment. That said, February looks tough and probably make or break the unthinkable.

Sunday saw another outing for the “Under 18" side as they played Glentoran's second string at The Dub. Playing matches against the second string of bigger clubs is going to be a challenge, and it proved it again. The visitors took the spoils with a 3-1 win with Cathal Farren scoring our sole goal in the 66th minute but they, the Glens seconds, were 3-0 up and cruising by then. After the game I informed Farren that even though I appreciated him as a valued squad member, he could leave if anyone showed interest. The positive performance was that of teenage winger Jursten Bekman who caused the Glens right wing back a few issues on occasions. It just goes to show the gap in quality and ability between what we are still building and what clubs like Glentoran already have.

Interest for Farren peaked on Tuesday when Portstewart offered him a contract which he can either take or continue to be a bit part player here at The Dub.  He's thinking about it as we speak. Queens are also looking to bolster their strike force so the word on the street is that they might make an approach as well. Either way it's up to Cathal.

Wednesday and I was about to go out on the training pitch when my mobile rang, it was Ronnie Millar:

So who is David Rainey? Well he's been given the top job, after being their Reserves team manager previously. He's also pretty much a bit of a Club legend there too as he is their sixth highest goalscorer of all-time with 139 goals in 320 games spanning 2005-2013. Some record. Anyway, it gives me the chance now to focus again back to the ten season plan. Just imagine if we become bigger than the Crues in that period. That would be something, right?

But that was not all…

24 hours after that Madine asked for a one to one meeting. He was blunt, saying he wanted more game time so I was equally as blunt back: told him I just couldn’t guarantee him games in central midfield whilst Johnny Wilson and Callum McVeigh are playing so well together. Therefore he can leave if he gets an offer which he thinks is acceptable. No animosity, everything sorted amicably by two grown adults. It's the way the cookie crumbles, no room for sentiment.

Apologies for the next post not showing the team sheet image as usual. I clean forgot to do the screengrab and only did realise once I had played the fixture.

Who's a silly billy, eh?

2024-2025 Season: Goals, goals, goals….

It had been a busy old week following on from that win on the North Coast at Portstewart's Seahaven ground. It's another win ticked off the chart and leaves us with ten games left to play. I'm making it abundantly clear to all, we're taking it one game at a time and it's all about that. Yes; we are in really good position at the moment but just one reverse could send us into freefall and ruin everything that we have achieved at the moment.

And we certainly don't want that do we?

Saturday's game sees us head to Celtic Park, and before you ask I'm not taking the Lads to Glasgow - it's the Belfast version. We face bottom of the table Donegal Celtic, and that is a banana skin in itself. They are in serious danger of an immediate relegation, and also see us as one of their huge rivals hence they're gonna be fired up for this one. They held us to a 1-1 draw at The Dub earlier in the season so will think they have a chance to upset the leaders indeed. However, the bookies don't think they have that chance. They have made us 4-7 favourites to leave with another three points in the bank whilst Donegal are best priced at 9-2 to  record an unexpected home win. If you think it will be a draw again then you can get 3-1 for that.

Celtic Park, Belfast

Attendance: 239 (124 away)

So after much deliberation, we opted to go with an unchanged line up today. Even though Alexandre Machado had resumed full training in the week, we opted to not to feature him against Donegal but to give him some match practice against Coleraine's second string at The Dub tomorrow afternoon. Providing that he comes through that game and training in midweek, then there's a very good chance that he will be in contention for a starting spot when we host Ballyclare Comrades a week on Tuesday in the Irish Cup encounter. Our hosts make one change, and it's an enforced one at that. In comes Ruairi McEneaney for Darragh Kelly due to the latter having accumulated five yellow cards throughout the season. Today's referee is Kyle Barr of Derry,

The game itself was a classic Jekyll and Hyde performance by us, not one that you would have expected from the league leaders. This was outlined by us racing into a 4-0 lead in the first 12 minutes with all of the goals coming in a crazy six minute spell. Goal number one arrived in the sixth minute when a cross to the far post from left back Connor Maxwell was met by a downward header from teenage winger Aaron Porter. Less than a minute later, we had doubled the lead when Callum McVeigh sent Joshua Kee away down the right and the striker scooped the ball over to strike partner David Taylor to tuck his ninth goal of the season. It became 0-3 in the 10th minute when Porter's shot was parried by Connor Rooney straight to Sam Morrow who accepted the opportunity presented for his tenth of the season.

Two minutes post-Morrow's goal, we had our fourth. It came from the penalty spot after McEneaney had tripped Porter in the area right under the referee's nose; Andrew Ferguson stepped up and sent Rooney the wrong way from twelve yards. Just after the half hour, we bagged our fifth - again a penalty. This time Aaron Macrony clattered into Johnny Wilson, giving Mr Barr an easy call to make. Again Ferguson stepped up and once more he sent Rooney the wrong way, this time finding the opposite corner to what he had done twenty minutes beforehand. 0-5; one wondered how many more we were going to score. Donegal were much better in the second half, whilst we were absolutely pathetic as.  There had been an early warning when Patterson skewed wide when clean through in the opening minute, he really should have netted. Yet we nearly had a sixth when Wilson played the ball to Kee twenty yards out,  but his cleanly struck shot pinged off the post with Rooney stranded.

Yet after that effort, we switched off and seemingly complacent - not what you would expect from a side looking for promotion to the Championship. Donegal scored their first of the contest in the 64th minute when Connor McCloskey threaded a ball through to substitute Michael Gallagher  who slotted it under the advancing Ryan Dalzell. Four minutes later, they had a second and it was one that Dalzell will certainly want to forget all about when he parried a long range effort from Ben McGonigle straight to Curtis Murphy who couldn't believe his luck and gleefully tucked it away. More opportunities came but they converted one more, and that was in the 89th minute when Rooney's long goal kick was collected by Murphy who brushed aside Kian McConkey with ease before striking the ball beyond Dalzell to make it 3-5. Thankfully we didn't concede more after that and we held on, but it had been far from perfect,

Despite being on the losing side, the Man of the Match beers went the home side's striker Curtis Murphy for his brace. He had been hood with his finishing but we made him look good to be fair. Our best player was teenage winger Aaron Porter who was a constant menace on the right wing.

Whilst the home side had the better of the possession, just look at that xG - phenomenal or what? Imagine also what the scoreline could have ended up as if we had converted more of those shots. Still a win is a win, right?

2024-2025: Build up to a big game

Granted we had made seven league matches without defeat, the mood wasn't as upbeat as you would expected it to be. We had scored five away from home but conceded three, in my opinion, weak goals and they were weak goals scored by the bottom of the table placed side. I could have given them a right old rollocking but kept it to myself for now as we want a harmonious atmosphere right the way until the end of the season which is about three and half months away judging my the current calendar.

There was one thing to smile about though, Newington.

Why? Well instead of being five points clear after this latest round of fixtures, we are in fact now seven clear with just nine games to play. This happened because of events in Larne whilst we were making heavy weather of beating Donegal Celtic. Newington were hosting struggling Limavady United at Inver Park, and the relegation threatened side held them to a 1-1 draw. Furthermore, ihe gap to third placed Distillery is eight after their 2-2 home draw with another set of strugglers in Moyola Park and it's an astonishing thirteen over Queens (who are fourth) after their goalless home draw with Ballymacash Rangers. So we're definitely the winners this weekend aren't we?

Sunday was an equally busy time with Coleraine's second string coming down to The Dub to play our “Under 18” side. Whilst we lost again, 3-1 this time, the main thing was getting some minutes in the tank for our Portuguese winger Alexandre Machado. “Alex” got a full 90 minutes in and reported no issues afterwards, apart from feeling a bit “paggered” by the end - Matthew Hanna scored our only goal. Off-pitch saw Owen Madine inform me that he was not going to Armagh City after being offered a deal by them in the last 48 hours which I was convinced he'd take on, whilst Cathal Farren stated he wanted to stay ahead of a potential transfer to Portstewart who have also trying to entice Louis Blackstock away from us.

