HockeyBhoy - Comments

Good solid start, let's see how far this goes.

I like the look of this story already, be interesting to see how it develops.

2023-2024 Season: Late equaliser but the run extends to eight and counting… - Chapter 50

With a fortnight between the last game and the next, it was a good idea to recharge the batteries before we go again. Just nine games remain before the season reaches it's conclusion and the board are faced with a decision on my future. I'm on an initial one-year contract and if I have achieved certain objectives then there's a blooming good chance that they will extend it.

But football's a fickle old business isn't it?

Our next game in February is against Moyola Park, the team that we beat in such dramatic circumstances to win the Steel and Sons Cup Final on Christmas Day in Coleraine. However, we will have to do it without the penalty saving hero that is Allister McVeigh. Allister, if you recall, helped turn the tide of the Final our way, but has played second fiddle to Jonah Magill for the majority of the season. Whilst he declined a move away earlier in the season, he has exercised a move away and has joined Millisle-based Abbey Villa who play two divisions below us. We wish Allister all the best, and thank him for his service to PSNI in his time here. 

As for the Moyola game, our seven-game unbeaten run has not convinced the bookies to make us favourites even on our home pitch. Moyola are 5-4 favourites to exact revenge, with 15-8 for us for us to rack up another win. You can get 5-2 if you fancy a draw.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 127 (6 away)

We do something that we haven't done all season for Moyola's trip to The Dub, that is to name an unchanged side as in the starting eleven. There is a positional change though as Sam Morrow and Alexandre Machado swap wings, Sam - wide left and Alex, as he wants to be known as, playing wide-right. Even the substitutes were unchanged. Moyola made just the single change from their last game, Samuel McIlveen replacing Jake McNeill in central midfield as Kenny Shiels went with his 4-2-3-1 formation. The Moyola front four today saw one change from the four that played in the Final, Coleraine loanee Lee Harkin playing wide on the right in place of Peter Duffin.

A bright start saw us create the first of the opportunities but it was the visitors who went the closest in the 20th minute when the dangerous Caiolan Brennan struck the foot of the post from the edge of the box with Jonah Magill well beaten as the shot fizzed past him. Eight minutes later, we took the lead when Morrow's curling cross to the far post was met by a powerful header from Machado to cap his home debut with his first goal for the Club. Moyola almost equalised immediately when Harkin dispossessed Morrow in midfield, strode forwards but drilled his effort inches wide. They went close again three minutes before half time, former Celtic youth player Bashir Mahmoud centred for skipper Mark Kelly to head over the top.

Early in the second half, Moyola equalised with a very debatable penalty kick when Louis McKeown was adjudged to have baulked Harkin in the area. Much to our surprise, referee Michael McKenna pointed to the spot. Up stepped full-back Richard Vauls, who had a penalty saved in the Final, and he sent Jonah Magill the wrong way from twelve yards. We regained the lead in the 67th minute when Machado fizzed in a low right wing cross into the six yard box and Cian Stewart ended his goal drought by forcing in from close range. Once more Moyola almost equalised straight away, a long range free-kick from McIlveen skimmed the bar and just over. Then just as we thought we had done enough for the win, the visitors made it 2-2 in the second of four minutes added-on when substitute McNeill found Duffin who poked home from around the penalty spot. A bit gut wrenching not to win, but our unbeaten run now stretches to eight.

For the second successive match, Alexandre Machado picked up the Man of the Match beers so more Sagres to go into his fridge. Peter Duffin was seen to be Motola's best performer on the day.

Like Matt, I am interested in this concept. Managing in Sheffield as well as it looks like at Sporting Lisbon? Are these two separate saves or two managerial careers running in tandem on one save? Just wondered…

Still a decent start, hopefully you can continue and build this story further. Keep up the good work so far.

Match report uploaded now mate. As you can see, another massive result for us.

2023-2024 Season: Taking on the leaders down on their own patch - Chapter 49

The transfer window has been slammed shut on us for 2023-24 and we're, as a whole, very happy with our activity. Over the two windows, we have brought in 19 new players with 9 leaving for pastures new. The finances are that bit more healthy, probably on the back of our Steel and Sons Cup Final win and that's the highlight of the season so far for sure. Now we are making a late charge for an unlikely promotion to the Championship.

Imagine the scenes we would have if we did this improbable double?

