HockeyBhoy - Comments

Great achievement so far, how much transfer funds have you been allocated? Sure you're not doing this on a shoestring budget?

Hopefully you're a full time professional outfit now. Be interesting to see how you go on at this new level.

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

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

Something is going to give, right?

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

Hagan Park, Coagh

Attendance: 95 (2 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inver Park, Larne

Attendance: 301 (15 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 98 (3 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brownstown Park, Portadown

Attendance: 166 (12 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And why shouldn't I?

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

“Morning Mark, you OK?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portadown on Saturday…

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

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

Onto Tuesday then…

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

Davidson Park, Ballywalter

Attendance: 93 (2 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway, our November looks like at this at present:

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

That National League has so many former Football League sides in it. Brilliant to be ahead after a third of the season gone, but plenty of hard work needed to gain promotion to the promised land.

Out of interest, who are PSLFC?

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

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

It certainly looked appealing.

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

The Bluebell Stadium, Lisburn

Attendance: 110 (54 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interesting….

One thing I would to advise, there is an easier way to do the screenshots without taking pictures of the laptop. Plus it would look more awesome that way, let me know if you need help doing this. Would enhance your story better for sure.

You're doing much better with the story aspect, think you can get better still with some tweaks here and there.

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

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

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

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

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 271 (128 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Ah going to Nicosia tomorrow then?”

“Yeah. Anyway…”

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

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

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

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

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

“Thanks, goodnight.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Hello?” I answered.

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

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

“It's Nicola, Mark. Nicola Coughlan.”

“Oh hi."

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

“Erm, I suppose I could do.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Know what Johnny?”

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

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

“OK then, I'll go now…”

“You got this boss man…”

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

“Those two, gone to ladies Cain?”

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

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

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

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

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

What a funny old game indeed Greavsie….

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

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 245 (123 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glen Road, Belfast

Attendance: 271 (104 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look forward to this, screenshots bring stories to life in my eyes.

Should be an interesting challenge ahead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With sincere apologies to Charles Dickens' family circle….

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

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

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

Inver Park, Larne

Attendance: 127 (6 away)

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

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

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

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

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

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

2024-2025 Season: Knockbreda knocked off the top - Volume 2 Chapter 27

After losing that first game of the season on Saturday, the immediate response in the away dressing room and on the team coach bound back for Belfast was: we're going to put this right, and we're gonna do this immediately. We were determined that Knockbreda, the current leaders, would unfortunately be facing a very wounded animal at The Dub in midweek.

And you face a team with a point to prove as much as we did, then well one word comes to mind: BEWARE!

Ahead of that game, I had popped into Ken's office to ask him if we could get an increase in the wage budget so we could make a potential offer for free agents such as Andy Hall. Hall, despite being 35, would rip up the Intermediate League and with Alexandre Machado: give us a pair of quality wingers with Sam Morrow not too far behind either. Ken declined, citing the financial situation was not stable enough to allow it to happen. Now who's fault is that, eh Kenneth? Certainly not the manager's, but the tight fisted so and so that is you Mr Chairman! I felt outraged, and deep inside wanted to ring the BelTel and get them to run a story on how the Chairman of PSNI FC is Scrooge in disguise and doesn't want to move with the times. But I didn't, even though my blood was literally at boiling point.

So onto that midweek game and the fact we're playing the leaders who are also recently relegated, were justified by the bookmakers odds. They had Knockbreda as 7-5 favourites to inflict a second successive loss on us, we were best priced at 9-5 whilst a draw was at 5-2. Could we spring a huge surprise?

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 207 (105 away)

Naturally, we had to make changes for the Knockbreda match - you can't keep faith with a losing side at all. Therefore we decided on a couple of changes to see if that would unlock the leaders. We brought in Zach Annett for his first start of the season at left back, replacing Connor Maxwell, and loan striker Jay McDowell in place of Cathal Farren. Other than that, we were unchanged which meant that Callum McVeigh started against his old Club. Knockbreda themselves made a change from their last line up, Adam Grant replacing Ashton McDermott with former Bangor striker Jack Evans leading the line: he went into the game tonight on 12 goals for the season. Former PSNI winger Raul Zabrauteanu was on the bench for the away side, whilst Jake Moore who also made the switch to Breda from us was not included in their 18-man squad.