Saturday the 18th saw the majority of the Irish Cup ties being played. Because both Queens and ourselves had been drawn at home, the former got the Saturday game but Crusaders edged past them 3-2. Elsewhere in the battle of the Premiership big boys, Linfield defeated Purple Bricks FC (Larne) 5-2 at the National Stadium, current holders Coleraine comfortably saw off Ballymacash Rangers 4-1 at The Bluebell Stadium but there was one surprise of sorts when Distillery won 3-0 at Loughgall who are second in the Championship at present. Can we spring a surprise of our own on Tuesday night?

There was another 90 minutes for “Alex” on the Sunday as the “Under 18” side entertained Bangor Reserves at The Dub. This time, they arrested (if you pardon the terrible pun) their recent string of losses with a 5-2 win thanks to five different scorers - “Alex” being one of them. However, whilst the mood is pretty decent - a few think we're a bit lacking in depth in central defender hence we've decided to put loan deals in for squad depth in that position. Hopefully, both will sign and nullify the concerns.

Oh, there might be some more good news on the way…can you guess what that is?

2024-2025 Season: Extra Time Anguish

The day before the Irish Cup tie against Championship side Ballyclare Comrades was the draw of the Second Round, live on BBC Radio Ulster. We were in the hat, and were actually first ones out too. Should we prevail tomorrow night, then we have another home encounter against another Championship side in the shape of Dundela. Distillery, the only other Intermediate League side in, are at home to Dollingstown whilst there a couple of tasty all-Premiership ties when Coleraine entertain Cliftonville and Crusaders host Glentoran,

Carrot definitely dangling for sure.

The rain is falling incessantly as we head towards kick-off and probably one of our biggest crowds of the season - probably over 300 are braving the souls to see if we can pull off a giant killing act of our own. Playing the Comrades, and at Annagh United on Saturday, are going to give us a real taste of what Championship football is going to be like should we manage to achieve the “P” word this season. The bookies think it's going to be a close game as indicated by their odds: they have made the visitors narrow favourites at 5-4 whilst we are best priced at 2-1. If you think it's going to be a draw, and bearing in mind this is just for 90 minutes play: then you can get 5-2 for that. 

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 337 (118 away)

Despite the collapse in the second half against Donegal Celtic, we have opted to go with an unchanged side again for tonight's game. That means that Alexandre Machado will not feature but there's every chance he will do so on Saturday against Annagh United. Another boost is the return to training of a certain Jonathan Doyle. Yes, I said Jonathan Doyle is back in full training. What a major fillip that is for us all, and he could also play a part on Saturday especially as on-loan striker Joshua Kee is cup-tied. Tonight's opponents make five changes from their last line up with of the five that been replaced, only Tomas Gilmour being on the bench. They have exciting left winger Aodhan Doherty, on loan from Linfield, starting, whilst Ryan Jordan makes his debut after signing on loan from Carrick Rangers. Tonight's referee is Diarmuid Harrigan from Derry.

Remembering that we humbled them in the Intermediate Cup last season, Ballyclare came out with a positive attitude and should have netted in the first 30 seconds or so when Daucia Shotayo fired wide after connecting with a Doherty cross. Comrades skipper Liam Hassin had the next couple of opportunities as they continued to press forward, first he sent a half chance over the bar and secondly: he got closer from a Zach Hamilton cross when his effort struck the post and bounced clear. Our first real chance came in the 16th minute Sam Morrow's cross picked out David Taylor who had two shots blocked before the ball landed at the feet of Kee who thought he'd scored himself until Daryl Wilson brilliantly tipped the effort over the bar.

Half chances came and went as the game remained goalless deep into the second half. We would go close again when Ben Mitchell headed wide at the far post from a Callum McVeigh corner before Marty Bradley sent his shot from distance over as the visitors responded. McVeigh thought he'd sneaked a low shot past Wilson but the Comrades keeper somehow kept it out at his near post and then substitute Owen Madine shot inches over in time added-on. Extra time. Comrades broke the deadlock in the 97th minute when Hassin found Jordan at the edge of the area and he whistled a goal on his debut past Ryan Dalzell. Dalzell was beaten again in the first minute of extra time's time added-on, a long range skidder off the surface by Doherty this time out. We needed something and halved the deficit in the 107th minute when Madine's initial shot struck the post, John-Joe MacDonald had his effort from the rebound - blocked but Morrow blasted in the third attempt. Could we salvage an equaliser to force panic and maybe, penalties. Alas no, and out we exit.

Ballyclare right wingback Caomhan McGuinness took the Man of the Match beers back with him. Sam Morrow was deemed as our best performer where others were a fair bit under par.

The match statistics tell their own story here; we were simply beaten by the better side on the night. We move on. 

2024-2025 Season: Couple of new faces in the ranks

After the meeting with Owen Madine and skipper Johnny Wilson, we agreed that we needed some reinforcements in central defence. Granted that Ben Mitchell and the veteran that is Andrew Ferguson have developed a good partnership, we have realised that the guys behind them in the pecking order are not of the same quality if we want to progress. That said too, Mitchell's form has been a bit up and down recently/

So this week, we have brought a couple of new faces in using the loan market. Both players have signed for the remainder of the season.

Arriving on Thursday was Keelan Gibson, ironically from Saturday's opponents Annagh United:

Keelan has come through the youth ranks at Annagh, and is somehow they are keen to let have some valuable match minutes elsewhere. He made his senior debut for United, playing the whole 90 minutes in a Mid-Ulster Cup game against Bourneview United which they won 3-1.

24 hours later we had our second loan signing,  Jamie Ingram from Loughgall.

Jamie, like Keelan, has come through the youth ranks at his parent club. However, he has yet to make his senior debut for the Villagers or anyone for that matter.

There's a mumbling that neither signing has been well received by the fans, but there's no financial risk to either and anyway Ken is very reluctant to open his wallet to fund signings and pay wages etc for them. Don't they realise this, eh? We have Ebenezer Scrooge as our chairman, simple as.

2024-2025 Season: The Comeback Kings

Every season we look at the competitions we are in and assess which ones are priority and which ones aren't. Of course the priority every season is the League, and in the Cups then we are expected to be competitive. Therefore to be in the Third Round of the Intermediate Cup, which is what Saturday's fixture is in, is overachieving on a grand scale.

And we like to prove everybody wrong, don't we?

So Saturday as I said sees us in Intermediate Cup action as we head south to Portadown to lock horns with Championship side Annagh United. The County Armagh side have made steady progress since being formed in 1963, and have been in the second tier since 2020. They have twice narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premiership, and currently are third in the Championship standings at the time of kick-off. The bookies think that this tie is going to go with form as in the higher ranked side is going to make the last sixteen. Annagh have been priced at 8-11 to progress whilst we are 7-2 outsiders to cause an upset. If you think that the match will be a draw after 90 minutes then you can get 11-4 for that if you want.

BMG Arena, Portadown

Attendance: 97 (2 away)

We make a total of three changes to the side that lost to Ballyclare Comrades just seven days previously. Ben Gordon replaces Ben Mitchell in central defence as the latter is taken out of the firing line following a few less than impressive performances, After coming through a couple of fitness boosting games, Portuguese winger Aexandre Machado is back in the matchday squad for the first time since 7 December when he was injured in the first half against Armagh City. Machado is also in his favoured left wing slot which allows Sam Morrow to go into his favoured right wing, meaning Aaron Porter is on the bench. Cathal Farren comes in up front to partner David Taylor with Jonathan Doyle a surprise inclusion on the bench. New loan signing Jamie Ingram makes the matchday sixteen and is in line to make a debut. Annagh also make three changes with Jason Craughwell, Craig Taylor and Ruairi McDonald coming in for Jamie Rat, James McClay and 14-goal top scorer Ryan Swan. This afternoon's referee at a rain-soaked BMG Arena is Peter McGrath from Belfast.

The home side thought that they had taken a ninth minute lead when former Glentoran winger Jonny Frazer found the net with a deflected effort that wrongfooted Ryan Dalzell, but McDonald was flagged offside to nullify the celebrations. Our first sight on goal came in the 25th minute when a short free kick from Callum McVeigh found Craig Briers unmarked on the left hand side of the penalty area and the full back picked his spot but clipped the bar with the effort. Seconds later another free kick from McVeigh whistled just over as we started to show some compete levels. Yet just as we showed that, Annagh took the lead in the 29th minute when Eoin Teggart picked out Andrew MacLeod and he poked the ball into the far corner. Five minutes later, they had a second when Frazer found McDonald who spun away from Gordon to blast an unstoppable effort beyond Dalzell.  Right up against it now.

