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2025-26 Season: Johnny's back but we have to settle for a draw - Volume 3, Chapter 21

We're about to play our fifth league game out of 22 this weekend and it's been a right old grind to deal with as a newly promoted side. Thankfully after Saturday's match at Ballymena, we have a week off before it's back on the horse again with another stint of three games in seven days to finish off this opening month of the 2025-26 campaign.

When you are challenging to be the best you can be, well this is how the dice sometimes rolls.

Today's game also marks our biggest test of the season so far in my humble opinion. We're playing a team that played in the Premiership last season, and has five Irish FA Cup's in their trophy cabinet. Whilst they haven't won the league title, they have produced as a team - a series of Northern Ireland internationals such as goalkeeper Jim Platt (Middlesbrough), defender Nigel Worthington (Sheffield Wednesday) to name just a couple. They had a terrible 2024-25, finishing 12th out of 12 and a staggering 28 points adrift of Portadown who finished 11th. As a consequence, they are everyone's favourites to bounce back with an instant return. But it's not worked out as planned so far as they are mid-table in the Championship. Yet the bookies believe they are going to recover from a 4-1 defeat by Annagh United in their last match, the Sky Blues are 8-13 favourites to win. We are the outsiders to take the points with a best price of 4-1 available, it's 11-4 for the draw.

Ballymena Showgrounds, Ballymena

Attendance: 1290 (5 away)

So we decided to go ahead with a couple of changes for the trip to the town of the Seven Towers. Change number one came in central defence as former Queens University man Harry Wylie was given the nod ahead of Ben Mitchell to partner Caolan Loughran in the middle with Andrew Ferguson taken out of the firing line. The other change came in the midfield engine room as we welcomed back skipper Johnny Wilson to resume his partnership with Callum McVeigh. Young defensive prospect Cormac Murphy was given his first call up to the substitutes bench to provide cover at either right-back or centre half whilst we were denied the services of David Taylor as the striker cover since he is not allowed to play against his parent club, former Glentoran man Jordan Jenkins was tasked with filling that gap. Ballymena, managed by Dean Shiels, were unchanged but featured Jonah Mitchell who scored 20 times for Rathfriland Rangers last season and caused us many an issue. This afternoon's referee is Glenn Buchanan of Ballycastle.

The game had an explosive start with the hosts reduced to ten men after just eight minutes, midfielder John Bennett being shown a straight red card by referee Buchanan for a late challenge on McVeigh. Even though the home side and their supporters didn't agree with it, it was red all day long and I would have no complaints about the decision if I was Dean Shiels to be fair. Two minutes later, the Sky Blues led when Lewis Loughlin was penalised for a foul on Alex Gawne in the area: Mikey Place stepped up and sent Ryan Dalzell the wrong way from twelve yards. Gawne then cracked an effort against the bar as we struggled to make the numerical advantage count, and in the 21st minute thought he'd made it 2-0 when he hooked home from a deep Pat Webber cross from the left. However, we were thankful for a flag for offside to scrub that from the scoresheet.

Five minutes after that let-off, we were on level terms. A ball over the top from McVeigh was brought down superbly by Joshua McIlwaine who played it back to the onrushing Wilson to mark his return with a thunderous finish into the roof of the net. Welcome back skip! It was then our turn to test the woodwork out, Sam Morrow's free kick being headed against the bar by Wylie. We were in front in the 34th minute when a workhorse run from Jonathan Doyle saw him feed in field to McVeigh who laid it off to Wilson and his first time effort from 25 yards arrowed low into the bottom corner. A third should have come in the second minute of time added on at the end of the first half, Purvis' loose clearance was seized upon by Alexandre Machado and the winger's low cross to McIlwaine saw the striker again unselfishly set up his skipper but his shot thudded against the bar when we were already getting ready to celebrate goal number 3 for us and Johnny.

The home side thought they were back on level terms in the 54th minute. Donal Rocks with the goalbound strike which Gawne got a touch to divert it into the net but once more a flag for offside denied the front man his goal, Despite the disadvantage in numbers, Ballymena continued to pour forward and were unlucky again in the 68th minute this time when a looping header from centre half Dylan McManus just didn't dip enough under the bar and beat Dalzell. They were finally rewarded ten minutes from time when Place split us open with an superb pass into the path of Gawne, played onside by Craig Briers, and the striker strode on to thunder a finish beyond the exposed Dalzell. There was still time for more drama three minutes from time when Dalzell went down awkwardly when coming for a cross and couldn't continue; Jake Simpson coming on for his debut.

What a return to first team action for the captain. His double, which should have really been a hat-trick, and all round performance in the midfield saw him take the Man of the Match beers back home with him. How we've missed his presence…

Ballymena will be quite pleased with the point and the way the match went for them, As for us, we didn't actually make the extra player count for us so maybe it's a case of two points frittered away rather a good away point gained.

2025-26 Season: Build-Up to Ballymena - Volume 3, Chapter 20

I swear I must be losing my marbles….

I honestly thought that the rest of the league were playing on the Wednesday night in the latest stage of the season. Turns out it was just us and the Welders. Looks like they're going to have some matches in hand on us and we're going to bank as many points as we can in advance ahead of that. It's a funny old world this fixture lark for sure.

Anyway our Head Physio Martin McCarthy delivered some good news in midweek. The good news is that skipper Johnny Wilson has been given the all clear to play against Ballymena United on Saturday after missing the last couple of matches with a knee injury sustained in the 2-0 win against Ballyclare Comrades. As much as Owen Madine did alright against the Welders, it's a lift to everyone concerned. He should slot in pretty much like a glove.

Then there's the issue with “Fergie” (Andrew Ferguson). He's 36, 37 in February next year, and I honestly don't think he's going to play every game at this level. He missed a penalty in the last game, and it had a negative effect on him. He went into a shell and his performance was extremely below par even by his own standards. Therefore it was a no brainer to “hook” him at half time. I might just leave him out completely on Saturday and play Harry Wylie or Ben Mitchell alongside Caolan Loughran. Horses for proverbial courses as they say.

Midweek did actually see the Reserves play their second match in the Championship Development League. They had tasted defeat, 2-3, in their first match against Dundela's second string so could they bounce back? Overall in all respects, it was a smash and grab raid as the home side were on top in all aspects but they dug in to take the win. We took the lead in the 19th minute when Aaron Porter's right wing cross was lashed across the keeper and into the net by former Glentoran striker Jordan Jenkins. Bangor equalised two minutes from half time when Daire Conway picked out John Maloney who smartly finished into the far top corner. We were being kept in the game by Aaron McFarlane making a series of exceptional saves and stunned the home side with a 86th minute winner when Porter was tripped by Daniel Devlin as the winger bore down on goal, Highly rated young midfielder John-Paul Harmon belied his tender 15 years to slot home the perfect penalty.

That win puts them third in the Development League table.

So it's off to the town of the Seven Towers on Saturday. They haven't exactly set the heather alight following their relegation last season. Wouldn't be nice to prolong that misery? It certainly would be a statement victory if it comes off. Just saying…

2025-2026 Season: Josh shines as honours are shared with the Welders = Volume 3, Chapter 19

This has been a brutal first month or so at the moment with very little rest between matches, and it's been a case of trying to get through them without being badly affected by fatigue and serious injuries. However, we continue to surprise a lot and I still maintain if we finish in 10th position this season that this going to be my target completed.

After all, who wants to be known as a one season team wonder? Certainly not us in my book.

As mentioned beforehand, we are aware that we can temporally go back to the top of the table should we take a point minimum from Tuesday night's home match against the Welders. Naturally, we will like all three but a point will be good enough to see us play leapfrog over Annagh United, Warrenpoint and Bangor and then see how Wednesday's matches unfold. The Welders represent another huge test, as they finished runners-up to eventual Champions Loughgall by just three points: I think they will bemoan drawing 12 games compared to Loughgall's 9 which could have seen them in the Premiership for the first time in their storied history. As regards tonight's game, the visitors have been installed as 10-11 favourites to leave The Dub with all three points. As a consequence, the best price you can have for us to record a home win is 11-4 with the draw on offer at 13-5.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 252 (130 away)

We made two changes to the side that in the end, narrowly lost to Bangor 72 hours previously. Harry Wylie and “Interceptor" came out of the starting line up to be replaced by Caolan Loughran, his first start for the Club, and the so-called “Forgotten Man” himself: Owen Madine. Depending on how well he's playing, we are planning to give Andrew Ferguson the first 45 and then re-introduce Wylie whilst Sean “Interceptor” O'Kane looked a bit overwhelmed against Bangor and with Madine chomping at the bit for a go then we just felt we needed his graft and creative spark against the Welders. That side though, “Interceptor” could be our answer to David Fairclough aka the Liverpool super sub from the 70s and early 80s. Johnny Wilson, we hope will be ready for Saturday's trip to Ballymena. The Welders are unchanged from their last game and have a prolific striker in David Parkhouse up front. That said, I saw him play on loan for Hartlepool United and he was quite simply: dog poo. Tonight's referee is Ryan Hanna from Newry.