We begin February with an away trip to Dollingstown. The Dollybirds were our opening day opponents and left The Dub with a 3-2 win in a game that turned in their favour after Raul Zabrauteanu (now of Knockbreda) was dismissed for a late challenge on Stephen Flanagan in the 56th minute with us 2-1 ahead. We haven't forgotten. With our hosts riding high at the top of the table, they are 8-13 favourites to complete a double over us despite our excellent run of recent form. It's 11-4 if you reckon we will get a draw out of the Dollybirds, whilst you can get 4-1 for us to surprise the leaders and come away with three unexpected away points on the board,

Planters Park, Dollingstown

Attendance: 90 (8 away)

We faced one of our toughest tasks yet when travelling to Dollingstown. Granted the comeback against our biggest rivals in Queens was something but there was just something in the air that meant we were determined to set the record right against the Dollybirds on their own patch. The team showed three changes from the one that drew at Armagh City a week previous. In came Mark McCullagh for another stint at right-back and debuts for new signings Louis McKeown in central defence and Portuguese winger Alexandre Machado on the left wing. They replaced Craig Briers, Ben Mitchell and Jake Moore. Briers and Mitchell were like for like changes, but Machado's inclusion saw Sam Morrow switch to wide right and Cian Stewart restored up front with top scorer Jonathan Doyle. Both Briers and Mitchell were on the bench alongside another new signing in goalkeeper Ryan Dalzell who was backing up regular number one Jonah Magill.

Dollingstown also made three changes from their last league game, a 3-1 midweek loss to Championship side Newington in the Intermediate Cup. In came Adam Davidson, Bradley Ingram and winger Ruairi Fitzpatrick who is on loan from Dergview. They replaced Dungannon Swifts loanee Oran O'Kane, Stuart Davidson (no relation to Adam) and teenage striker Jack McFeely: the very same jack McFeely that we tried to sign before he opted to sign for today's opponents. On the bench was experienced striker Gary Liggett who had been playing in the top division as recently as January 2018. Could we spring a surprise?

The game had very few chances of note with both sides being pretty wasteful in front of goal, our hosts more than us which wasn't pleasing the home support at all if anything. We were certainly matching them and always fancied that if fate was going to deem us a spot of revenge on the Dollybirds then it would be either a moment of brilliance or a defensive mistake to benefit us. As it was, the latter rang true with just 12 minutes left to play. Substitute Sean Hill sent the highly impressive Machado down the left, and the winger whipped in a cross which Adam Davidson and Tiernan Parker got into a right old tangle with to allow Doyle to collect the loose ball and steer a shot into the gaping goal. It was Jonathan's 15th goal of the season, 11 in the league. Try as the Dollybirds, they couldn't break us down with Andrew Ferguson absolutely imperious in defence. A huge, huge win on the road and the unbeaten run continues!

For his outstanding debut, just a few days after signing, Machado got the Man of the Match beers….and yes we made sure it was Sagres! Harry Norton, a teenage full back on loan to the Dollybirds from Glenavon, was deemed to be their best performer on the day.

Two weeks off now, time to recharge the battered souls ahead of Moyola Park's visit to The Dub. Somehow one thinks they will be out to get their own back after the Cup Final loss. We're unbeaten in seven and are in seventh spot; the gap to second is 11 points - surely we cannot do the unthinkable?

2023-2024 Season: Three more through the door as the window slams shut… - Chapter 48

We concluded our transfer dealings with the arrival of three more players to the squad, whilst missing out on an audacious loan signing from a Premiership team. Arriving at The Dub on deadline day were the following personnel:

Ryan Dalzell: Ryan is a 20 year old goalkeeper who joins us from Valley Rangers on a free transfer. The goalkeeping prospect was on the books of Glentoran and Ards without breaking into the first team at either. He joined Valley Rangers in January 2021, and made 26 appearances for Kilkeel-based side before making the switch here. He is a very highly-rated prospect indeed.

Louis McKeown: Another 20 year old prospect who has been acquired from Belfast Celtic. Louis started off his career at Warrenpoint Town but failed to make an appearance for The Point. He subsequently joined Newry City where he made four appearances in the Championship before signing for Dollingstown in 2022. His time with the Dollybirds last season saw him appear 21 times before a move to the Celts this summer.