Words were said but things were not changing on the pitch so Doyle was introduced in the 58th minute which delighted the hardcore two away fans. Yet as we headed towards to the final 20 minutes, Annagh still had that comfortable 2-0 lead. Well that changed in 69 minutes when we halved the deficit when a teasing cross from Morrow was converted with a thumping header by the returning Machado; and I had considered replacing Morrow just monents before. Two minutes later we were on parity, McVeigh's free kick was partially headed out to Machado who looped a header back into the mix where Taylor to swivel and execute a perfect volley beyond Craughwell. Twelve minutes from time they were back in front when a long ball forward from Paul Finnegan was brought down superbly by Frazer who then drilled his drive across Dalzell and into the far corner for 3-2. Surely that was it for us, right?

Wrong. We were in the final seconds of five minutes added-on at the end when Quinn was adjudged to have fouled Machado. Much to Annagh's protests, they thought Machado had “bought” the spot kick, Mr McGrath said penalty. Andrew Ferguson then showed nerves of steel to blast in the resultant twelve yard effort and make it a remarkable 3-3. Extra time then. The first chance came Annagh's way when Frazer headed just over from an Aaron Rogers corner, but five minutes came the moment. A left wing cross cross from Machado was headed against the bar by substitute Aaron Porter and the rebound landed at the feet of who else but Doyle who gleefully smashed it home from nigh on the goal line. Could Annagh come back themselves? No was the answer as we defended like our lives were on the line whilst Machado and Johnny Wilson had shots blocked in time added-on as we sought a fifth. What a win!

Our returning Portuguese winger Alexandre Machado took home the Man of the Match. Unfortunately for “Alex” the beers were Harp, when he actually prefers Sagres. 

After the first 45 we were being comfortably outplayed in all aspects but how we changed it around. Who needs to have all the possession, eh? Especially when you get an xG like that one….

2024-2025 Season: Rounding the month off

Well one's mind has been well and truly blown away by Saturday. We went to a Championship side, were expected to lose and actually came away with the win against the odds especially when we were 2-0 down at half time.

So we're in the last sixteen of the Intermediate Cup, who'd thought that? Also in the last sixteen are our feeder club, Dunmurry Recreation, who absolutely thumped Donegal Celtic 4-1.  Can we get a home draw in Tuesday's draw? Well, Tuesday came around quicker and all the boys were in the canteen at The Dub enjoying lunch when the draw was made. Once more, we were featured in the first fixture drawn out; which was:

Our opponents Ballymoney United are one of a handful of lower-tier sides left in the draw, and of course this means a quick hello to Cain Stewart who joined The Toon on a free transfer on Ne'er Day. However, and thankfully for us, he won't be trying to score in our net as he is cup-tied. But I'm sure as eggs are eggs though, he will be feeding his new club tips and tricks on how to beat us. This game means that we have a match in the third week of February as you can see. It was blank otherwise. Still every game is as tough as the one preceding it.

Friday arrived and with the test that is Transfer Window Deadline Day. Whilst I tried to scour for a highly quality centre half to come in and help us over the line, nothing materialised. The main thing also was the keeping of our “stars”, and we managed to do so. There had been mumblings that top scorer Jonathan Doyle would be leaving for Armagh City, central defender Ben Mitchell to either Limavady United or Portstewart and midfielder Owen Madine to Lisburn Distillery. Neither of those happened but I'm sure Mr Doyle will continue to get more suitors if he stays in the goals scored columns.

It also was the time for the Monthly League awards and for the fourth time this season…

I'm getting rather good at this aren't I? No wonder clubs like Crusaders were so keen to talk to me about their then managerial vacancy. Becoming a bit of a big deal, wouldn't you say? Well….

2024-2025 Season: Kee at the double in a six goal thriller

So we moved into February having kept the squad intact despite rumoured interest from here, there and everywhere. Whether the mumblings over quality defensive reinforcements has subsided is not known at present, but hopefully some folk will realise what I am up against when it comes to try and attract players with limited funding from old Ebenezer.

The end of January saw Newington play a Friday night game, and I toddled off to Larne to see it unfold. Like you do.

Well I didn't see that result coming. Not at all. After a goalless first half, Newington took the lead against their plucky visitors from Armagh City, and like most I thought that this would see the floodgates open as everyone expects a home win. Yet nobody told Armagh that this was the case as they equalised with quarter of an hour left and then scored a winner win the third minute time added-on at the end.  A massive result that went down well with us for sure.  But we had take advantage further to press our credentials home for the “P” word, but it wouldn't be easy against a Knockbreda side who are pretty decent on their own patch. The bookies think that our unbeaten record is about to end here, we've not lost in seven league matches at the time of kick-off, and have them as 8-11 favourites to do just that. We're 7-2 to leave Breda Park with all three points, and it's 11-4 if you think the teams will shake hands on a draw.

Breda Park, Belfast

Attendance: 193 (123 away)

So after the euphoric win at Annagh against the odds, we made just a single change into the starting eleven and that came up front. Coming back into the starting eleven for the first time in six weeks is top scorer Jonathan Doyle. He replaces Cathal Farren who a decent job last week but he's no Doyle though. On-loan striker Joshua Kee is on the bench to offer options up front after being cup-tied for the Annagh Intermediate Cup triumph. The home side also make a single change with Ashton McDermott replacing Adam Grant in their midfield engine room. Former PSNI striker Jake Moore is on their substitutes bench, and you can imagine that he will be chomping at the proverbial bit to try and bag one against his former team-mates. This afternoon's referee is Louise Thompson from Maguiresbridge in County Fermanagh, and by Callum McVeigh's opinion: she's a bit of alright. Aye whatever Callum…

With that fine rain falling, you know that type that isn't exactly a downpour but blooming soaks you all the same, we kicked off with a large number of away fans making an absolute racket and they were dancing after just three minutes when we took the lead. After picking up a pass from skipper Johnny Wilson, McVeigh stepped inside McDermott before weighting a pass into David Taylor who got the step on Shea McAuley and then strode on to lift the ball over the advancing Michael Argyrides for 0-1. We continued to press home the good start and nearly doubled it when Alexandre Machado burned away Knockbreda skipper Harwood before firing just over and then Doyle was denied by Argyrides' point blank save as he manufactured a half chance from McVeigh's low cross. Knockbreda then started to come into the game and twice connected with the woodwork in the space of two minutes; Nathan Clarke with an effort from the edge of the area that pinged off the bar and then Sam Hughes with a low effort that smacked against the post. But the pressure was mounting…

That pressure meant a goal was going to come and it came after 28 minutes when Hughes found Cormac Lawlor 20 yards out and he creamed an unstoppable effort out of the reach of Ryan Dalzell. You don't save those. In the early stages of the second half, a great save with his legs by Dalzell prevented Tamer Atrach from giving Knockbreda the lead but it wouldn't have counted as the striker was offside. McVeigh sent a long range effort just wide before Knockbreda did actually go in front after 51 minutes when Hughes released McDermott who found Tamer in a pocket of space and he made no mistake. Clarke struck the bar again before the home side went 3-1 in the 64th minute when a long goal kick from Argyrides was allowed to bounce into the path of Tamer who strode on to lash home an effort for his second of the game and beat Dalzell at his near post.

We needed a response, and that response was to take a quiet Doyle out of the attack and put on loanee striker Kee. Within four minutes of his introduction, Kee had an impact with our second goal. He started the move with a nice pass out to fellow striker Taylor who bided his time before sending in a left wing cross which was deflected into the path of Kee who nipped in front of McAuley for a real poachers finish. Back came the home side, Hughes with a goalbound effort that required a tip over by Dalzell. Then another pivotal moment with eight minutes to go; McAuley's weak pass was intercepted by Kee whose shot was blocked and rebounded to Sam Morrow whose shot was about to cross the line before Owen Madine made sure from an offside position literally on the goal line. Offside was rightly called, leaving us thinking why did Owen have touch it?  We went again and with just six to go, equalised when Morrow's low cross was parried out by Argyrides straight to Kee who accepted the opportunity gleefully for 3-3. Both sides then nearly had a winner in the final stages, Madine striking the bar for us and then McDermott driving just over from just inside the area. What a game!