We made a very bright start as if we were determined to right the defeat against Bangor; and were given a golden chance to open the scoring after just 11 minutes play. Callum McVeigh intercepted a pass from Parkhouse midway in our half and sped forward with purpose and intent. He laid the ball off to the supporting Sam Morrow who was tripped by Dean Jarvis as the winger shaped to cross. Penalty. Ferguson, our reliable man from the spot, stepped up and saw his kick pouched by Jack Le Moignan diving low to his left hand post. Fergie looked deflated as. Yet we broke through 60 seconds later. Alexandre Machado did superbly to whip in a left wing cross despite the attention of two Welders defenders and Joshua McIlwane produced a controlled half volley into the corner: his first goal since signing in the summer. It could have been 2-0 seven minutes later when a patient team move saw Jonathan Doyle glance a header just inches wide of the far post. Would have been some goal that.

Midway through the half, Welders drew level with their first effort in the game. Scott McLean found Parkhouse and the striker dug the ball from under his feet to slot it past Ryan Dalzell. Totally against run of play that was. However, we didn't let this bother us and almost regained the lead on the stroke of half time when a superbly struck effort from just outside the area by McVeigh clipped the bar and over with Le Moignan stranded in no man's land. Half time and we made the switch, Fergie off and Harry Wylie on as per the plan. Welders sensed we could be there for the taking and took the lead in the 57th minute when a nice combination play from Jarvis and Kevin Hanratty (who had only been on the pitch five minutes) saw the latter steer a composed finish across Dalzell and into the far corner, Our response was to make another change, replacing an off colour Doyle with David Taylor.

Within a couple of minutes of that second substitution, we were back on terms and it was a real good team goal at that. The ball was worked across the pitch to Morrow who played it into the path of McVeigh who managed to squeeze it with perfect weight into the path of McIlwane who provided the poacher's finish for his and our second of the evening. Our heads were on it now and we took the game to the Welders, bringing on Aaron Porter (for Morrow) and “Interceptor” (for Madine) as we hunted a winner which we deserved. The moment came a minute from the end when McVeigh found himself one on one with Le Moignan but the midfielder dragged his effort wide of the far post when he should have hit the target. It was a huge miss. Shortly afterwards, the final whistle went and we shook hands on a 2-2 draw when we knew we should have been celebrating our third win of the season.

For a brilliant individual performance, it came as no surprise to anyone that Joshua McIlwane was awarded the Man of the Match beers to take home. Could the experienced striker be the one to take us forward and take the pressure off Doyle as main goalscorer?

A very dominant home performance by the boys against last season's Championship runners-up. We feel a bit hard done by that we didn't take the win as the majority of the match statistics suggest it would have been warranted to be fair. Possession means naff all.

Was wondering where the league table was….don't worry though!

Solid beginnings to life in the top tier. Finish 10th and you'll be able to use that as a springboard. Anything higher is always a bonus.

Airdrie are one of those names I recall from back in the day with their iconic shirt, keep up the good work with this story: it really is a very good read indeed.

2025-26 Season: Weekend round-up and a look ahead to midweek - Volume 3, Chapter 18

It stung like a bee sting, and what makes it worse is that we could have gotten something out of that game I'm sure.

But that opening 45 minutes, it crashed down like the Berlin Wall did in the years 1989 to 1994. We just left ourselves with a insurmountable task to overcome and to be fair, although we gave it a decent fist, it was just a bridge too far. Defeat at this level was bound to happen to someone, we just didn't know which opponent would inflict it upon us. As it was, it was Bangor on home turf in front of our second highest attendance: 400 (the largest being 410 against Lisburn Distillery in the 2023 Steel and Sons Cup semi-final).

The loss pushed us down to fourth. But we will bounce back…and we might have our skipper available soon!

Whilst we were losing to Bangor, the new leaders are Annagh United who destroyed Ballymena United 4-1 at the BMG Arena. Eoin Teggart bagged a brace for the Portadown-based side who raced into a 4-0 lead after 67 minutes, Dylan McManus with the sole consolation goal for the Sky Blues. Second on goal difference, and maintaining their unbeaten record are Warrenpoint Town who defeated Dergview 4-2 at Milltown. Jamal Dupree and Simon McGlynn both scored twice for the Point, all four efforts being netted in the first half, whilst their opponents scored twice in the final ten minutes to make it look more respectable from their aspect.

Remaining bottom without a point are Ballinamallard United after a 3-1 loss at Ballyclare Comrades. Goals from Lee Lynch (with a penalty), Caomhan McGuiness and Cillin Gilmour gave the home side their first win of the season with Alex Holder scoring the sole effort for the Ducks.  That puts the home side sixth, just behind Tuesday night's visitors to The Dub: HW Welders. The Welders edged a seven-goal thriller at Dundela with five of those goals coming in the first 45 minutes. Dundela led 3-2 at that stage but both Odhran Smyth and David Parkhouse completed doubles in the second half to give the visitors the points. The final game saw Ards and Newington shake hands on a 1-1 draw at Clandeboye Park; Odhran McCart's equaliser deep in second half added-on time cancelling out Patrick Cafolla's effort for the home side.

We're the only game on Tuesday, and know that a point will take us back to the summit. The other five matches this midweek are being played 24 hours later.

In other news, both the Under 18s and Reserves played this weekend, with the second string taking a Premiership second string side from Coleraine. An Under 18s side, bolstered by the availability of Jordan Jenkins, Cathal Farren and Connor Maxwell lost 3-1 at The Dub to Dergview Reserves. Farren scored our only goal, but with it was just a consolation with only five minutes left as Dergview were already three goals to the good. 24 hours later, The Dub hosted a second game as Coleraine's second string were in town and they went back north with a 4-2 triumph. Kian McConkey put us in front in the 33rd minute but the away side responded with four unanswered goals to put the match beyond us. Aidan Barrett scored a second home goal in second half iadded-on time but it was just too little, too late in the final analysis.

We also discovered our Second Round opponents in the League Cup:

So for the second time in three seasons, and in this same competition: we've drawn the Crues. The difference this time is that the game is at The Dub as the previous one was at Shore Road, where a Crues second string won 2-0. Will they field a second string this time out? One can only wait and see…

It would be nice to make the Third Round for once.

2025-26 Season: Comeback falls short as Bangor win top two clash - Volume 3, Chapter 17

After going to the top of the Championship standings courtesy of a 2-0 win at The Dub against Ballyclare Comrades on Tuesday, we are back in action on the Saturday with a top of the table clash. It's already our third game in the league this season and we're only in the second week of August. We're scheduled to play 22 matches this season in the Championship in total, and almost a third of those come in this opening month.

Just goes to show that you need to be ready to reshuffle your pack in the early stages.

Every game to us is like Game Seven in the Stanley Cup Finals, For those who aren't into hockey, it's basically the decider: winner takes all so to speak. Treat every game that it might be your last one because you can't be perfect in every match you compete. There will be times when we win together but there will be times when we lose together. It's the nature of the beast. Last season we were unbeaten at home, not a single loss on the home league record but that was then; this is the now. We've stepped up a level, we cannot expect it go our own way all the time: every time. Rumour has it that Bangor are going to be backed by almost 300 fans on Saturday, so The Dub might have more away than home fans in it. I think the record under my tutelage has been just under 400 so who knows what the actual figure is going to be here.

The bookies have Bangor as favourites to leave with the points, you can get a best price of 11-10 for that. If you think though that we can make it three out of three then we're 9-4 to do just that with a draw being the outside bet at 13-5. Who's your money on?

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 400 (276 away)

We left it to the last minute to decide whether to play skipper Johnny (Wilson) today following his twisted knee sustained in the Ballyclare match on Tuesday evening. Every chance was given. The final decision was made not to risk him here and possibly sustain further damage, and instead hopefully have him ready for the midweek game when we host The Welders. Of all the options available, we decided to go with “Interceptor” simply because he deserves it after scoring twice in the opening two matches. Sean's place on the bench is filled by Owen Madine. Bangor make a couple of changes from the side that won their opening match, on-loan duo Aodhan Doherty (Linfield) and Padraig Lynch (Dungannon Swifts) come in for their Bangor debuts and replace Orrin McLaughlin and summer PSNI target Curtis Murphy who drop to the substitutes bench. This afternoon's referee is Niall Gallagher of Coleraine, no relation to Liam and Noel.