Alexandre Machado: A Portuguese national now trying to break into the Northern Irish leagues. Alexandre, 24, is a pacy winger who has joined us on a free transfer from Championship side Institute. He has made 11 appearances for the 'Stute this season and should be an excellent acquisition for us after the departures of Nicholas Turkington, Ernestas Verenka and Raul Zabrauteanu. 

Now for the one that got away…

We made an audacious loan swoop to sign Crusaders' left-back Rory McKeown (above) for the remainder of the season, The experienced 30 year old who has played in the Scottish Premier League with Kilmarnock earlier in his career, has opted to join Eastern Suburbs in the New Zealand leagues and turned down overtures from ourselves, former club Wellington Olympic, Cashmere Technical and Christchurch United. He would have been an absolutely stellar signing if we had managed to prise him away from Seaview.

2023-2024 Season: Staying Unbeaten - Chapter 47

We have had a rather good month it has to be said, We've been unbeaten in six matches overall since losing 4-3 at home to Portstewart on the second weekend of December. I think a lot is down to a change in formation, we dropped the 4-3-3 which was clearly wasn't working out and gone to a bog standard 4-4-2 but still playing with wingers. It's how football is known to be played, and I'm convinced that it will be the way forward for us going forwards.

Don't try and fix something that isn't broken as the analogy goes.

We make the trtp to Armagh City this afternoon in a bid to stay unbeaten throughout the month. The meeting at The Dub saw us come back twice to shake hands on a 2-2 draw with top scorer Jonathan Doyle at the double for us. Armagh are just behind us in the league standings, and a win today could see us rise a place to 7th providing Banbridge lose at home to Moyola Park. The bookies think that our recent good form will count for nothing today and have the Eagles even money favourites to pick up their fifth home win of the season. We're 12-5 to take the three points ourselves, with a draw priced at 13-5.

Holm Park, Armagh

Attendance:103 (6 away)

We made a total of four changes from the side that won at home to Limavady a fortnight ago. Incoming were striker Jake Moore as well as right-back and vice-captain Craig Briers plus there are debuts for new signings Owen Madine and Sam Morrow. They replaced teenage winger Aaron Porter, Mark McCullagh, Louis Blackstock and Ernestas Verenka. There could be additional debutants in central defender Joshua Logan and John-Joe MacDonald should either be called for duty from the substitutes bench. The home side make a couple of changes themselves as Shea Conway, on loan from Dungannon Swifts. and Marc McConnell come in for Dermot McCaffrey and player-manager Shea Campbell.

Another decent start was rewarded in the 18th minute when we took a deserved lead from the spot. As they challenged for a high ball, Doyle was clattered into by visiting centre half Ben Mullen. Penalty. Up stepped our regular penalty taker Andrew Ferguson to send the keeper the wrong way with a fiercely struck effort into the keeper's opposing top corner. No keeper would have saved that one. However, the lead lasted just four minutes when the Eagles levelled up matters on the pitch. It came from a set-piece when skipper Stefan Lavery's flag kick was headed into the roof of the net at the near post by Mullen, atoning for his penalty concession.

Both sides pushed for the goal that give them the advantage, with Armagh getting the better of the chances it has to be said. Thus most said it came as no surprised at all when the home side went 2-1 ahead with just 13 minutes left on the clock. Left-back Shea Geraghty swung in a cross and Lavery got in between Ferguson and Zach Annett to steer his header past Jonah Magill. Could we muster up an equaliser to maintain the unbeaten run, or were we about to taste defeat for first time in seven matches? Yes, we could. With five minutes to go, McCaffrey slid in Cian Stewart to give us a second penalty of the day. Once more Ferguson stepped up, and once more he sent the keeper the wrong way but this time with a low finish right in the corner to gain us a point and extend our league run to six unbeaten.

Two-goal penalty hero Andrew Ferguson was rewarded with the Man of the Match beers whilst Geragthy was seen to be the home side's best performer on the day.

2023-2024 Season: A break from the grind - Chapter 46

We have had a much needed two week break between the Limavady United home win and our next fixture which is away to Armagh City on the last Saturday in January. After this fixture, there will be just 10 regular season matches to play out with the Champions going to into the Championship automatically and the second into a play-off over two legs with the 11th placed side from the Championship: winners stay up/get promoted depending how it turns out.