Who else could it be for the Man of the Match beers but our loan striker Joshua Kee, what an impact he made in the 26 minutes he was on the pitch! He now has three goals in just four appearances, an astute recruit so far eh?

A very entertaining game as you can see from the match statistics, both teams putting a real spectacle of a fixture. Yes we didn't have much possession again but who actually cares about that when you're as entertaining as what we are. 

2024-2025 Season: A crunch game in the offing

Whilst we didn't take maximum points from our trip to Breda Park, the main thing was that we were remaining unbeaten as the season hurtles towards its dramatic conclusion. That's always a positive. However, taking advantage of our draw and Newington's slip on the Friday are our old foes Lisburn Distillery who have leapfrogged the Larne-based side and reduced the gap between us and second place to six points. There are just eight games left to play, two of which are this month. Another thing in our favour is the goal difference factor, ours is currently reading at +23 compared to that of +10 for Lisburn Distillery and +13 for third placed Newington. Some might say that is like a an extra point's advantage.

Meanwhile in the bottom rungs, which if you recall was where the know-it-all pundits thought we'd be ensconced this season…AGAIN….you have to feel for newly promoted Donegal Celtic. They lie in 14th out of 14th place, two points behind 13th placed (where we were predicted to finish) Limavady United. The irony? These two sides play each other in Limavady on the final day of the season. Could be a final day shootout for survival that, eh?

Sunday was initially spent watching the “Under 18” side take on the Ards second string at The Dub. There were no goals but certainly plenty of chances. For us, Sean Hill and Tim Millar-Wilson linked up well on the right hand side and were our better performers. However, the stand out player was visiting goalkeeper Kenzie Dowie who was an absolute wall for them. Looking concerned on the sidelines was skipper Johnny Wilson, who always shows his face for moral support in these games, and when I asked him why the long face I got the response: “Was expecting more quality in central defence in the window just closed boss.” and wouldn't say much more. I'm just hoping it doesn't become a big problem.

That said I do plan to get some players from Premiership sides in next season with central defence one of my priorities. That should please the skipper right?

Saturday's match is another huge one, but the good thing is that we were back on home turf for it. We entertain the afore-mentioned Newington and that late defeat in the Steel and Sons Cup semi-final against them still rankles with me. I will be hoping that we can put the record straight.  With Lisburn Distillery  in Irish Cup action against Dollingstown, a home win would extend the lead at the top to nine points and with the exception of Queens and Coagh United; all our remaining games are against sides in the bottom half of the table. But as you know, nothing is ever a given in football.

Let's make a statement, right?

2024-2025 Season: C'est four-midablé as we go nine points clear

They say that revenge is a dish that is best served cold, and that's what was on The Dub's menu board on Saturday as we played one of the biggest home games of the season ahead. The team have trained as well as we can expect them to be, but we know that Newington will be a tough nut to crack open even if we are on home ground. Get a positive result against them and we could end their faint hopes of winning the title.

Now that would be a nice feeling for sure; right?

Recent form has us in excellent form whilst our visitors have dropped off a little bit; especially with that home loss against Armagh City particularly a sore one for them to take. If we can win today then we will be unbeaten in nine league matches and that's some form for sure. However, if we don't then it potentially opens the proverbial door for second-placed Lisburn Distillery to take advantage with their game in hand next Saturday whilst we're in Intermediate Cup Fourth Round action. The bookies think though it's going to go with form and that we will be nine points ahead come 4:15pm or thereabouts on Saturday afternoon. We're even money favourites to take the points whilst Newington's recent form has seen them pushed to 12-5 for an away win. It is 13-5 if you reckon the teams will end shaking hands at the end on a draw.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 394 (206 away)

We have opted to make a couple of changes from the side drew at Breda Park seven days ago. For his superb impact there from the bench, striker Joshua Kee is given the start up front alongside fellow loan signing David Taylor. Kee replaces top scorer Jonathan Doyle who is still trying to get back into the swing of things after a lengthy injury absence, Doyle is going to get ninety minutes in the tank tomorrow afternoon for the “Under 18” side. The other change is in central defender where Ben Mitchell is restored there in place of Ben Gordon after being taken out of the firing line for the last couple of games. Newington make just one change and that comes at left back where Aodhfionn Casey replaces Jack Graham (no, not our Jack) who drops to the bench where former PSNI trialist Kyle Calderwood also features. This afternoon's referee is Ross Dunlop of Carrickfergus.

We made a positive beginning and went close to opening the scoring after 11 minutes when a curling effort from the edge of the area by Callum McVeigh smacked against the post with on-loan Larne keeper Rian Brown beaten. Newington themselves tested the woodwork five minutes later when Matt Gibbons sent a long range free kick against the crossbar, it was the Ton's first effort on goal. Gibbons then turned villain for his side in the 21st minute when he tripped Johnny Wilson inches inside the area. Penalty kick. Andrew Ferguson again stepped up and sent Brown the wrong way for his 10th goal of the season of which all have come from the spot, a phenomenal sense of consistency. That rocked Newington and they conceded twice more in the next 11 minutes to fall 3-0 behind. First in 26 minutes, Kee stooped to head in a McVeigh cross after Sam Morrow had beautifully picked the central midfielder's run and in the 32nd McVeigh was the provider again with a well flighted corner to the far post where Mitchell connected with a text book header.

Knowing they needed something quick, Newington almost pulled one back when Ben McCaul headed a Tiarnan McNicholl corner inches over but McCaul was at fault in the 41st minute when he dallied on his clearance from a Taylor attempted through ball; allowing Alexandre Machado a clean run through on goal to blast in our fourth across the exposed Brown. We had to make a change in first half added-on when Morrow was carried off following a rather dubious challenge from Casey which went unpunished. 'Ton almost pulled one back in the 51st minute when McCaul picked out the dangerous Peter McKiernan who looked odds-on to score but Dalzell saved with his legs. Substitute Aaron Porter almost made it five with a long range effort that required a full length save from Brown as we sensed more goals in the offing.

Yet the final twenty was all Newington. Gibbons had another free kick crash against the bar with nineteen minutes left on the clock before the clean sheet was erased a minute later when McKiernan's inch perfect cross was converted by strike partner Darren Stuart from close in for 4-1. Gibbons curled another free kick over the bar as the away side looked to get back within two. They should have been with three minutes to go when Stuart sent a wild shot well wide of goal when he only had Dalzell to beat and the majority of the goal to aim at. So 4-1 it ended, we are now nine clear with just seven games to play out.

Even though he was not on the scoresheet himself, Callum McVeigh was perennially a thorn in Newington's side. He fully deserved to take home the Man of the Match beers home with him.

As you can see, we served up an absolute classic…taking our chances when presented! This is part of the reason why we are now nine points clear at the top.

2024-2025 Season: A testing week ends in some Cup glory

As much as we enjoyed thrashing Newington, one of the promotion rivals, 4-1 at The Dub: all things weren't exactly rosy in the garden post-game. We had lost winger Sam Morrow just before half time with an unspecified injury at the time. An hour after the final whistle Head Physiotherapist confirmed mine and the Club's worse fears with the prognosis:

“It's a Grade 2 groin strain Mark.” Martin advised.

“Grade 2? Is that a bad one?" I asked.

“”It's not a good one for sure. Will keep Sam out of action around 4-5 weeks."

“Ah baws…”

So we were to be without the former Crusaders youngster for the rest of this month and probably next too. How rotten Lady Luck can be for people? Suppose if we get him )Sam) that crucial final month then it's better than having him ruled out for the rest of the season, yeah? Sunday saw the “Under 18” team entertain Coleraine's Reserves and equalise three times to shake hands on a 3-3 draw thanks to goals from Matthew Hanna, Cathal Farren (who was Man of the Match) and loanee defender Jamie Ingram. The more pleasing matter was that Jonathan Doyle completed 90 minutes without an injury re-occurence. If he can get through the week OK then he'll be in contention for Saturday that's for sure.