Bangor made the better of the starts and deservedly took the lead after 11 minutes, and in simple fashion. Doherty played a ball into Ben Arthurs and the former Ards youth teamer coolly sidestepped Andrew Ferguson to create himself some space before applying the finish beyond Ryan Dalzell. Nine minutes later, things got worse for us as Bangor scored a second and it was a calamity of errors as far as we were concerned. Doherty's low cross was attempted to be cleared by Harry Wylie but it instead struck Ferguson, and landed at the feet of Lynch who had the simplest finish for 0-2. We knew we were in trouble and unless we got our heads on it then we could be on the receiving end of a proper beating. Alexandre Machado twice went close but failed to hit the target as we tried to haul ourselves back into the game. 

Six minutes from the interval, Bangor and their large away following were celebrating a third. Lewis Loughlin was harshly penalised for a trip on Lynch by the referee and Arthurs bagged his second of the afternoon with a perfectly executed spot kick. Our best chance came a couple of minutes afterwards but Joshua McIlwane's goalbound effort was tipped around the post by Tom Murphy. With things not changing much, we made a double change in the 53rd minute with Loughlin and McIlwane being replaced by Sebastian Wylie and David Taylor. In the 56th minute, we had a way back into the match when a long ball forward from Craig Briers found a good run from Jonathan Doyle and he turned it into the path of the incoming Callum McVeigh who smashed in his first of the season at the near post. Taylor should have scored in the 63rd minute when Machado found him six yards out but failed to cleanly connect  and the ball dribbled wide.

We got within one in the 69th minute when another long ball forward from Briers again found Doyle who this time cushioned the ball down before striking an effort across Murphy and into the far corner. It was the striker's fourth goal of the season. He's clearly taking to this new playing standard like a proverbial duck to water and if he carries on at this rate, plus staying injury-free, he'll crush his club record of 18 goals in a season (all competitions). However, try as we might we couldn't score a third and equalising goal so fell to our first loss of the season and our unbeaten home record ends after 14 matches.

For his brace, and generally being a bit of a pain in the backside all afternoon, Bangor's Ben Arthurs took the Man of the Match beers back with him. A number of our players were below par, but of the ones that did shine: Jonathan Doyle was the pick of the bunch.

The game statistics show what an entertaining match both sides put on. Whilst we were the leaders in the number of shots taken; we were second best elsewhere which means Bangor were deserved winners in the grand scheme of things. But we ran another big club close, and that's a positive right?

2025-26 Season: An injury blow as we look ahead to the next challenge - Volume 3, Chapter 16

We were the only match to be played in midweek, and that win saw us ascend to the top spot in the Championship ahead of Bangot.

That said….

Our next match is ironically against Bangor, at The Dub on Saturday afternoon so we have a top of the table clash to contend with. Imagine the buzz around the dressing room at the moment. However, Tuesday night's win over Ballyclare came at a cost:

The skipper looked in discomfort when we substituted him, and so it has been proven. One can only surmise that this injury could have been 100 per cent worse if we hadn't taken him off when we did. It makes him a serious doubt for the Bangor fixture. If he does miss out then at least I have options available, one of which is giving a start (after two incredible substitute showings) to “Interceptor” O'Kane.

We have to be conscious of the fact that we are relatively still a small fish in a much bigger pond. I mean you look at the standard we were playing at last season and compare that to what we are facing now; it's like night and day. Yet we continue to defy the odds every week and surprise me in the first instance to be fair. Players who are Tier 4 standard really are playing well above their expected level, examples of that being striker Jonathan Doyle who has bagged three goals in his first two Championship games and veteran defender Andrew “Fergie” Ferguson who is performing like a very fine wine: that is getting better with age. 

One thing is for sure, we fear nobody! Bangor, we're a coming fae you next!

2025-26 Season: Two from two, not too shabby - Volume 3, Chapter 15

The games come thick and fast in this opening month, it feels like we are playing Saturday then midweek then Saturday again. That calls for a squad with depth which was something that we didn't have when I first arrived. We didn't have a youth policy nor a reserve team either. We were handicapped by a wage budget which meant we couldn't offer paid contracts out. But last season changed all that…

What a difference two seasons makes…

Not many folk outside our own gave us any chance to win on Saturday, but one thing that we have developed here now is something called: resilience. That is, we do not never give in. I think the Ducks know that now, if they don't then they can watch the match video and learn from it. So the perfect start from our opinion, three points on the board after the first matchday. One thing that we want to continue this season is having a solid home record, we didn't lose a home match at all in 2024-25 and we firmly believe that if you have something like this then it will underpin how the season will pan out overall. Our home opener under the lights here at The Dub sees Ballyclare Comrades in opposition. Last season saw them finish ninth out of twelve, a stark comparison to 2023-24 where they finished third. As half expected, the more experienced Comrades are the bookies favourites to take the three points offer this evening with a best price of 11-10 available. If you believe we can make it two from two then we can be found at 2-1 whilst a draw is available at 5-2.

Tonight's team sheet is as follows:

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 19 (72 away)

We toyed with the decision of making changes tonight bearing in mind that this our second game in 72 hours. The call was to make a couple of changes at differing ends of the pitch: veteran Andrew Ferguson came in at the heart of the defence in place of Ben Mitchell whilst Joshua McIlwane, who can also play as a winger, partnered Jonathan Doyle up front. Both Mitchell and Taylor took their replacements vacated berths on the substitutes bench to complete the matchday squad. After losing 3-1 at Bangor in their opening match, Comrades manager Adrian McLaughlin rang the changes with a total of four players into the starting eleven and four out. Out, and out of the matchday squad as well, were Caoiman McGuiness, Lee McClure, Brian Healy and Greg Moorhouse with Jordan McMullan, Aaron Arkinson, Cillin Gilmour and Jay Murray taking their places. Central defender Jamie Robinson serves the last of his four match ban which has been carried over from a red card in the closing stages of the 2024-25 campaign. Tonight's referee is Diarmuid Harrigan of Derry.

There was almost a goal in the first 14 seconds, and it almost had the visitors ahead when Murray spotted Ryan Dalzell slightly off his line. From what looked like 40 yards out, the striker tried an audacious chip that had the keeper backpedalling but relieved as the ball cleared the crossbar yet it was only just though. It would have been quite an incredible goal from the diminutive front man who was making his debut for the away side. We thought we were going to celebrate the opener on the half hour when Callum McVeigh and Sam Morrow opened the Comrades defence to allow McIlwane to take aim and fire; only for McMullan to put his body on the line and bravely block the shout for a corner kick. It hadn't been a great first 45 but we were creating which was a positive.

It stayed goalless as we made a double change from the bench in the 61st minute, “Interceptor” coming on for skipper Johnny Wilson who appeared to be struggling with an unspecified injury and Taylor replacing the ineffective Morrow which meant McIlwane went right wing and Taylor back up front with Doyle. Within two minutes of the double substitution, it paid dividends. McVeigh rolled a free kick short to Doyle who was lurking with some serious intent outside the Comrades penalty area whilst the visitors were expecting it to be swung into the mixer. Last season's top scorer weighed it up, and then unleashed an exocet that left Declan Breen clutching thin Belfast air. Fourteen minutes from time, we doubled the lead when a well flighted corner from Lewis Loughlin was met by a header from O'Kane that found the net via the underside off the bar. 

Little had been seen of the visitors but they opened us up with four minutes to go when Ferguson misjudged a ball forward from Lee Lynch but the debutant Murray shot wide. It wouldn't have counted anyway as the referee's assistant had flagged him offside as he took aim. We should have bagged a third in the final minute when O'Kane weighted a pass to Taylor but the striker weakly shot at Breen. But the game was won by then, and it's two from two. We're feeling good.

Again there were a number of candidates for taking the Man of the Match beers home with them. In the end, the award went to “Interceptor” who now has two goals in his first two appearances since signing in the summer on a free transfer. His reaction? “I like it!”

Otherwise known as….

A comprehensive win in all facets for us with another XG in advance of 2.0 which is very pleasing. To limit them to zero shots on target is another positive for us as we get more and more used to life in the Championship. 

2025-26 Season: Building Up for Ballyclare's Visit - Volume 3, Chapter 14

Safe to say, the mood in that Ballinmallard United away dressing room was jubilant.