At the moment, we lie 8th with 20 points and 12 points off second placed Queens. It'll be tough to get into that second place for sure as you can see…

There is been more activity on and off the pitch as we try to continue to rebuild on such meagre finances.

Off the pitch, we have two new members of staff. Please welcome to The Dub Martin McCarthy and Russell McCabe.. Martin, 28, is fresh out of completing his physiotherapy degree and we are pleased to appoint him as our Head Physio as it was badly needed, Outside of The Dub, Martin runs his own physiotherapy practice in his native Ahoghill, County Antrim. The second new face is an extension to our scouting network, 37 year old Banbridge-born Russell McCabe. Russ joins Jeff King working under Chief Scout Sammy Kerr.

On-pitch matters now..

In this period, we received notifications that both Louis Blackstock and skipper Johnny Wilson had been approached to move on. Blackstock had been identified by Coagh United of our division and Wilson by Championship side Newington. Thankfully for us, our first choice central midfielders have decided to stay put which is a massive boost in itself. Ernestas Verenka has however completed his move to St. Mary's YC (Portadown).

Coming into the club are central defender Joshua Logan and goalkeeper Aaron Macfarlane. Logan, 22, joins us from Braid United and this is his second spell with us having made five appearances for us between 2020 and 2023. He will provide good depth in the back line, and challenge Ben Mitchell, Jack Graham and Ben Gordon  alongside the experienced Andrew Ferguson. Macfarlane, 21, is also in his second spell with us: having appeared ten times for us in the 2021-22 season. A product of the Carrick Rangers and Larne youth systems, Aaron has also appeared for Ballyclare Comrades and most latterly: Mossley Young Men.

We are constantly looking for others, with two definite incomings on 31 January 2024 and talks ongoing with another. The squad are informed that we are planning to sign as much youth as we can to make the new stars of the future feature here at The Dub as they had a concern on things were changing so rapidly. Probably not used to it.

Finally, we have just one player in the treatment room. That player is Ben Gordon who fractured his upper left arm in training at the start of the month and is still around three weeks away from returning to training

2023-2024 Season: The winning train keeps a-rolling…. - Chapter 45

I think it's safe to say that the Steel and Sons Cup win has certainly transformed the Club as a whole. Nobody gave us much hope of winning that, even our own Board, and especially on Moyola Park's own surface plus their respective league standing too. However, that win just meant lift off. It's funny bit that's how football works that way. We've drawn, and almost beaten, our biggest rivals in a grudge match which was fuelled personally be the remarks he said about me on the eve of the game. Now we've got a bit of confidence in ourselves, a bit of swagger if you like, there's general belief we can actually climb this table.

Who knows where this will take us, eh? Exactly.

We're back on home turf this week, before having a week off. Our opponents are struggling Limavady United, but don't let that get you thinking that we have the game done and dusted before it kicks off. As we have proven, sometimes the strugglers can get a result against you when you least it happening and the “C” word is something we need to guard against: complacency. Anyway, we've been seen as narrow favourites to take the points on offer with a best price of 6-4 whilst you can get 13-8 for a Limavady away win and 5-2 if you think that the teams will shake hands at the end on a draw.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 113 (7 away)

A couple of changes made by both sides from their last games. Our changes saw Mark McCullagh come back into the starting eleven in the place of Craig Briers who was still feeling a bit of discomfort that forced him off against Queens less than a fortnight ago. The other change was on the right when exciting winger Aaron Porter was given a full home debut to showcase his talents ahead of Sean Hill; I just wanted to see how he (Porter) would cope with the starting environment and not because Hill's lack of form when really he's been outstanding. Backup keeper Allister McVeigh was back in training but not fit enough to feature as were new signings Owen Madine and Sam Morrow despite the fans' excitement to see them play. Limavady also made two changes: Tiarnan Boorman and Padharic Farren in for Oisin Hillen and Aidan Henry respectively. Former Coleraine player Ian Parkhill is absent with a long term hip injury.

Some folk hadn't taken the places when we opened the scoring after just 23 seconds, yes 23 seconds! Jonathan Doyle's shot was blocked in front of goal and Limavady hooked it clear or so they thought. Louis Blackstock won the midfield battle, headed it into the path of Ernestas Verenka who took a touch before shooting from outside the box and see it settle off the underside of the bar and in behind Richard Purcell. Some way to sign off on your farewell appearance, eh? The visitors did level in the 12th minute however when a deflected low cross off Mitchell, landed at the feet of Joe McCready who tucked it away from close range indeed.