I won't be playing a weak side against Ballymoney United; trust me.

So in the lead up to Saturday, two members of my backroom team are doing well. Both Neal Smyth and Joel Madison are going to spend the next four months or so studying for their UEFA Continental C licences which should enhance them as they coach the potential PSNI stars of the future. Back to the Cup match though; the bookies don't think there will be an upset as they believe we will be in the last eight come to the final shrill of the referee's whistle. They have made us 8-11 to progress with our lesser-ranked visitors priced at 7-2 to perform a giant killing. If you think the game will be a draw after 90 minutes then you can get 11-4 for that.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 99 (4 away)

We made a couple of enforced changes for this afternoon's Intermediate Cup Fourth Round encounter. Aaron Porter came in on the right wing for the injured Sam Morrow, who will be out of action for the next 4-5 weeks or so. The other change came up front where Joshua Kee was cup-tied after featuring for HW Welders earlier in the competition, replacing him was top scorer Jonathan Doyle who came through the “Under 18” game and a week of training to confirm he was ready to come back into the starting eleven. Our visitors were without both Darragh Kelly and former PSNI striker Cain Stewart, both cup-tied, but made three changes from their last match - one of those changes was a starting spot for former PSNI winger Raul Zabrauteanu who joined the Toon on a free transfer from Knockbreda three weeks ago. This afternoon's referee is Tony Clarke from Newtownabbey. A place in the quarter-finals awaits the winners today.

After a slow start, we fashioned our first clear cut chance just shy of the quarter hour when Porter's far post cross was headed wide on the stretch by David Taylor. Porter then was next to threaten himself when he burst through the Ballymoney defence only to be denied by a smart save with his legs by Gary Anderson; no not the darts legend. We finally did break through in the 25th minute, another weighted long ball forward from Andrew Ferguson which picked out Taylor's run and the Ballymena loanee clipped over a cross which Doyle converted unmarked from six yards. The man is back!  Seven minutes before half time, we doubled our lead when Doyle turned provider this time for Taylor to brush Lucas Goligher aside and slot it calmly across Anderson and into the far corner.

Would there be a cunning plan for Ballymoney and Lewis Baldrick to get back into this game? Well if there was one, well it was nowhere to be seen as we continued to dominate proceedings and look for more goals. Doyle headed the first chance of the second half straight at Anderson before we were awarded a penalty after 56 minutes when Toon skipper Chandler Douglas was adjudged to have been a wee bit too forceful on Taylor as they challenged for a Doyle cross. Ferguson stepped forward and produced the finish for 3-0, his 11th of the season: all from the spot. Porter had a solo effort deflected wide before we were awarded a second spot kick by Mr Clarke in the 68th minute, Goligher being seen to have fouled Taylor as they went for Porter's cross. Yet this time Ferguson weakly shot straight at Anderson for his first miss in 12 attempts, it was more back pass than shot to be fair. 

A rare flurry of chances of sorts then came Ballymoney's way as they sought consolation. The nearest they came was twenty minutes was when their best player, Andy Stinson, saw Ryan Dalzell off his line and tried to dip one over the keeper but it went inches over rather than inches under. Yet seconds after that, we had goal number four and it was gift wrapped indeed. It came about when the Toon looked to clear their lines after a home move had broken down; former home winger Zabrauteanu aimed a back pass to Paul Williams but instead sent it straight to the feet of Doyle who took it forward a few paces before blasting an unstoppable effort from the edge of the D past a bemused Anderson. It could have ended 5-0 nine minutes from the end when Craig Briers played in Taylor who struck a powerful effort of his own across Anderson but saw it crash off the post and to be safety. Job done though. Banana skin? What banana skin?

So many excellent performances, including a return in goals for JD, but the loan signing from Ballymena got the nod for the Man of the Match beers today. The fans want him to be signed permanently, let's see if we can engineer something eh?

Just look at these match statistics, outrageous indeed as we absolutely destroyed our opponents. A new record for xG as well….this season has been one for the ages for sure!

2024-2025 Season: Dub derby success against the Students

We were now heading into the final weekend of games in February, and once they're complete then there will be just six matches left to play and with March being a bit light on the league matches, every point becomes crucial. Saturday had seen us comfortably see off Ballymoney United in the Intermediate Cup, and were joined in the last eight by fellow Intermediate League sides Armagh City, Newington and Lisburn Distillery. Unfortunately our lower league feeder side Dunmurry Recreation were unable to cause a shock as they slipped to a narrow 2-1 loss to Championship side Dundela. Who would we draw in Friday afternoon's draw for the quarter finals? 

After a light session and a video analysis on our opponents which is normal for us on the day before the game, the team and the whole backroom staff sat in The Dub's canteen waiting for the draw to be made on BBC Radio Ulster. At just after 1:00pm, after the news headlines had been broadcasted, the draw was made. Four Intermediate League sides, four Championship sides: we could either get a divisional rival or someone from the division above: one of which was Ballyclare Comrades who had ended our Irish Cup campaign just a month previous. We were drawn out as the second home side, and the tension was palpable as we awaited the name of our opponent:

“Sphere in the duck” exclaimed Jonathan Doyle as the opponents name was declared. I looked at him quizzically as if to say “What the actual are you on about JD?” but then it became apparent that our top scorer had been cryptic….Sphere (Ball) in a Duck (Mallard) - put them together there you have it: Ballinamallard! Very clever JD, very clever. Anyway the Mallards were as tough as an opponent we could draw, for they were a Premiership side just six seasons ago and I even remember seeing them win at The Oval (home of Glentoran) as well. In fact in a strange coincidence, all four Intermediate League sides were drawn at home with Armagh City taking on Championship promotion candidates HW Welders, Newington entertaining Dundela and Lisburn Distillery hosting the Comrades. So we will have to produce a performance as good as, if not better, than Annagh away to make the last four.

Saturday's game is all about bragging rights as it's The Dub derby against Queens University. After being on the fringes of the promotion race at the start of the year, the Students have dropped off the pace dramatically. They have taken just one point from their last twelve, and that was in a goalless draw with Ballymacash Rangers so much so they have fallen to ninth in the standings before kick-off yet they would just love to put a dent in our aspirations for sure. The bookmakers are also aware it's a derby encounter judging by the odds they are laying. They have us as narrow favourites at 6-5 with the Students at 2-1, whilst you can get 5-2 if you think the two sides will end up with a share of the spoils.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 221 (125 away)

Despite having Joshua Kee back for selection, we opted to name an unchanged side this afternoon which meant that Jonathan Doyle and David Taylor continued to be the preferred striking partnership. But it's not too bad to have Kee ready to come into the fray especially considering he's bagged four times in just five games since arriving on loan at the start of the year. The Students make two changes from their last line-up, one of which is an enforced one. Lewis Patterson replaces youngster James Chapman in central defence whilst 31-goal top scorer Zach Ferson sustained a calf injury in their last game and Mikey Withers comes in for him. Also in their starting eleven is midfielder and former trialist at PSNI, T J Murray who opted to join the Students than accept a permanent switch to us. Today's referee at a very rainy The Dub, where the pitch is very wet indeed, is Neil Robinson of Craigavon. But the game goes ahead as planned.

As the rain incessantly fell, we made an exceptional start with the opening goal after 65 seconds. A nice break saw Callum McVeigh lay the ball into the path of Aaron Porter who outpaced Adam Calvert before continuing his run and then squeezing in a shot off the near post. Midway through the half, we doubled the advantage and what a goal it was. It came from a free kick wide on the left taken by McVeigh who curled it superbly into the net, giving Joel Little no chance whatsoever for the midfielder's tenth goal of the season. It could have been three just moments after the restart when Doyle broke up Queens possession just inside his own half. The ball was quickly switched left to Alexandre Machado who was clean through but Little somehow got an important hand to divert the winger's effort away from goal. Little had been seen of the home side but they went close just after the half hour when Mark McConnell sent a free kick against the bar with Ryan Dalzell beaten yet Machado should have scored just afterwards when he made contact with a deep cross from Craig Briers but sent his header over.