Never mind the Steel and Sons Cup in the first season, and the Intermediate League Championship last, we have reached a new high with that dramatic 5-4 win at Ferney Park. Especially in the way we did it, with three goals in the last four minutes plus time added-on. It's actually the stuff of wildest dreams to be honest, and probably the highest point in the short managerial career so far.

Skipper Johnny Wilson summed it up: “What the hell…just happened!”

I can just picture how Stephen (Small) is feeling now, absolutely devastated. But football has a habit of delivering surprise after surprise and today this dog had it's day. It was, in the words of Ian “Ollie” Holloway: “Woof Day, and this dog is gonna bark.” There was a sense of a party as we boarded the bus, being serenaded individually by the hardy three away supporters in the car park.

The early leaders of the division though are Bangor City who saw off our next opponents Ballyclare Comrades 3-1 at Clandeboye Park. There were also wins for Warrenpoint Town (3-2 at Newington), Annagh United (2-1 at HW Welders), and Ballymena United (2-1 at home to Ards) whilst Dergview and Dundela drew 2-2 at Darragh Park, Castlederg. We sit second on goals scored, and had four players in the Team of the Week; Ryan Dalzell, Johnny Wilson, Alexandre Machado and Jonathan Doyle: the most of any side. Not even Bangor could match that. 

“Scrooge” continued the feel good factor by announcing a 20 per cent increase in season ticket sales, we now have 36 season ticket holders for 2025-26 compared to 30 last season. Hopefully the success factor will see more “on the day” fans turn up as the standard is higher than what they have seen before and we're on the “journey” to build something special. 

The Reserves opener at The Dub ended in a defeat however. Despite taking the lead twice through a Michael Thompson penalty and Aidan Barrett, they lost 3-2 with Eamonn McIlhagga scoring Dundela Reserves winner in the third minute of time added-on. It could have been worse if it wasn't for young Jake Simpson in goals who denied the visitors time and time again with a series of sensational saves. 

There might be changes for the home opener, after all we play seven league matches in 28 days in this opening month. Plus a League Cup Second Round tie. Rotation might be used more than ever before.

2025-26 Season: Nine goal thriller for openers - Volume 3, Chapter 13

So this is it, right? The start of a new season and our first in the Championship after last season's remarkable effort.

We are aware that this is a step up in standard and if we can do well at home as well as getting a few wins away from home then we stand a very good chance that we will be in this division in 2026-27. That's what I would like but is our squad good enough to make the jump or will have to completely reshape them so they are? Nothing easy.

Our opponents are the Ducks from County Fermanagh way, a team that we faced in the quarter-final stage of the Intermediate Cup last season. The Ducks edged that one 3-2 so we would like to get one back on them this season. They have strengthened their forward line this summer with the loan signing Crusaders Leon Boyd and the tall teenager that is Dan Shiel.  Last season saw the Ducks finish fourth in the final Championship table, as they aim to go back into the top division since being relegated in 2017-18. The bookies think the newcomers are going to come unstuck today as the home team are 10-11 favourites to start with a three point haul. We are best priced at 11-4 whilst you can get a draw at 13-5 if you so wish.

Ferney Park, Ballinmallard

Attendance: 506 (3 away)

So after six warm-up games, the first starting line up in the Championship has been made. We decided to go with the majority of last season's squad bar one and that is at centre half where new signing Harry Wylie from Queens replaces the veteran that is Andrew Ferguson. The thinking about that “Fergie” isn't getting any younger and could struggle against a pacey striker. On the bench are the other five newcomers; including Joshua McIlwane who was released as a Ducks player in the summer and joined us shortly afterwards. Guess he might have a point to prove?  The Ducks give debuts to two of their four new signings, defender Dylan King and Crusaders loanee Boyd with the other two: Shiel and Caleb Crawford on the bench. Turkish goalkeeper Yusuf Mersin starts the season as number one, having recorded 13 clean sheets last season since moving from H&W Welders. This afternoon's referee is Louise Thompson from Maguiresbridge.

We made a brilliant start, taking the lead after just eight minutes when a quick throw-in from Lewis Loughlin to Johnny Wilson, and the skipper's whipped cross to the back post was met by a bullet header from Sam Morrow for our first Championship goal. The Ducks equalised in the 27th minute as a result of a clean and crisp passing that saw Dan Rooney (no relation to Wayne) smash one in from fully 25 yards out that Ryan Dalzell grasping thin air. Four minutes before half time, they took the lead when Reece Byrne curled in a beauty from outside of the area that once more Dalzell was powerless to stop. It should have been 3-1 in the first of three minutes added-on when Ben Mitchell tripped Byrne in the area. Penalty said Louise Thompson. Yet Byrne's spot kick was weak, straight into Dalzell's inviting gloves. Then we punished them with our second in the final seconds of the opening 45, Wilson with a pass to Alexandre Machado who took a touch before steading himself to slot it past Mersin at the keeper's near post.

2-2 after 45 minutes, and I thought we were deservedly level. We had shown little fear at this higher level.

Yet 23 seconds into the second half, the Ducks went 3-2 ahead when Boyd went down after a challenge from Harry Wylie and made out he was badly injured so we thought a free kick would be awarded against us. Ms Thompson's whistle never sounded, and Rooney picked up the loose ball before charging on and bagging his second of the afternoon. Boyd rubbed it in further after 63 minutes when he latched onto a Rooney through ball to slot past Dalzell, winking at us as he jogged back to the centre circle in shades of Cristiano Ronaldo vs England in the 2006 World Cup. We were now up against it, and made several changes to try get back into a game that was seemingly drifting away: one being the introduction of “The Interceptor” (Sean O'Kane) for a subdued Callum McVeigh. Little did we know what would happen next…

The playing style was also changed, going a little bit more attacking in the hope we could cause the home side to wobble whilst trying remain stable at the back. With four minutes to go. we made it 4-3 when Machado crossed for last season's top scorer Jonathan Doyle to head in at the near post. Surely there wasn't a comeback that even Lazarus couldn't surpass on the cards? Well in the first of six added-on minutes, Machado initiated a move by dispossessing Darragh Byrne just inside our own half, Wilson and former Ducks striker McIlwane took it on and “Interceptor” O'Kane finished it superbly from around the penalty spot to send our three away fans jumping with delirium. Yet that wasn't it as we won it in the final seconds when another cross from Machado landed on the head of Doyle who directed his header perfectly past Mersin. Absolute scenes with limbs everywhere!  Poor Stephen Small in the home dugout looked like a man who had just been served divorce papers, but we had just won the craziest game possible after looking down and out at one stage. Who says football is boring, eh?

 whoThe exceptional Dan Rooney took home the Man of the Match beers home with him, and is probably drinking them in consolation that somehow his team ended up losing 4-5 when they were 4-2 up with just four minutes to go. That said, skipper Wilson with three assists and Machado who scored and assisted twice were phenomenal for us. Doyle scored twice, including the dramatic winner, and then there's Interceptor…

Just look at those match stats! Perfect viewing for the first time football fan but not the seasoned one or the manager's heart rate either. Good to see that we're still playing the entertaining football from last season…

2025-26 Season: All ready to go, and time to unleash a surprise - Volume 3, Chapter 12

So it was pretty disappointing to lose the final pre-season outing, but who reads anything into these games really? They mean, and always will mean, absolutely nothing when the real stuff begins. 

And that is what's happening this Saturday at Ferney Park.

As the new kids on the block, the fourth estate have been playing the roles of Doubting Thomases again when asked how we are going to fare this season. Everyone expects us to finish 12th out of 12, stone cold last. Which is a recurring theme. Season One - expected finish 14th out of 14; actual finish 6th then Season Two - expected finish 13th out of 14; actual finish 1st. Anyone would think we have a mentality that says we just want to prove people wrong, don't you think? Well judging by our summer recruitment so far, we are not coming into the Championship to make the numbers up and be the whipping boys. Not at all.

Naturally one of the final things we have to do before the opening day, is to decide who is going to wear the “C” armband. For the last couple of seasons, Johnny Wilson has worn it admirably with Craig Briers being a very capable deputy. This close-season has seen the newly signed-up Callum McVeigh show some serious leadership qualities and people forget the fact that he's just 22 at that. However to avoid any potential internal conflicts, Wilson and Briers are going to remain in place for a third successive campaign with McVeigh ready to take on the mantle should he required to step up into the breach. You can't have too many leaders in the room as far as I am concerned.