The game had an explosive start, with two goals in the opening seven minutes. We opened the scoring first with two minutes on the clock, when a neat reverse pass from skipper Johnny Wilson found Morrow who took a touch before steadying himself and beating Michael Argyrides at the keeper's near post. Not a goal that the former Larne and Glentoran keeper would want reminding off. Five minutes later, Knockbreda equalised when a Nathan Clarke corner was played to the edge of the box for Cormac Lawlor to drill home with an arrowed finish. We almost made it 2-1 in the 12th minute after a swift counter attack, Morrow set up Wilson but the skipper's effort was inches wide. Moments later, we did make it 2-1 when Machado pulled the ball back and Wilson made no mistake with a thumping finish. The goal lifted us to a new level, Wilson striking the post with Argyrides well beaten. Yet Knockbreda were dangerous, Evans breaking clean through but Ryan Dalzell produced a fantastic save to deny him a 13th of the season. Then as half time approached Grant cracked a shot against the crossbar as an enthralling first half drew to a conclusion.

Could the second half be just as good? Well, yeah as we made it 3-1 just a couple of minutes after the restart and what a goal it was: probably the goal of the game. Machado played the ball into the path of McVeigh who was positioned just outside the penalty area, and he then produced a moment of sheer genius to curl the ball beyond Argyrides and into the top corner. An outstanding effort. In the 56th minute, Evans headed a Matthew Henry cross home but a swift flag offside flag silenced his and Knockbreda's celebrations. Zabrauteanu was introduced on the hour but we looked likely to score a fourth at any time, and Morrow almost provided it in the 65th minute when he burned away his marker, cut inside, but saw his goalbound effort denied by a superb Argyrides save onto the crossbar. 

It became a nervy finish with quarter of an hour to go as Knockbreda reduced the arrears to a single goal. James Clarke with a left wing cross and half time substitute McDermott poked home from a scramble in front of. Could we hold on, that was the question. With three minutes to go, we made it 4-2 with a clinching goal. Once more the partnership of Wilson and Morrow combined, the skipper with the pass into the winger and he produced a cool finish into the bottom corner for his second of the match and our fourth. Some game.

On a night where a lot of our boys really stepped up to the plate, and showed their true credentials: it was extremely hard for the match sponsors to go and pick a Man of the Match. However, they had to do the deed and the award of the beers went to former Crusaders and Dundela winger Sam Morrow. Special appreciation went to loan striker Jay McDowell who played superb in only his second start for the Club.

Despite being outplayed by the visitors who had twice as many efforts on goal, and more possession: we made what we created - count. This led to another excellent xG statistic which has been one of the major stand outs this season so far. Long may it continue.

That's some hammer blow of a game that mate, never known anything like it.

Hopefully, the mid-season break will allow bodies to start to heal and you come back stronger. You are not out of this, just keep believing and destiny will take its hand. Period.

2024-2025 Season: First League loss of Season Two - Volume 2 Chapter 26

So after the Nicola Coughlan appearance at our last game, and no I didn't get her number to ask her out on date, we started to prepare in earnest for the trip out to Rathfriland on the Saturday. The treatment room was empty bar a small knock incurred by Louis Blackstock in that 6-0 “Under 18s” win against the Dollingstown reserve team last Sunday. As a manager, you want all your players fit and ready to go ideally but are equally mindful of the fact that you need cover in all positions if you want to do something special that season.

With the summer window firmly closed, any new players that we want to bring in now - have to be free agents. That is, players without any club affiliation. We can approach players who are at clubs, but they won't join until January 2025 hence that's why Cain Stewart is still with us despite agreeing to play for Ballymoney United. One free agent is experienced winger Andy Hall, The 35 year old has spent the last couple of seasons at Dundela but is best known for a seven season spell in the top flight with Lurgan-based side Glenavon. A lot will depend on what he wants and what we can afford as always.

Both sides have made positive starts to the season, with Rathfriland definitely doing better than where they finished last. They have also changed manager with Mason Heatley having left in the summer after only been in charge for just 111 days, and replaced by former Dundela manager David Murphy. The bookies believe that they are going to make it 4 wins from 4 today against us, and have made them 7-5 favourites to do so. If you think we will end their 100 per cent record, then you can get 13-8 on us with the draw priced at 5-2.