Queens should have got on the scoreboard just before the hour Eamon Scannell sent a header over the top after Leon Bonnes picked him out at the back post. However, we were still threatening a third and after a goalmouth scramble: skipper Johnny Wilson directed his shot wide of the goal. Another McConnell free kick went close but the home side were running out of ideas and looking likely to lose their fourth league match in their last five. There were spaces appearing in their defence and in the final seconds, Queens were again thankful to Little who this time denied Kee after fellow substitute Owen Madine released him on a well executed counter attack. The train keeps-a-rolling.

Mezzala midfielder Callum McVeigh was awarded the Man of the Match beers to take home with him. He created the opener for Aaron Porter with an astute pass that got the winger away from his marker, and then that free kick…WOW! He's been one of the best free transfer signings we have made.

In a game where chances were at a premium, well what do you expect from a derby-type fixture, we took our opportunities when presented whilst having twice the XG in the game. Safe to say, you could therefore go on and admit that those points went the way of the team that deserved them the most.

Six games to go…

2024-2025 Season: The final two months, but beware the Ides of March

So we came off The Dub with the bragging rights firmly ensconced for us, and how the Students knew about it. The music was blaring out of the speaker in the “away” dressing room and players were dancing a conga. And it got better as they were getting changed, news had broken that Lisburn Distillery had slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Rathfriland Rangers with Nigel Prentice bagging a decisive double for the home side. It put us an astonishing nine points clear of the second placed Whites with just six games left to play. Even though they had a 3-0 home win over Moyola Park, Newington are twelve adrift so everything is looking good as you can see from the table below:

The equation is quite simple now, three wins will be adequate enough to send us into the Championship for the first time since being relegated in 2018-19.  It would be the first step in the masterplan, as far as I am concerned, completed albeit a season early by my schedule.

March only has three games in it, the Intermediate Cup quarter-final sandwiching two league matches which on paper: we are expected to win. With a fortnight between every game, we should be fully rested for the final month of April.

Off pitch matters now, and it was suggested to me in our weekly management meeting that I should warmly thank Briers and Doyle for some recent high quality performances by said players. Whilst JD was very appreciative of the praise, which is a measure of the man considering his injury absence, Briers was again negative when we said the same to him. Seriously I don't know what's in his head. I am going to have source a quality right back in the summer I believe because Briers doesn't seem to understand the concept of being appreciated. That said, one more player has voiced his appreciation of my managerial reign. Step forward Callum McVeigh…

CMc is the league's Player of the Month, and he said he could not have done it without me! Awww, thanks. Briers could learn from this despite being the more senior player in terms of age and experience, right? I didn't grab the Manager of the Month award for a third successive month however, finishing third behind eventual winner Norman Kempton of Coagh United and runner-up David Murphy of Rathfriland Rangers. Imagine if we had won at Breda Park at the start of February, we could have been looking at a three-peat.

But we're in a good place, make that actually a very good place at the moment. And it's hard to argue against that to be fair.

2024-2025 Season: DT saves a point, and the unbeaten record too!

It's simple as that, seven points from six games will get us promoted. But if everyone below us takes points off each other then it could be done without kicking a ball in anger. I mean I look back to 1993 when Manchester United's legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the GOAT when it comes to Premier League managers in my opinion above Pep and Wenger (Pep is the best non-UK Premier League Manager of All-Time), was on the golf course when news broke that nearest challengers Aston Villa (managed by SAF's predecessor at Old Trafford “Big” Ron Atkinson) had failed to beat Oldham Athletic at Villa Park.

Now I don't want anything similar to happen to us. I'm bald as it is with the stresses of this occupation.

This game on the first Saturday of March is also on Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant, St David's Day to everyone else. We only have a couple of matches in the domestic league and will need to guard against complacency now - we have a target on our backs and teams will be wanting to shoot us down at every opportunity they get. If we're off it then we will probably lose, that's the nature of the beast. The bookies Saturday's game are going with form and have made us even money favourites to take home the points and inch closer to our destiny. If you think Ballymacash will surprise us or it will be a share of the spoils, then you can get 13-5 for either to happen. But we don't want that, we want a home win Saturday: right?

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 164 (45 away)

We made just a single alteration to the side that won The Dub Derby seven days previous. That came up front as Joshua Kee was chosen ahead of top scorer Jonathan Doyle who we are actually trying to wrap literally in cotton wool to ensure he completes the season injury-free. That said, I received a major news boost on the sidelined Sam Morrow, he is expected to be back in training in midweek which means also that he could be back in the starting eleven for the Intermediate Cup quarter-final against Sphere in a Duck United (JD's renaming of Ballinmallard United remember?) which is just a fortnight away. Ballymacash make three changes, two enforced because of suspension, and field two players who have featured in the Premiership for Glentoran: Dylan Davidson and Carl McComb. The same two are our visitors top scorers: 19 between them (10 - McComb, 9 - Davidson) so we will need to be wary. Today's referee at a wet Dub is Tim Marshall of Irvinestown who refereed us in our 3-3 draw at Banbridge Town in December. Could we get something similar?

We almost made a perfect start with the lead in the third minute, and I stress the phrase “almost made” as Kee latched onto Callum McVeigh superb slide rule pass to steer the ball across Brian Neeson and into the far corner of the net. However, the loan striker 's fourth “goal”  of the season was chalked off by a flag for offside against him. Five minutes later, Ballymacash stunned us by taking the lead with their first chance on goal when former Crusaders midfielder Dylan O'Hare lashed in an unstoppable effort from the edge of the area: his first goal in Ballymacash colours. Ten minutes later, we were back on terms when McVeigh repeated his goal against Queens with another sensational free kick effort. Quite remarkable. Aaron Porter should have put us ahead three minutes after McVeigh's goal but he headed wide from Johnny Wilson's cross. 

In the 36th minute, we took the lead when a back pass from Matthew Parker was seized upon by David Taylor who raced through unchallenged and steered the ball across to net via the inside of the far post. Yet we only led for two minutes as we gifted them the equaliser from a loose pass of our own, Connor Maxwell being the culprit, the left back's under hit pass going straight to Josh Cahoon who hit it first time from distance past Ryan Dalzell. McVeigh almost restored the lead in first half added-on time with another free kick but this time the effort was inches over. The midfielder tested Neeson twice in the second half before the away side restored their lead with twelve minutes to go when McComb picked up Lewis Higginson's pass and calmly arrowed it beyond Dalzell. We looked certain to heading for defeat but in the third minute of five added-on, levelled when Porter picked out Taylor who spun his marker McGuinness and lashed it into the net to spark incredible scenes. Absolute limbs.

For his two goals, and also for being an absolute nuisance up front where he gave Ballymacash the right old run a round, David Taylor was allowed to have the  Man of the Match beers again. Third time this season for the Ballymena United loanee.

To say I was feeling disappointed post-game is probably the understatement to end all understatements. Aside of the possession stat, we dominated Ballymacash today and should have won. The players know it too.

2024-2025 Season: The big fish comes a calling

When David Taylor's 93rd minute effort flew past Ballymacash Rangers Brian Neeson and caused the net to ripple, the relief was palpable all around The Dub. It had extended our league unbeaten streak to an astonishing ten games with just five league matches to play. I had honestly given up myself, we were destined for a loss that I was sure of but the lads summoned one last attack and their risk was rewarded even though it was not with a win a bonus. The 45 or so away supporters, who had been serenading me with some lesser than pleasant anthems throughout, were suddenly silent. I was convinced they wouldn't have been if their side had held on for just two or three minutes more.

The players knew we had gotten away with one there even though the statistics clearly demonstrated otherwise. 

Elsewhere in the grand scheme of things, the draw was much better than what Lisburn Distillery and Newington achieved in their matches against Knockbreda and lowly Portstewart respectively. Both lost to their opponents meaning that they can only get to 52 and 50 points from their respective remaining matches which is not going to happen anyway as they play each other in their round of league matches. Knockbreda won 4-2 in Lisburn, Portstewart 2-0 against the 'Ton in Round 21. The biggest winners on the day though were Coagh United who, with a 4-1 home win over Banbridge Town, jumped into second place pushing Distillery to third and Newington to fourth.