As well as being the opening day of the new Championship season, the following day sees our second string take part in the NIFL Championship Developmemt League when they host Dundela's reserves at The Dub. All in all, things are moving in the right direction. “Scrooge” has also re-affirmed what he expects from us this season and to be truthful: I think it's very much achievable.

We have a fully fit squad to choose from tomorrow, time to make them Ducks feel quackers! Who actually plays, I really don't know as it's giving me some serious sleepless nights just thinking about this permutation and that one. I know one thing, there might be a few disappointed faces in that dressing room tomorrow afternoon. I just can't play everyone.

2025-26 Season: Billy's Testimonial rounds off the preparations - Volume 3, Chapter 11

It was a quick turnaround for the sixth and final pre-season trip; which was William Hassan's Testimonial match in Coagh.

The main thing was to come out of the match, which I was sure would be ultra-competitive, without any major injuries for the first team regulars i was going to field at Hagan Park. Coagh had missed out on the final day of last season for a place in the end of season play-off lottery, so would be determined to go one better this time around. They, like us, will be determined to show that 2024-25 wasn't a flash in the pan season which of course is exactly what all the doubters and naysayers out there would just to see happen.

Anyway, as well as getting the final bits of match fitness in the legs, today is all about Will Hassan and a huge thank you for his services to Coagh United Football Club. The word stalwart isn't used that often these days, but today is one of them. This is for you Will.

My starting line-up and substitutes (11 of them, one for each position) this afternoon was as follows:

So of my starting eleven, six of these could be considered possible starters next Saturday against the Ducks of Ballinamallard United. It meant that give me a blooming good reason to include you for the remaining spots although I do have names in mind anyway. Once I decided to have a number of youth team players on the bench, four of them in fact with another teen starting which goes to show how much I wanted to have this set up. Find the new stars of the future which might be starring for Northern Ireland in major tournaments and for the likes of your Liverpools, Manchester Uniteds etc… The premise is to give the starters at least an hour before the second string take over. As for the home side, the testimonial man himself started on the bench as Conall McNally chose to start with the giant Orann Donnelly in goals: the player being a new arrival from Cliftonville in the summer.

We went in front after 12 minutes when a surging run from Joshua McIlwane, something that was to be a common sight all afternoon, was baulked by a challenge by Matthew Gorman for a stonewall penalty kick. McIlwane picked himself up, dusted himself down and sent Donnelly the wrong way with a powerful and well executed spot kick. The lead lasted less a minute when a twisty run from Michael Connolly caused panic in our back line and Jourdan Shearer lashed the ball into the roof of the net. A third goal in a mad two minutes spell saw us regain the lead, another good run from McIlwane and he chipped the ball for David Taylor to finish with a simple header at the far post. Typical testimonial fare so far…

Coagh made three changes at half time, but none involved giving Hassan the second half which was an astonishing decision in my eyes but then again I'm not Conall McNally am I? One of those changes, Michael Tolan, had an immediate impact, scoring twice in the opening five minutes of the second half. In the 47th minute, fellow half time substitute Jonathan James weighted a pass into Tolan who had broken the offside line perfectly to stroke the ball beyond the advancing Ryan Dalzell. Then the same two combined again three minutes later, James with a defence splitting cross, and Tolan swept the ball into the inviting net with Dalzell out of position. Once more there was little time to catch ones breath as we made it 3-3 after 54 minutes, Sam Morrow with a superb cross that McIlwane met with a cushioned header at the near post.

We made the mass substitution on the hour, McIlwane looking bewildered why we had taken him off whilst on the verge of a hat-trick but we had said this was going to happen regardless in our pre-match conversations. Clearly he must forgotten, I just hope he doesn't throw too much of a strop because he's certainly played his way into a starting spot next Saturday with his performances in the last couple of friendlies including this one. Who partners him, I haven't decided however. Those changes meant that two 15 year olds; goalkeeper Kyle Kenny and central defender Mark McGreevey-Couchman, would finish the game for us. Well if they appear to be good enough for the first team then they will be selected, simple as. Kyle, my assistant, certainly rates the pair.

Coagh would win the game with goals in the 81st and 85th minute: the first coming after a mistimed header from Lewis Loughlin allowed Connolly to scamper clear and he teed up one-time target Jack McFeely to steer a shot into the far corner. Then as we pushed for 4-4, Kai McCormick (on his final appearance before completing a move to Bangor) crossed to the back post and McFeely steered his header home. A typical testimonial game and a nice thank you for Will. That said, McNally didn't give him a minute's action which would be the right thing to do. Hang your head in shame Conall McNally, hang your head in shame….as you have just spoiled one of your club's most loyal players' day! Now if I was Will Hassan….

Welcome back Tongey lad.

Let's hope this turns into one of your legendary long-running journeyman saves that never seems to end.

Solid start as usual.

Good to see the wins have started to appear and improve that win percentage too.

You're in touch here, time to kick onwards and break into the top five: I take it's one automatic and one from play-offs?

Keep going chief.

2025-26 Season: Honours even at Banbridge as season draws closer - Volume 3, Chapter 10

We have just a couple of friendlies to play before the first weekend of August and the new Championship season starts. One of those friendlies is at Crystal Park, Banbridge, where we have had a few good competitive matches in the Intermediate League before we travel to Coagh United on the last Saturday in July for William Hassan's testimonial.

I've decided that these two games will be a mixture of first team and prospects when it comes to team selection. I could wheel out the first team squad for the testimonial match but this is tempered by not wanting to pick up any injuries at all. Especially with the fact, I am determined to make season three another one of progress and not one where we just become one season successes. I'm also conscious that we have spent big on wages this summer and will be forced to financially cut back seriously if we suffered an immediate relegation.

Finish 10th out of 12 is a target we can realistically achieve. Then kick on again…

We went with the following squad in Banbridge;

A nice mixture to travel to Crystal Park that has a little bit of everything in it. Latest signing Joshua McIlwane was given an opportunity to showcase his striking ability alongside Jordan Jenkins with highly rated loan striker David Taylor ready to be unleashed from the bench, The squad also featured a number of highly youth prospects: John Cullen, Jursten Bekman and Billy Olofsson who have been really have been impressing in training and could get some first team friendly minutes in their books this evening. “Interceptor” O'Kane and Owen Madine form an interesting central midfield partnership with both Callum McVeigh and Johnny Wilson given the night off. Banbridge feature highly-rated teenage winger Scott Gormley who we have tried to sign numerous times since the summer transfer window opened, Gormley opting to stay with the Town as we're apparently not a big enough to match his ambitions. I mean we're not PSG but seriously is he trying to think he's better than he actually is.

We took the lead in the tenth minute from a penalty kick; awarded for a forceful challenge on Alexandre Machado by Niall Fielding. Up stepped Madine  to confidently dispatch it past Kieran Murphy from twelve yards. Ten minutes later, Banbridge were on level when a swift counter attack was finished by a long range strike from 25 yards from Patrick McGrath that appeared to bounce in front of Jake Simpson and deceive the young custodian before nestling into the bottom corner. We regained the lead seven minutes afterwards though when some patient play allowed Aaron Porter to send a low shot goalbound, Curran blocked that but his attempted clearance landed at the feet of Sean O'Kane and “Interceptor” showed great technique to send a half volley into the far bottom corner.

But that wasn't the end of the first half scoring as we were undone for a second time four minutes before half time. A corner routine saw the ball be headed back to McGrath who was loitering around the penalty spot and his shot found its way past an unsighted Simpson for his second of the night and 2-2. Banbridge took the lead for the first time just before the hour when substitute Jack McCreanor's cross was sweetly volleyed home by Gormley: illustrating why I wanted to sign him. Yet we remained unbeaten in pre-season games with an equaliser 16 minutes from the end and it was a goal that really did please me no end. Swedish teen striker Billy Olofsson picked a loose ball midway inside the Banbridge half, swept it wide to fellow teen Bekman who attacked the full back before delivering an accurate low cross that Olofsson finished like a true striker at the near post.

All in all, it was a good workout for the 19-man squad that were on duty tonight. McIlwane looked lively and interesting in his 82 minute performance whilst Madine and “Interceptor” were very solid in the engine room for us. The big plus though was the youth teamers I used: Cullen looks a steady performer at right back and probably better than Tim Millar-Wilson whilst Bekman and Olofsson were superb considering neither have reached their 18th birthday yet. 

Certainly some food for proverbial thought….

Decent league recovery after that opening day humbling, shame they seem to have underestimated Vale.

Chastening loss in the Carabao too, but I would to think that getting back into the second tier is the bigger priority. 