Both sides were creating opportunities but neither was seemingly able to break the deadlock until the 71st minute when we made it 2-1. It came from a long ball forward from Mitchell that was brought down by Doyle; and the top scorer took two further touches whilst shrugging off challenges and then steer it across Purcell into the far corner of the net. That broke Limavady's proverbial back and we scored again ten minutes from the end to seal the points, thereby extending our unbeaten run to six in all competitions. Some crisp passing allowed Doyle to thread the ball through to skipper Johnny Wilson who slid the ball low past the advancing Purcell for 3-1 and game over. Another job well done for the boys!

Striker Jonathan Doyle with a goal and assist took away the Man of the Match beers but there were many other solid performers on the day such as the departing Verenka as well as the midfield engine room of Blackstock and skipper Wilson. Striker Alex Pomeroy was declared Limavady's best performer.

Hope you are all enjoying this challenge, and the format. If you have any suggestions on how I could make it better then please drop me a PM.

2023-2024 Season: Revenge is a dish best served COLD! - Chapter 44

So we actually did build on the Cup triumph in our first game of 2024, and proved that we were actually not around to just turn up and become the latest team to succumb to Queens. In fact that last half hour was probably one of finest half hours all season, it was actually disappointing in a sense that we didn't actually come off the pitch with maximum points.

Well I thought we deserved it, so much it brought up the old Mastercard gag. Hot Dog - £2.50, Pint whilst watching the game - £4.20, The look of James Lavery's face when we equalised - Priceless…for everything else there's Mastercard!

Anyway, we're on our travels for the first time in 2024 as we play our first return fixture of the season. We're in the North Coast seaside town of Portstewart to take the Seahawks. This reeks of a bit of revenge on the horizon as the home side defeated us 4-3 on our own patch; just a month previous. If we want to climb up that table, which is what we are aiming to do so, then we have to start taking a heck of a lot of maximum points. Yet the bookmakers don't think our recent upsurge in form is going to make us favourites to take these points off a team below in the league table. They have Portstewart as even money favourites to complete the double over us, our best price is 5-2. It's 13-5 if you believe the game will end up in a draw.

Seahaven, Portstewart

Attendance: 92 (3 away)

We made just the single change from the side that drew with Queens, and that came in central defence with Ben Mitchell fit enough to resume his partnership with Andrew Ferguson. He came in for Jack Graham who dropped down to the bench. The Seahawks made three changes to their last line up with Jesse Carson, Nicky Hudson and Seamus Duffy coming into the starting line up. They replaced John Watt, Joel Bradley and Mark Stewart in Johnny Law's starting eleven which also included his son Glenn who scored a hat-trick in the game at The Dub last month. There's added spice with former PSNI men Mark Johnston and Tony Tumelty in their squad, Johnston starts at left back and striker Tumelty is on the bench hoping to score against his old club side.

In bitterly cold conditions that saw some snow cleared off the pitch prior to kick off, and sleet come down with increasing regularity through the game, we knew that keeping the ball was the main thing to do today as subduing the impact of wingers Glenn Law and and Gerry Graham. Those two had tore us apart at The Dub, and we knew Craig Briers and Zach Annett would need to have big games. We made a fantastic start, and were ahead after just five minutes when Carson went through on Ernestas Verenka for a stonewall penalty. Ferguson stepped up and thumped home his seventh of the season, his sixth successful spot kick from seven taken this campaign. Just before the half hour, we added a second when a shot from distance by Cian Stewart took a massive deflection off Linfield loanee Kielan Reid and nestle into the bottom corner of the net. 

Whilst we were not converting every chance that came our way, Portstewart themselves were suffering with the partnership of Ferguson and Mitchell providing very hard barrier to bypass. They did halve the deficit with 14 minutes to go though when Matthew Holloway headed the ball into the path of Joshua Kee to blast home an unstoppable volley past Jonah Magill. We thought we had gotten a third three minutes later when Verenka's headed dross was met by a fine header from teenage winger Aaron Porter on debut but the youngster's effort was ruled out for an apparent push. A tad harsh we thought as it looked a good goal from our viewpoint. Yet we didn't look in danger at the other end, and despite four minutes added-on: held on to continue the recent good run of form.