Sunday was time for another “Under 18” game at The Dub where Ballymena Ynited Reserves were in town, and some familiar faces for David Taylor to catch up with. After three consecutive draws, the home side were buoyant at the final whistle as they comfortably dispatched their visitors from the Town of the Seven Towers, 5-1 with five different scorers on target. Left winger John-Joe MacDonald was the star performer with a goal and an assist. Whilst the actual Under 18s don't get any match experience at the moment, it's at least giving non-first teamers some valuable games,

The rest of the next few days went like clockwork, until Tuesday morning and a surprise:

The biggest club in the province of Ulster want to talk to me about their vacant managerial position. They had sacked NI legend David Healy after almost nine and a half years recently, and with the Blues sitting in sixth place and 21 points adrift of leaders Purple Bricks FC in the Premiership: they are looking at me to revitalise their fortunes. I thought being approached by Crusaders was huge, but being now approached by Linfield is like next level. Has anyone advised Roy McGivern that his club's fans are going to go absolute ape should he decide to appoint me?

I mean it would be a bit of a weird appointment.

2024-2025 Season: Sorry seems to be the hardest word in a busy old world

"I can't do it, sorry but I really can't. Imagine the fallout."

Those were the words I said to Roy McGivern on the phone when I returned his call about the managerial vacancy at Linfield Football Club. Roy sighed, he was generally interested in talking to me as the potential successor to David Healy at the National Football Stadium. I explained that if he did choose me then the fallout would be absolutely off the scale. Linfield are Belfast's answer to Glasgow Rangers, pure and simple from the home kit to the fan base. Everything is the polar opposite to my background, and I just didn't want to cause the equivalent of World War 3 to happen in South Belfast, not at all. Because that's what would have happened if Roy had chosen me and I had accepted the role. Whilst I had been the target of some choice phrases in the Ballymacash games, it would be nothing compared to Windsor.

I just didn't think the hassle was worth it, and Roy reluctantly agreed to leave it at that.

With no first team match on the second Saturday in March, the “Under 18” team took centre stage at The Dub when they hosted Annagh United's second string. The 20 spectators present were treated to an absolute goal fest as the teams played out an enthralling 5-5 draw with both sides bagging four goals apiece in the first 45. Daniel Reynolds and Cathal Farren starred for us but the main thing was to get some minutes in for Sam Morrow in his comeback from injury, Sam played the first 61 minutes before going off in a pre-arranged substitution. The good thing was that he reported no issues following his run out which is important if he wants to be in contention for the Ballinamallard Intermediate Cup quarter-final.

I've been thinking about the loan signings we have. Currently we have six on the books, all whom are having their wages paid by their parent clubs so we're not losing money with that. This is how each are faring:

Paddy Hoskins: Goalkeeper on loan from Newry City. Has played twice for the first team, conceding two goals. A good choice as Ryan Dalzell's back up, might consider him for a second loan spell next season whatever division we are in.

Connor Maxwell: Left back on loan from Ards. Has made 28 appearances in the first team, scoring 3 goals. Started off slow but has firmly established himself as the first choice in his position now. On a £50 a week contract at Ards which expires end of June. Would be a good freebie if we can entice him in.

Jamie Ingram: Teenage central defender on loan from Loughgall. Yet to appear for us and his signing was not taken well by the fans either. On a £10 a week contract at Loughgall, can't see him in my plans for next season whatever division we're in. Feels like a bit of a panic signing now to be fair.

Keelan Gibson: Another teenage central defender on loan; this time from Annagh United. Like Ingram, his signing wasn't taken well by the supporters and it again in the grand scheme of things: he seems to be a bit of a panic signing. No plans for him next season. On a youth team contract with Annagh, no wages.

Joshua Kee: Striker on loan from HW Welders. Has made 7 appearances in all competitions since arriving on New Year's Day, scoring 4 times. He has chipped in with goals when we need them, either by starting or from the bench. On a £75 a week contract with the Welders, would like to have him in next season.

David Taylor: Second of two strikers we have taken on loan, this time from Ballymena United. Has made 23 appearances so far with 14 goals netted, which have come in bunches after a slow beginning. On a £75 a week with the Sky Blues which expires June 2026. My number one transfer target in the summer.

The Mallards are in town Saturday, can we make the Intermediate Cup semi-final?  Will be a test indeed, especially if we're up against them in the Championship next season. Believe in yourselves, right? Don't go quackers and duck out of your obligations once you cross that white line. Anything is possible to be fair.

Well that's what Da would have told me…

2024-2025 Season: Cup dream over as Mallards edge a thriller

We are prepared as well as we can be, and the Mallards are about to land at the Dub for a quarter-final in the Intermediate Cup. When we started the season way back in August, the plan for this competition was to do as well as we could. In reality, if we could get to the Second Round stage then it would be considered an achievement in itself. But here we are, just two games away from an unexpected Final appearance.

And reaching Cup Finals can only increase the club's reputation, yeah?

We might have played Premiership sides Crusaders and Purple Bricks FC (Larne) in my short time here; but those were away from home so these ducks will be the biggest side we have hosted from outside our own division so far. That said, in both of those matches we didn't disgrace ourselves at all, losing 2-0 in each. So perhaps after disposing of Ballinmallard's fellow Championship side Annagh United in the round previous that our luck against higher ranked opponents is changing for the better. However, the bookies think that this will be the round where we finally exit the competition as they have made the Mallards narrow 11-10 favourites to make the semi-final stage. We have been best priced at 11-5 to add another higher ranked opponent to our list of scalps whilst a 90 minute draw is available at 5-2.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 200 (54 away)

We made just the single change from the side that drew 3-3 a fortnight ago in the Intermediate League with Ballymacash Rangers, and that was an enforced one as top scorer Jonathan Doyle came in for the cup-tied Joshua Kee. Other than that, it was pretty much as you were for the starting eleven. Cathal Farren provided striking cover from the substitutes bench which also had the sight of Sam Morrow. Sam had completed 61 minutes a week in an Under 18 match, and whilst still not fully fit: he was fit enough to make a cameo appearance should we want to phase him back into the first team. That said we have also pencilled him for another outing in the “Under 18" squad's match against Linfield Swifts tomorrow afternoon. The Mallards made a couple of changes with Calvin Brown and Darragh Byrne coming in for Yusuf Mersin and Dale McCreery. This afternoon's at a rain soaked Dub is Neill Gillespie of Ballymena.

The main thing that was said before kick-off was, do not concede early but what do we go and do: concede an early goal. It came after just three minutes when the visitors worked the ball well around the area before it landed at the feet of Scott McArthur who calmly picked his spot twelve yards out with a measured finish into the far corner. Our response was to go straight on the offensive with Callum McVeigh having an effort well held by Brown and then Aaron Porter playing in David Taylor, who held off Peter Maguire, but poked his effort just wide of the far post. We were lucky not to go two behind when Byrne's cross was deflected onto his own crossbar by Andrew Ferguson, yet we did level in the 19th minute when Alexandre Machado stood up a cross for Porter to net with a well judged downward header past Brown. Ballinmallard restored their lead after 26 minutes when Ferguson was adjudged to have been a bit too aggressive on McArthur as they challenged for a ball played forward by Dan Rooney. Penalty. Right-back Gary Armstrong stepped forth and made no mistake,

Eight minutes before half time, and we were level for a second time when a brilliant counter attack started in the right back spot by Craig Briers was eventually finished by a poacher's finish by Taylor. Five minutes later, it was 2-3 when McArthur bagged his second of the game with a thunderous effort that kissed the far post and in. The second half was just entertaining as McVeigh and Machado both went close in the early stages after the restart, Yet the Mallards weren't sitting back either as Galvin forced Ryan Dalzell into a full length save and Rooney skimmed the paintwork of the bar with a free kick from range. We tried to change our fortunes with a double substitution: McVeigh and Doyle off, Madine and Farren on. Pushing forward meant gaps and the Mallards had the best of the final minutes, substitute Kenny Ximenes having a header clawed away by Dalzell, fellow substitute Alex Holder sending a weak shot straight to the custodian and then going close with a shot from distance which Dalzell had to tip over as it arrowed towards top bins.