2025-2026 Season: Build up to Banbridge - Volume 3, Chapter 9

Winning that friendly match against Celtic B was a good feeling, especially when I had changed the line up so dramatically from the friendly against Linfield Rangers a number of days previously. Sometimes when you make so many wholesale changes, it can either work in your favour or back fire on you spectacularly. Thankfully for me and the Club, it did pay off even though we had squandered a two goal lead.

I wish Darren O'Dea and the Celtic B side the best for the season ahead for sure. Who knows we might be able to entice a Rangers B side next season as the Club ideally continues to grow off the pitch. Well, that's the thought process anyway.

What also pleased me no end was that the number of players who performed well in what were, atrocious weather conditions. Jordan Jenkins got the plaudits from the fourth estate naturally for his half an hour substitute appearance which culminated in him scoring the winning goal but there were others too. Callum McVeigh was really good in central midfield, Lewis Loughlin at left back and Jonathan Doyle up front to name just three. All showed that they will probably take to the Championship like a duck to water in the upcoming weeks.

Talking about McVeigh, he's been that good so much so that he has become a man in demand. Recently he was the subject of a contract offer from Loughgall which we responded to by offering a paid contract deal similar to that with Sam Morrow. Now after last night, Intermediate League side Armagh City are trying to get him to stay in that division rather than test himself in the second tier. His former club Ards are also waiting to see, The 22 year old former Linfield trainee scored 15 times in the 39 games he played last season since signing from Knockbreda, and his free kick taking ability is one of the best we have seen for a while. Hopefully like Sam before him, he will see sense and realise it's best to stay with us and tell the others to do one….

I've already made my mind up about Tuesday's friendly in Banbridge, I am going to rotate the line up once more and give some of those who were not involved against Celtic B: a chance to impress. This means players such as Connor Maxwell and Owen Madine will start as will new signing Joshua McIlwane up front unless any of them pick up an injury in the days ahead. I have a side I want to play on the opening day but we shall see what develops on that front.

Monday, and Callum had made a decision. Would he stay or seek pastures anew? The answer was quite straight forward in the end…

Absolutely brilliant, he certainly believes in the “project” that we are starting to seriously build here. To tie him and Sam Morrow down to paid contracts is a sign that something good is happening. We have spent a good chunk of the increased wage budget to be fair, but it had to be done if we are to compete and not be seen as relegation whipping boys as some have predicted. Some funds do remain like, but I have no reason to splurge it all away. “Scrooge” knows this.

Good start here.

Remember “studying” in Bolton in the early to mid nineties, and spending my Saturday afternoons down at the old Burnden Park which had the Normid Superstore next to the away terracing.

Be interesting to see how this career pans out.

2025-26 Season; Jenkins joy as young Bhoys are beaten - Volume 3, Chapter 8

Thursday came, and as I looked out of my window at The Dub: the rain was lashing down. And this is supposed to be summer, right? Well as Kyle (McDowell) kindly reminded me for the umpteenth time, this is a Northern Irish summer. I guess I should be used to it by now.

Anyway I had met up with Darren O'Dea, the Celtic B manager, earlier that morning as I took them around the National Stadium. They had been ushered in discreetly because wearing Celtic colours is pretty much frowned upon in this spot of South Belfast. Linfield, who play their league matches here, are very closely followed by football fans of the other half of the great Glasgow divide.

The question I was asking myself, do I continue with the combination of youth and experience like I have done so recently or would it be preferable to run with a virtually full strength side ahead of our trip to Banbridge next Tuesday night? Kyle was leaning towards the latter and I had trust in his think process but would Darren mind it if I chose to go full strength? Of course he wouldn't because playing against experienced players is only good for the young Bhoys career development. 

Rain wasn't abating and I was starting to wonder if the match would actually take place. Match referee Colin Gray did an inspection at 6:30pm, quarter of an hour before any hardy souls would be allowed in to spectate. Thankfully he gave the all clear, and it was game on. The side chosen to take part in the fourth pre-season outing of season 2025-26 was as follows:

So we decided that we were going to go strong tonight, with a team selection that screamed full strength to the supporters. The big calls though were at left back where I chose Lewis Loughlin over both Connor Maxwell and Sebastian Wylie, and up front David Taylor got the nod to partner Jonathan Doyle up front ahead of Jordan Jenkins. Latest signing Joshua McIlwane was on the bench, but which position would he come on: winger or striker? Celtic B Head Coach Darren O'Dea's young hoops had two players with senior experience: central midfielder Daniel Kelly and winger Rocco Vata who eligible to play for either Scotland or Albania at international level. Also on the bench was defender Ben Summers who has been featured on the bench by Brendan Rodgers a few times in recent seasons.

We would open the scoring in the 16th minute and it was all down to the play of Loughlin. The left back made a marauding run down the left hand side before delivering in a low cross into the area where Callum McVeigh arrived to sidefoot a finish beyond Tobi Oluwayemi. Seven minutes later, we had a second. McVeigh shaped to swing a free kick into the penalty area but instead sent it sideways right to Doyle who took a touch before blasting right into the postage stamp, Oluwayemi nowhere near. The young hoops pulled one back on the stroke of half time thanks to a well taken individual effort from Kelly who angled an effort beyond Ryan Dalzell when it looked like there was no shot on.

It became 2-2 with 16 minutes left to play, Vata causing Loughlin to commit to a challenge before sidestepping him and moving into space. The young winger then showed composure and maturity beyond his years as he lifted the ball over the exposed Dalzell and into the far corner of the net. Anyone's game now, and in the second of four minutes added-on at the end: we scored our third and ultimately decisive goal to win the encounter. Substitute Sean O'Kane swept the ball out left to fellow substitute Jenkins who cut inside Finlay Hale before arrowing a finish over substitute 'keeper Josh Clarke that kissed the underside of the crossbar and in for a dramatic winner. A goal worthy of winning any match.

New signing McIlwane did feature, as a 70th minute substitute for an off-colour Sam Morrow. Man of the Match though, was Jenkins for a superb 30 minute cameo as substitute for Taylor - he's certainly given me food for thought as they say.

Really good save this mate, hopefully you can break into the top four and get a gem of a signing to replace the departing Terland.

Let me guess though, your budget is smaller than those above you?

2025-26 Season: Build Up for the Hoopy visitors - Volume 3, Chapter 7

As we walked off the pitch at New Midgley Park, I immediately started to think towards Thursday's home friendly against Celtic B.

This would definitely see something very close, if not the exact, to my strongest possible side which will start the season in three weeks from time. But as always, if one player turns in such a spellbinding performance in any of the final three warm-up matches then he might be very hard to drop when the real thing starts up. Then there's the possibility of injuries as well. Anything could change one's thinking.

We filled a vacancy at the start of the week in the backroom team. Kevin Niblock had left us at the end of June, which meant we were without a manager for the Under 18 squad: something that Director of Football Callum McGuigan was determined to fill as quickly as possible. Less than a fortnight later, he had got Kevin's successor in place. Joining us is Derry born Kevin Callaghan, and Callum's convinced he has the right man in place. “Kevin Callaghan is an upgrade.” Callum reminded all when questioned.

Monday was decision day, would we have newcomer number seven coming through the doors or would it be a rejection? Well, it ended to the former rather than the latter…

Signing Josh I believe completes the puzzle for the new season. He's an experienced head to have around what is a fairly young group, and his versatility to play in a couple of positions is a major plus for me. Bar one season at the beginning of his career, he's been a Ballinamallard United player for ten seasons and twice in the last three: has hit double figure goal tallies in the Championship which can only be of benefit too. We beat both Coagh United and Limavady United to his signature so all is good.

Will we be signing any more? Never say never…

Darren O'Dea and his young Hoops arrive Thursday; wonder what kind of attendance we shall see? If it's over 100 then I'm going to take that as a win no matter what. Strongest possible side for us on parade.

2025-26 Season: Third friendly ends in a draw - Volume 3, Chapter 6

We went into our third friendly still sweating on the decision of the experienced left winger/striker. Was he going to pick one of the Intermediate League sides over a Championship one? The more time passed, the more anxious I became. But footballers these days are weird breed and that's all down to one thing and one thing alone.

Agents. The cancer of modern football.

Playing Linfield's youth prospects wasn't the glamourous game that it appears to be. Some of the opponents were younger than the side we were planning to field, and had probably not played against a higher standard at all. With Celtic B coming to The Dub on the Thursday night, I decided that we would go with another mixed squad and hope that the first teamers selected came through without injury. With such a large squad, we have cover in every position so our friendlies give me the chance to try out new permutations whether it be in defence, midfield and attack. It wouldn't be sensible to field the same line up pre-season without seeing what others can do. Horses for courses as they say.