Iveagh Park, Rathfriland

Attendance: 97 (7 away)

We have made just the single change from the side that drew 1-1 with Donegal Celtic seven days ago, and that comes up front. Cain Stewart drops down to the bench and is replaced by Cathal Farren in his first actual start for us, having scored twice in that Under 18's comprehensive win last Sunday. Hopefully, he can deliver for the first team and strike up a nice partnership with Jonathan Doyle. Rathfriland make three changes from the side that won 2-0 in midweek in the Steel and Sons Cup Third Round. Coming into their starting eleven are defenders Adam Ambrose and Jack Barbour as well as attacker Ronan O'Hara who is on loan from Purple Bricks FC. They replace Lee McNulty, Mark Bronte and Jack McCartan. It was also a reunion with Shaun “Def” Leppard who joined Rathfriland on a permanent basis before the season started, after spending a trial period with us beforehand.

The game got off to the worst possible start for us, a goal conceded in just 38 seconds! O'Hara escaped down the left and measured a low cross into the danger area where Jonah Mitchell got in front of namesake but no relation, Ben, to poke the ball into the net from six yards out. The game plan well and truly ripped up so quickly and ruthlessly. We needed a response, and were back level in the fourth minute when Callum McVeigh, again playing in the Mezzala role, poked the ball down for Doyle to crash a half volley across Joe McGovern and into the far corner of the net. It was JD's sixth goal of the season already. Five minutes later, we were almost 2-1 ahead when a pass from Alexandre Machado found skipper Johnny Wilson to fire in a shot from an acute angle but McGovern got down sharply to turn the ball away and avoid it sneaking in at his near post.

The game was an open one, and Rathfriland's next attempt came from the dangerous O'Hara with a long range effort that whistled just over the bar with Ryan Dalzell grasping thin air. They regained the lead in the 34th minute and to be fair it was one that Craig Briers will want reminding of to be fair. McGovern's long goal kick was missed in the air by the full back, and as such landed at the feet of O'Hara who volleyed into the top corner with a precision effort. No keeper would have got anywhere near that. A stern few words at half time saw us more determined in the second 45, Briers almost setting up Sam Morrow in the opening nine minutes of that second half but the winger headed over. We pushed and pushed, and in injury time Connor Maxwell picked out Jay McDowell in the area but the Dungannon Swifts loanee shot straight at McGovern but the offside flag was raised into the air meaning it wouldn't have counted even if it had hit the onion bag.

So a first league loss this season, what kind of reaction will we get? Hopefully, a positive one but the next two league games are far from easy. A real test of any promotion credentials already.

The loanee from Larne, Ronan O'Hara, was a clear Man of the Match award winner and took home the beers with him. They adjudged that Callum McVeigh was our best performer, when a number of others again had quiet days at the proverbial office.

The matchday statistics show their own story, we comprehensively outplayed the hosts. However, we did not do the necessary in front of their goal: one goal from 24 attempts is not going to win any game whatsoever. Another xG over 2.00….

 Next up, a midweek date with newly relegated Knockbreda at The Dub, and no Nicola Coughlan either.

2024-2025 Season: Getting Ready for Rathfriland - Volume 2 Chapter 25

Our next task was to go to Rathfriland Rangers, one of the league's two maximum point holders after three matchdays. It's a team that we have had some good success against since I was appointed in July 2023, and were actually the first team we played in a competitive (that is, not a friendly) under my tutelage. Therefore I would really want that to continue. 

Sunday again saw the Under 18s “team” again take to the field. They were back on home turf at The Dub, and I joined 20 other hardy souls to see if they could make it two wins after losing their first ever game at the start of the month to the Linfield second team. In opposition were the Dollingstown reserves, and we fielded a very strong side against them. Three goals in each half for the team, and a 6-0 win can't be bad at all. New signing this season Cathal Farren led the individual scoring with a brace whilst one each from Daniel Reynolds, Sean Hill and Jack Graham plus an early own goal completed the rout. Yet the weird thing was they actually had 17 shots on our goal but didn't convert any. Just goes to show what a funny old game football is, as Jimmy Greaves always alluded to.

Midweek saw the outstanding Third Round ties in the Steel and Sons Cup take place. Tuesday saw two games, and one of them was in Coleraine where Moyola Park took on Rathfriland. Obviously I was there to see what to expect from the visiting side considering they're our next opponents. They had “Def” Leppard playing in central defence and despite being outshot, booked a place in the last 16 with a 2-0 away win thanks to goals from Jonathan Scannell (inside the first minute) and Jonah Mitchell inside the first 27 minutes. The other game that night was a nine goal thriller at The Dub where the Crusaders Reserves won 5-4 thanks to a 89th minute winner from winger Sam Glendinning. 