So the Cup journey comes to an end, been quite a ride hasn't it? We can now concentrate on the league campaign, five games to create our own little bit of history.

Despite being on the losing side, Portuguese winger Alexandre Machado was given the Man of the Match beers which were of course: bottle of Sagres. He certainly gave the impression he can play at a higher level than the Intermediate League.

Possession aside, we were better in all aspects than our Championship-level opponent. That's got to give us some extra impetus to get into the Championship and take our game to the next level. 

2024-2025 Season: It's just called going through the motions…

I didn't feel hurt by the loss in the Intermediate Cup quarter-final against Ballinamallard United, only a sense of pride that we had competed with a side one division above us and with a better financial model than us. In fact, the run in this competition has seen the Club move into the black as regards our bank balance for the first time since I took charge. It's not much but it's probably going to augur well for next season where hopefully a division higher means more financial rewards for us and enables us to grow as a club on and off the pitch. We should all feel proud of our efforts collectively.

Sunday was again spent watching our “Under 18” side who this time entertained Linfield Swifts, aka Linfield Reserves, at The Dub. Neal Smyth's side featured Sam Morrow, who completed a full 90 minutes without issue, and once more were involved in yet another high scoring encounter. The Blues second string took the honours 4-3 with our goals coming from Matthew Hanna, Cathal Farren and Joshua Kee: the latter having been cup-tied for the Ballinamallard game. It was whilst at the game that I was told we had until the end of March to make any free agent signings, which is a bonus when the main window closed at the end of January.  I'm already looking at letting some guys in certain positions go at the end of the season so if I can get maybe one or two free agents in then that'll be good business for us.

Again it appears that Owen Madine is sulking again, all because he cannot get into the side and in his favoured role. Well when Callum McVeigh is one of our best players in the team and as a consequence plays in Madine's role, I can't drop him. Madine just better get used to it. On the flip side, it was refreshing to see the reactions of “Alex” Machado, McVeigh and young Aaron Porter when I called all three in for a wee chat after training on Monday to congratulate both on their impressive form in the last few weeks. All were appreciative, which is what you want when you're signalling players out for praise and not like what Briers is like when you praise him. 

The last weekend of March is upon us, and a quick glance at the table means it could be season defining as they say. We head west to face struggling Limavady United and know full well that should we win there and the Newington-Distillery game ends in a draw then we will be Champions with four games to spare. But let's not get too carried away, I haven't heard anyone else mention it on the training ground so it seems like that it's gone under the radar or they're keeping their feet and emotions on the ground. Either way is good though. I have managed though to get this free agent in, which means that it's one position that's got quality in place.. Haven't yet decided whether or not to give him an instant debit Saturday. Welcome to The Dub Lewis Loughlin!

Lewis Loughlin, our newest recruit, is a 20 year old left back who came through the youth team ranks at Ballinamallard before joining Fivemiletown United in the summer of 2023. A very impressive debut season for the Town saw him snapped up by Coleraine but he was released by the Bannsiders at the start of December. He went on trial with Donegal Celtic at the start of 2025 but failed to earn a deal with them but we've had him on our radar still for a while and have now made him the latest member of our squad. He will now battle with loan signing Connor Maxwell for the starting role at left back which means I might be releasing either one or both out of Zach Annett and Mohammad Butt. 

Whilst also looking for an upgrade, I think we're a but top heavy in other positions but haven't decided who to release in the summer but there will be a number of departures for sure. We should be getting a new intake of potential apprentices which should give us additional options. All in all, season three should be interesting when it comes around.

A good manager's work is never done, we're always on the go. 

2024-2025 Season: Goals galore but destiny is just a point away now

Like every club, we want to be playing every week to keep the team fresh and focused but the way the fixtures are in this division means you might go through periods where you have a fixture here and then your next one is a number of weeks afterwards. And so this was the case here in Northern Ireland where we had league fixtures at the start and end of March. 

Thank heavens we had that Intermediate Cup quarter final in the middle of the month to give us some valuable match activity.

Our final match this month sees us back on the road again, this time to the north of the province where we play a team that needs points at the bottom of the division as much as we need them at the top. Limavady United, whom a number of pundits had predicted pre-season to be champions, host us in a banana skin game which could let those below us gain a slither of hope should the home side pull off a surprise home three point haul. However, the bookies don't think that this is going to happen and the match is going to go with form and current league standing. They have made us 5-6 favourites to drive back with another three points to the cause whist Limavady are 3-1 to record that shock home win. It's 13-5 if you believe this match is going to end in a draw.

Limavady Showgrounds, Limavady

Attendance: 110 (4 away)

Just a single change for us from the side that narrowly lost to the Mallards a fortnight ago. That change is a recall back to the starting eleven for Sam Morrow who proved he was ready for a return after completing two “Under 18” games injury-free following a three week injury absence with a groin strain. He replaces Aaron Porter on the right wing, with the teenage winger dropping down to the substitutes bench. Also on the bench is Joshua Kee, who was cup-tied for the Mallards game as well as new signing Lewis Loughlin who was acquired on Wednesday. Limavady make a single change themselves with Andy Whiteside coming in for the veteran Hugh Carlin in the midfield engine room. There are two former PSNI players in their starting eleven too, goalkeeper Jonah Magill who turned down a new deal in the summer with us to join the home team as well as striker Jay McDowell who had a less than an impressive loan spell with us earlier this season. He's joined the Roesiders on a half season loan from parent club Dungannon Swifts. This afternoon's referee is Jason Gillespie from Ballygawley which is not in Austraila….

Any thought that we believed this was going to be an easy ride today was answered with a warning shot in the 12th minute when central defender Cameron Purdy sent a header over our crossbar after connecting with a Mark Caldwell corner kick. Our response came four minutes later with a similar move when the recalled Morrow heading over from a Callum McVeigh flag kick, Then the game really sprung to life in the final stages of the opening 45, David Taylor sending an effort just inches over before Whiteside's long range effort smacking against the crossbar. With six minutes to the break, McVeigh curled in another magical free kick from range to give Magill no hope and us the lead. Two minutes later, Johnny Wilson sent Alexandre Machado racing away down the left to tee up Jonathan Doyle for 0-2 with a simple finish. The Roesiders halved the deficit immediately Whiteside setting up McDowell to score against his old club before in injury time we restored the two goal advantage three minutes into time added on when Graham Crown baulked Ben Mitchell when challenging for a McVeigh corner; Andrew Ferguson once doing the honours from twelve yards out.

The second half was only a shade over 38 seconds old when we made it 1-4; Machado putting Doyle in the clear and his pass was cushioned home with a sweet volley by skipper Wilson. 4-1 and looking comfortable, and the home side were wondering what they had to do as nothing was going their way: typified when the veteran Michael McCrudden was clean through but Ryan Dalzell stood tall to deny him with a great block. We made it 5-1 in the 63rd minute when McVeigh played a one-two with Taylor before continuing his run and lifting an effort over the onrushing Magill for the nap hand. Yet that should have been the cue for more goals and a record win but we switched off, making the debuts of Keelan Gibson and Loughlin from the bench a weird feeling indeed. The raft of changes for us just unsettled us and gave Limavady hope when all seemed lost.

It became 2-5 in the 69th minute with a goal that Dalzell will not want to see again even when you replay it him: a pot shot from McCrudden 25 yards out that went right through the keeper and found the net. Sensing we were potentially wobbling, they continued to come forward and McDowell smacked one against the post as we looked at each other. With 11 minutes left, they got within two goals again when McCrudden poached his second of the afternoon with a tidy finish. Seconds later, the deficit was down to one when veteran winger Ian Parkhill screamed one in from the edge of the area. Squeaky bum time but we managed to see it out with no further goals conceded. Another win towards the P word but by gosh, we didn't half make hard work of it!

Despite being on the losing side today, McCrudden took the Man of the Match beers home with him. He edged it just from McVeigh and Doyle who both had excellent games for us.

An absolute spectacle of a game as shown in the game statistics. Both sides played their part in an exceptional game that was entertaining for all, wasn't too good for a manager's heart rate at times. Especially the last 20 minutes from my perspective…