This was who we decided to go with for our trip to New Midgley Park:

Of the starting eleven, you could only consider goalkeeper Ryan Dalzell, veteran defender Andrew Ferguson, winger Alexandre Machado and striker Jonathan Doyle as stalwarts from last season title-winning side. We gave a first outing to our new signing from Harlow Town, Sebastian Wylie, at left back whilst Kian McConkey was given a chance to shine in central defence. “Interceptor” and Owen Madine made for another different pairing in the engine room whilst I was keen to see how Doyle and Jordan Jenkins faired together up front. Doyle also was given the captain's armband for the first time under my tutelage ahead of Madine and Ferguson. Young Swedish striker Billy Olofsson, who had been impressing in training, was given a place on the substitutes bench as we chose to go with eight substitutes again instead of the maximum fifteen which we were given the option of naming.

It's safe to say that this friendly showcased the fact some players aren't first team quality as they allowed themselves to be outplayed by their younger opponents in blue. The home side led at the break thanks to a goal from winger Tommy Rodgers in the 18th minute when he collected a pass from Ethan Devine to drive his shot low across Dalzell and find the far corner. We tried all manner of changes, but the hosts showed no sign of letting us break through and level the scores. It was seemingly one of those afternoons and this seemed to be firmly illustrated eight minutes from time when Johnny Wilson set up an unmarked Sam Morrow ten yards out. However, the winger somehow pulled his shot wide of the target and not force Mark Bannon into a save. It was a horrendous miss, and one that we hoped wouldn't come back to haunt us.

With time ticking on, we continued to press for a leveller. Four minutes from time, we prevailed and it was all down to the commitment of a player who has been at the Club for less than a week,. Doyle swung in a deep cross from wide right which was headed away by home defender Eamon Gormley. Sebastian Wylie, the newcomer, picked it up and drove towards the by-line before drilling in a low cross that Gormley stuck out a stray leg at and diverted it into his own net. So it ended level, which wasn't too bad in the grand scheme: and no injuries to report either.

Attentions now head towards Celtic B's visit under the lights on Thursday. Who will Darren O'Dea name in his squad, will there be any familiar names making the trip across the sea? We wait with bubbling excitement….

2025-26 Season: One in, and one out - Volume 3, Chapter 5

i was very pleased indeed with the win against Monaghan Town, but I made sure at half time that the Lads knew that I don't like it when we start slower than a bloody tortoise. I politely reminded them that if they do this when the real stuff begins, well the opposition won't be as forthcoming and they will probably put us to the sword and we could get a heavy beating.

No real ranting, just making sure that all are on the right page. Anyway I digress…

Sunday saw Zach Annett call me and announce he has agreed to join Glebe Rangers on a free transfer. With both Connor Maxwell and Lewis Loughlin in front of him, I could not give him the first team football he craved. He was a solid player, and chipped in with a few goals too, but sometimes you have to overhaul the squad if you want to achieve your personal ambitions. I think though I could even get a third left back in, just in case that neither the two we have at present: fail to cut the mustard so to speak. I also reckon we need a left winger too as there's very little depth in that position at all. Ideally I want to play Sam Morrow on the right as I reckon that's his best position but can Alexandre Machado perform there? Well, I'm not sure.

So we made offers for a left-back and a left winger…

Wednesday would bring some welcomed news as the left back deal was signed, sealed and 100 per cent. Welcome to our seventh new face of the summer, Sebastian Wylie:

So what do we know about our latest signing then? He's a tall player for a full back for sure, standing 6'2 in his stocking feet. As for his career, he came through the ranks at Blackpool but failed to break through into the Seasiders first team. After being released by them in 2022, Sebastian spent a season out of the game before joining Buckley Town in the Cymru North in September 2023 where he featured 23 times for the Trotters on a contract until the end of the campaign. A move to Halesowen Town followed and he joined Harlow Town in February 2025; rejecting a switch to The Dub then. We rekindled our interest on Sunday, and this time he had no hesitation in swapping Essex for South Belfast's newly promoted Championship side.

Terms have been offered to the left winger, who can play up front as well, but he's yet to come back to us. Coagh United and Ballymacash Rangers are also interested…

I'm yet to decide who will feature on Saturday against Linfield's youth prospects. The big guns might be rested again, especially with the home friendly against Celtic B coming up in midweek…

2025-26 Season: The Comeback Kings - Volume 3, Chapter 4

So after the “bounce” game with the reserves, it was time to get down to the serious matter of proper pre-season matches. As usual, I chose the majority of the opponents with the last one being a representative testimonial match for Will Hassan of Coagh United. Will had the choice of whoever he wanted in opposition, by all accounts he could have had the pick of a Manchester United or Liverpool select but he decided to go with us. 

Thanks for the appreciation Will…

Anyway Saturday's game would be a first ever meeting with Monaghan Town, a team from just across the border with the Republic. And the fact we were playing a team from those parts, kind of surprised a few. But we're a club that has no prejudices, at least that's my own philosophy, and that's why we embrace people with differing backgrounds. We have players with Portuguese (Alex Machado and youngster José Bernardo), Swedish (youth striker Billy Olofsson), Dutch (youtng midfielder René Jansen) nationalities plus a couple of lads that were born in the Republic (Sean O'Kane and Johnny Wilson) and one born in England (young defender Charlton Jefferies). However, the majority are from Northern Ireland as we look to find the new George Best, Pat Jennings etc.

I toyed with picking a full strength side but as you can see, we had a mixture of reserves and first teamers in action.

With a handful of spectators in, it was a first look for them at the five new faces I have brought in this summer. After playing so well in that “bounce” game, Jake Simpson was rewarded with a start in goal although he knows who's the number one anyway…Harry Wylie was given the opportunity to show his versatility at right back after playing central defence previous. Caolan Loughran partnered Ben Mitchell in a new look central defence partnership. Sean O'Kane, whom has been nicknamed “Interceptor” by the Lads after an old TV game show villain, featured in midfield alongside skipper for the day Callum McVeigh whilst Jordan Jenkins and David Taylor were a new look front two. The bench had cover in all positions from eight named although I could have named fifteen.

The game didn't start well for us as we conceded twice in the opening 13 minutes, with the goals just four minutes apart. Goal number one came after nine on the clock when a move down the left saw Cian Boyce tee up Belarusian teen Dmitriy Kovalev just inside and he struck it fiercely first time into the far corner past Simpson. Stunned by that, we were stunned more when they hit us for a second time with a move that obviously came off the training pitch: Conor Bogan swung his corner to the edge of the box where we were anticipating the recipient Mark Robinson to shoot but he laid it sideways to Boyce who flashed an unstoppable effort through a congested penalty area and past the unsighted Simpson.

It looked bleak, but one thing these lads do is not to give in. A few harsh words on the sidelines and we were back on it, ready to fight our way back. As it was we only scored once in the run up to half time and that came in the 25th minute when Wylie's cross was met by a cushioned downward header from Sam Morrow to halve the deficit. The second half saw wave after wave as we exerted a grip on the game which resulted in three unanswered goals. After 55 minutes, Morrow picked out an unmarked McVeigh to net with a free header inside the six yard box for 2-2. Just after the hour, we were kinda gifted a third when Monaghan midfielder Liam Ellison played a pass onto the head of Jenkins who saw that cannon off the post but straight to substitute Cathal Farren who had the easy tap-in, Then with 20 minutes to go, we made it safe when a typical Morrow surging run saw him lay on a proverbial plate for Farren to score his second in eight minutes.

Of the newcomers on show, Simpson and Loughran were OK if not spectacular, Wylie showed that he can play right-back but I think he sees himself as a centre half to be fair. “Interceptor” was alright in midfield and will give depth there, he did an impression of his namesake in the dressing room though: shouting “I like it!” in a broad Glaswegian type accent which sounded more like a McLager Lout to be fair whilst Jordan Jenkins was industrious in his work and to be honest, deserved a goal of his own. 

Another good workout in the grand scheme of things. Friendly game 3 is in a week from now…

2025-26 Season: And we're off and running… - Volume 3, Chapter 3

The first week was concluded with our first of six warm up games before the season begins on 2 August in earnest. As always I chose to go with the behind closed doors “bounce” match at The Dub. No spectators, just me, the coaching staff and two sides of 17 players. I was to manage the first team whilst my assistant manager Kyle (McDowell) would manage the reserves squad.  