Ernestas Verenka was the recipient of the Man of the Match beers in what appears to be his penultimate appearance in our colours before his move to St. Mary's YC later this month. Seahawks skipper Holloway was deemed to be their best player.

2023-2024 Season: Unveiling some new signings - Chapter 43

We have been busy in the last few days with a host of new signings being unveiled, and to be honest we needed it.

Please welcome the following newcomers to The Dub:

As mentioned in previous posts, we have acquired goalkeeper Kai Beck and winger John-Joe MacDonald. Beck, 19, has joined us on a short term contract from Downshire to where he will return on 30 January 2024. Kai played in the youth teams at both Crusaders and Glentoran, and has also made two appearances in the Championship (the level above us) for Dundela. The other pre-mentioned player is winger MacDonald who came through the Ards set up, and can play on either wing. That will be an asset in itself due to the amount of left wingers we are about to lose from the squad this window.

Another winger that has arrived is 17 year old Aaron Porter. Aaron, who is a natural right winger, chose us ahead of a number of other suitors and by all accounts is good enough to be a starter already judging by what people have said of him. His signing, and that of MacDonald, means we will be utilising Cian Stewart, our loanee from H&W Welders, as a striker for the remainder of his spell here.

Our left back problem spot seems to have some cover as free agent Mohammad Butt joins us. He will prove cover and competition for current positional incumbent, which is Zach Annett, although we are trying to secure a half season loan for a Premiership left back. However, that deal will only happen if his parent club agree to still pay his wages as we can't and he decides to come here. It will be a real audacious transfer if we can pull it off.

Our final confirmed signing in this segment is right midfielder Sam Morrow. Sam, 21, joins us on a free transfer from Dundela for whom he has made 14 appearances for this season: 13 of them were as a substitute. Sam started his career his career at Crusaders and appeared once in the top division for the North Belfast-based club.   

2023-2024 Season: Honours even as a draw dethrones Queens - Chapter 42

Seven days passed after the euphoria of winning the Steel and Sons Cup Final against Moyola Park on their own turf. It's the second half of the season, a new year, and hopefully we can use the Cup win as a springboard to start to climb the league standings. It's fair to say that the first half of the season was rather Jekyll and Hyde but we might be on the right road now.

The question is though, are we good enough to take it to the next level? I think we are.

Our first opponents of 2024 on Ne'er Day are the leaders of the Division, fierce rivals Queens University Belfast whom we share a pitch with. The Students have led the division from the first matchday, and in Zach Ferson have a striker who certainly knows where the net is: he has 23 this season in all competitions which puts him second behind Distillery's Joe Tully who has bagged an astonishing 30. The bookmakers think the Students will take The Dub derby and have them instilled as 4-5 favourites to do so. We're best priced at 100-30 with a draw at 11-4. That said, the Students manager James Lavery has already fanned a few flames by claiming that I'm apparently overrated and he will expose my shortcomings. That's infuriated me no end, complete lack of respect. Who does Lavery think he is, eh?

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 225 (123 away)

There are changes for both sides today. From our Cup winners, Ryan Woods and Nicholas Turkington do not feature. Woods decided a couple of days ago that he would follow Turkington to Wakehurst as they re-shape their side.  We also go with a 4-4-2 formation after it proved to be a great catalyst in the Cup Final. Turkington's left wing spot is covered by Lithuanian Ernestas Verenka whilst Woods is replaced by Cup hero Sean Hill. Hill's inclusion sees him on the right wing and pushes Cian Stewart up top with Jonathan Doyle. A third change sees Louis Blackstock return from his suspension to resume his central midfield partnership with skipper Johnny Wilson. Player/Coach Jordan O'Brien is the substitute custodian as Allister McVeigh is sidelined with a wrist sustained when saving the penalty. There's also a place on the bench for newcomer John-Joe MacDonald whom we signed as a free agent; he had been on the books of Ards but was released by the Red and Blues at the end of last season.

The Students make three changes of their own. Andrew Gawne, Lorcan McIlory and Marc McKenna come into their starting eleven; they replace Mackenzie Pauley, Stewart Nixon (who has returned to parent club Carrick Rangers) and Ben Mulgrew who is serving the first of a two match suspension. Teenage right-back Jack Ovens, on loan from Portadown, is on the bench.