Wednesday night saw the final Third Round tie be played and Knockbreda made short work of Shankill United, the side we played in pre-season, with a 8-3 away win: Jack Evans scoring four of them. That means all the ties are set, three played on the last Saturday in September and the other five (including ours) being played 72 hours later. Our October is now scheduled as follows at the moment:

We will be probably playing on the 26th in the Intermediate Cup First Round. However, the draw for this has yet to be made: it gets drawn on Friday 11 October 2024.

If we can take the points away from Rathfriland on Saturday, I'm sure it will set us up well for the next two games against the two sides that suffered relegation last season: Knockbreda and Newington. Every game feels like a Cup Final at the moment…

2024-2025 Season: Shaking hands on a draw - Volume 2 Chapter 24

So that's what it had all been about, then? As the Lads finished getting ready for the referee's bell to sound and time to take the field in our third League game of the season, I wandered over to Johnny Wilson to find something out.

“Johnny, how long had you known Nicola Coughlan was coming today?”

“Probably a couple of days after the Manager of the Month award was announced boss to be fair.”

“Who told you?” Ken? Kyle?"

“Ella, our Press Officer. Swore me to secrecy she did, Told me to just keep saying ”Big Mood" to you all the time to see if you would work it out."

“Cheeky minx.”

“Aye, indeed. Take you've seen her in that Bridgerton episode? What a babe!"

“Quite Johnny. Anyway let's try and win this game."

The bookies obviously think that our good start to the season has warranted them making us favourites today, and that's without the Nicola Coughlan factor. We're even money favourites to make it three wins out of three today, with the newly-promoted visitors priced at 5-2. If you reckon it'll be a draw it's best priced at 13-5 for that.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 266 (151 away)

So what would be the side to take on Donegal, would there be wholesale changes or just minor tweaks? As it was, I made just the one. Owen Madine had been looking off it so I decided to bring Sam Morrow in at his expense. Bringing Sam in meant a change of position and role for Callum McVeigh as he took over the Mezzala role that Madine and the now-departed Ethan Sousa had filled so far. Now if Callum impresses there could be a real chance for him to cement that role on a regular basis. Despite leaving us in January, Cain Stewart again partnered Jonathan Doyle up front. Donegal themselves made a couple of changes, with Darragh Kelly and Michael Gallagher starting at the expense of Ruairi McEneaney and Jay Patterson. McEneaney was on the bench whilst Patterson missed the game entirely with a thigh injury.

We had a very early let off as soon as the seventh minute when Gallagher burst clean through the heart of our defence. However, the striker's effort was straight off the post and bounced clear away from danger. It took us 23 minutes to fashion our first opportunity but it was weak and straight at Callum Rooney in the Donegal goal. Donegal had the best of the first half, making us as hosts: look distinctly second best in front of the watching Miss Coughlan. Yet the score at the interval remained goalless.

After some encouragement and at times, harsh words, at the interval - we came out more intent in the second half than we had in that first 45. This was typified when we forced Ethan Taggart into sending a pass straight into Stewart who tried to lift it over Rooney from distance but it sailed over the bar. Just before the hour a good team move picked out Doyle who, like Stewart, tried to beat Rooney from distance but the top scorer's effort clipped the bar and away. A goal was due and it came in the 64th minute when McKinney's slide rule saw Curtis Murphy outpace Ben Mitchell before striking an effort across Ryan Dalzell and into the far corner. We equalised four minutes later, albeit fortuitously when Taggart's clearance pinged off Gallagher and landed at the feet of Doyle to poke home for 1-1.

Neither side could break through again after Doyle's leveller and we shook hands on a draw, our first of the season. It was about fair in all reflection. 

Despite many players on both sides having a bit of a shocker, one player again was head and shoulders above all. For the second match in succession, striker Jonathan Doyle was given the Man of the Match beers which were presented to him by the delightful Miss Coughlan post-match. Donegal's goalscorer Curtis Murphy was deemed to be their best,

From the match statistics. there was not much between the sides in terms of chances created but neither of us made use of them. We seem be doing okay with the xG again, yet they had the bulk of the possession. However, a draw isn't bad - who knows how useful it might be come the last weekend in April?

We have dropped two places to fourth with the result. Banbridge Town, with a 1-0 win at Portstewart, and Rathfriland Rangers who won 2-1 at Armagh City still have 100 per cent records. Ironically enough, we're away to Rathfriland in our next fixture.