Before the kick-off, I was pleased to get signing number six confirmed:

Swapping the white of Queens for the green of our kit is 22 year old defender Harry Wylie. The newcomer came through the youth ranks at Carrick Rangers but failed to make the first team for the Taylors Avenue based side. His breakthrough came at Ballyclare Comrades in 2022 before switching to Annagh United in January 2024. Last season he was still with the Portadown-based side before moving to Queens on a short term deal for the second half of the season; making six appearances for the Students. He will be a very useful addition to the defensive corps.

The sides for the friendly were as follows:

Predictably the first team ran out winners with five different players on the scoresheet. Owen Madine opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a thumping drive from the edge of the box that kissed the underside of the bar before nestling behind Jake Simpson. Eight minutes we scored the first of three goals in a four minute spell that ended the match as a contest; David Taylor with a poachers finish from Aaron Porter's low cross. A minute later, it was 3-0 when Porter again provided the delivery and this time Jonathan Doyle supplied the cushioned volleyed finish. Taylor picked out skipper Johnny Wilson to strike home number four whilst Sam Morrow completed the nap hand with an angled drive following good play by Porter and Taylor. Teenage central midfielder Dennis Short pulled one back for the Reserves with a shot through a crowded penalty area but the damage was done. The first team would have bagged more if it wasn't for Simpson having a brilliant game in goal for the second stringers.

Monday and Tuesday saw the loan rangers return to their parent club sides, although in the case of Connor Maxwell he was back on a permanent deal from Ards 24 hours after saying a temporary farewell to us all.  We then continued to prepare for our first serious pre-season match on Saturday when we host Monaghan Town at The Dub, which could see us without the services of Zach Annett who has been approached by Glebe Rangers about a move to the Riada Stadium in Ballymoney. Since I cannot guarantee Zach first team football at the moment, then he can move away with no hard feelings whatsoever.

Good news on the reserve team front is that they will be playing in their own mini-league this season. They are in Group B of the Championship Development League alongside the second strings of Ballyclare Comrades, Dergview, Bangor, Dundela and Newington. The group winners play the group winners of Group A for the right to be crowned as Championship Development League Champions; the current holders being Annagh United's second string. It does mean that we might not have to flood the “Under 18” side with the reserves as much as we did last season.

Are you ready for Saturday? Think I am.

Squeaked into the knockout stages on the final day of group games, then take apart Argentina.

Could the tide start to turn your way now? One can only but hope…

2025-26 Season: New kids on the block… - Volume 3, Chapter 2

We knew we had to strengthen the first team squad, and start to make use of the increased wage budget that “Ebeneezer" Green has provided us with.

All in all, we made five incoming transfers ahead of the first pre-season match: one of which was the return of a familiar face to all of us. 

After being knocked back by Curtis Murphy, he was the Donegal Celtic striker that was so prolific against us last season, who decided to join Bangor: the first to sign, on 17 June was newcomer number one….

20 year old Irish midfielder Sean O'Kane joins us as a highly rated prospect who could easily take over Johnny Wilson's mantle in years to come if he develops the way we would like him to. He started his career at Finn Harps, making three appearances for the League of Ireland side before being picked up by HW Welders in the winter transfer window of 2024. In 17 months at the Danny Blanchflower Stadium, Sean made 10 appearances for the Welders before being released in the summer. Standing over 6 foot, he provides us with a towering presence for the engine room.

Three days later, we made a double swoop.

First was the return of a player who made such an impression last season, that we knew we had to bring him back on either a loan extension for the season (which is what we have done) or a permanent deal (which he personally wasn't keen on):

Yes David Taylor is back for a second season-long loan from Ballymena United; remarkable considering that the team from the Seven Towers are divisional rivals for us this season. He scored 17 times in just 27 matches for us on loan last season, and I think there's even more to come from him. He has the potential to become a Premiership player in the future.

Half an hour after Taylor put pen to paper, the ink was drying on another contract: newcomer number two:

We knew we needed an experienced central defender to come into the Club this season, and Caolan Loughran ticks that box perfectly. The 30 year old spent the majority of his career at Ballymena United but scored an astonishing 24 goals (two of them being double figure goal seasons) in three seasons on loan at Carrick Rangers. His last two seasons were spent at Loughgall for whom he featured in the Premiership for. We managed to acquire his services despite the player getting similar offers from Intermediate League sides Coagh United, and you've guessed it: Limavady United!

Fast forward seven days, and another double signing day for us.

Signing number four, and our third newcomer so far was our new number two behind Ryan Dalzell:

Young goalkeeper Jake Simpson joins us on a free transfer this summer from Premiership Champions Larne, He has yet to make his debut in the game but we see him as the best young goalkeeping option out there.  Dalzell will be our out and out number one but Simpson has the potential to push him for that starting gig throughout.

Our second signing of the day, and fifth in this close season was newcomer number four:

I wasn't expecting him to drop a division and sign for us but to bring a former Glentoran striker in is phenomenal. Jordan has played over 150 times in the top flight and will provide very healthy competition for David Taylor and Jonathan Doyle. I can't believe he's only 25, having started his career at Lurgan-based Premiership side Glenavon when he was just 16. He could be our ace in the pack which surprises everyone.

These signings mean that we won't be bringing back either Paddy Hoskins nor Joshua Kee for 2025-26 but we will be keep a close eye on the latter as well as Limavady United's teenage striker Adam McIvor (who looks a beast) should we need to beef up our striking options.

Given that the above signings are equally as important as each other, perhaps the biggest signing was to retain the services of the below player:

Sam Morrow is undoubtedly the best winger we have on our books. Capable of playing on either flank, he can score and create to a high standard so to actually tie down him to a paid contract is absolutely huge for us. He had been attracting the attention of Limavady United, you know that fallen giant of Northern Irish football of the late and early 2000s that only just stayed up last season, but this new contract has shut them up. Sam has the potential to be just as effective in the second tier as he was in the third, and when he's available for selection: is one of the first names on my teamsheet. 25 June 2005 also saw the below contract activate, that the one-year extension for “Fergie”  which sees him combine playing with coaching again. 2025-26 is the ninth season in our colours for the former Linfield trainee.

We have also offered a deal for a defender who can play either right back, which means he can step in for Briers or add extra defensive cover in central defence, Hopefully we can get it over the line to make it six signings for 2025-26.

However, June also saw the departure of 2023-24 Steel and Sons Cup hero Sean Hill who has joined recently relegated Donegal Celtic after agreeing a pre-contract signing in the final months of the season just finished. Of the seven released at the season end, only John-Joe MacDonald has found new employers: he's also joined Donegal Celtic. Éric Akassou has hung up the boots and is trying to get a gig as a Head of Youth Development somewhere, Ryan Worthington has drifted completely away from the beautiful game whilst none of the remaining four have been picked up by anyone at the current moment in time.

2025-26 Season: A good manager's work is never done… - Volume 3, Chapter 1

So we are now in the real business of getting prepared for a new season.

One of the main changes in season three is the amount of competitions we will be in. Last season we were in five competitions, this season we are in three: The Championship, the Irish Cup and a new one in the shape of the County Antrim Shield.

The County Antrim Shield is a competition that all clubs in the County Antrim catchment area that play from stap one to step three are invited to complete, a total of 16 sides will feature including ourselves. It's a bit like the Steel and Sons Cup in a sense but with fewer sides. Last season's Final was won by Cliftonville who defeated Carrick Rangers at the Loughshore Hotel Arena in Carrickfergus 3-0 thanks to goals from Jamie McDonagh, Michael Newberry and a penalty converted by Rory Hale. As expected, this competition isn't Ken's priority for 2025-26: It's probably the least important of three to be fair with staying up in the Championship naturally being top priority. An interesting fact though about the CAS, in terms of world reputation it's ranked higher than Cypriot Super Cup!

We also finalised our pre-season schedule, and it starts with a bounce game between the first team and the reserves.  The full schedule is as follows:

Of the five games after the “bounce” game, I was very pleased to attract the Celtic B team to play us in midweek as part of the preparations for the Championship season which begins on the first Saturday in August. We felt honoured that Coagh United's veteran goalkeeper William Hassan chose us over everyone else for his well deserved testimonial game. Hassan, 36, is about to embark on his 13th season with the Hagan Park-based club whom he joined in July 2013 from Tobemore United. A real stalwart of the beautiful game.

Our first month's matches have also been announced; and as you can see it's a busy opening one with seven matches in four weeks.

So enjoying this story, it's a remarkable effort and concept. Look forward to more….

Thanks mate, hope you liked the mini sub-plots as well. This is one save that I'm really enjoying doing, prefer a LLaMa save over starting with a bigger and more successful side to be fair.