We decided to begin the game with a bit of a cautious mentality, which some thought was a surprise considering we were the home side. However, this was us respecting our opponents but with the belief that we could maybe capitalise on the odd break with our flying wingers in Hill and Verenka. The surprise was that it took Queens 21 minutes to score the opener; which came about when the ball was worked out to the left wing where Joshua Wilson was given time to take a touch and pick his spot high into the opposite top corner. Yet despite all the possession, Queens would only find the net just that once in the opening 45: a bit of a let off for sure.

it was evident we hadn't been at the proverbial races in that first 45, perhaps the mentality was to blame and that mood wasn't helped when Craig Briers limped away six minutes into the second half: forcing Mark McCullagh into an earlier than planned re-introduction to the team. As we started to cope with the change, Queens added their second just after the hour when a McIlory effort from outside the box was diverted home by Leon Bonnes; completely wrong footing Jonah Magill. At this point, I considered removing Hill and replacing him with MacDonald but he suddenly came to life. He created our first goal, speeding down the right and serving up Doyle for a tap-in from close range. We poured forward, and were rewarded with an equaliser four minutes from the end when Verenka's far post cross was headed into the bottom corner by Hill. The wide man could have won it too, when he drove a shot inches wide after Doyle had picked him out. Lavery was far from happy, that result had seen his side deposed at the summit by Dollingstown who won 3-1 at Rathfriland. Me? I couldn't care less about him…

For his performance, especially in the last half hour where he scored and created a goal, Sean Hill took home the Man of the Match beers with him. McKenna was seen to be the Students' best performer.

That's the plan, but nothing is ever easy especially in this division. Probably the toughest I have ever managed in for a while…

2023-2024 Season: Winter Window Re-Build - Chapter 41

The excitement of the Steel and Sons Cup win is something that will last for a while, at least to the end of this season when my one year deal expires. Will I do a Louis van Gaal, win a Cup and then get sacked at the end of the season? In this industry, anything can happen to be honest.

There is going to be some activity for us as the squad gets re-shaped again.

As regards outgoings first, four players are definite departures and three from a specific position: left wing. Nicholas Turkington is joining Wakehurst on the 1st, Raul Zabrauteanu is joining Knockbreda on the 12th and Ernestas Verenka is joining St. Mary's YC (Portadown) on the 16th. This will leave us with nobody in that position and no cover for Zach Annett at left back with Turkington's departure. The fourth confirmed departure is teenage goalkeeper Kai Beck whose short-term contract expires and joins Downshire.

There could be a fifth departure if reserve team central defender Ryan Woods rejects a new deal with us as four other clubs are closely monitoring his availability.

Now onto inbound transfers…

Kai Beck, as mentioned above, joins us on a 30 day short-term deal from Downshire: the team he will re-join afterwards. Then on the 5th and 10th, we complete a double signing from Dundela. Joining are right-hand side midfielder Sam Morrow and central midfielder Owen Madine. On the 17th of the month, central defender Joshua Logan joins from Braid United. We complete the signing of goalkeeper Aaron McFarlane from Mossley YM on the 22nd before completing another double signing on the 31st when Ryan Dalzell, a goalkeeper, joins from Valley Rangers and Portuguese winger (he can play either side) Alexandre Machado joins on a free transfer from Institute.

We are also in talks with two more wingers to boost the numbers in those positions but are yet to find a second left back to provide competition for Annett. As always, any players signed must be able to fit in within our financial structure which isn't easy, and finding ones to join is a challenge in itself never mind the results.

Have I literally bitten off more than I can proverbially chew? Certainly feels that way at times.

2023-2024 Season: Late Hill winner brings the Cup home! - Chapter 40

Dress rehearsal done, now time for a Cup Final and what a day to play it on…Christmas Day itself! 

As advised before, we were going to be without two recognised first team players: one through injury and the other through suspension. How would we adapt to these losses? Time for new heroes to step up, yeah?

We're of course the underdogs to win the Cup despite having a creditable 3-3 draw in the recent league encounter. Moyola Park, who will host the Final on their own pitch, have been installed as even money favourites to win the trophy on their first Steel and Sons Cup Final appearance. We're in our fifth Final, and hoping to bring home our second win after winning it in 1993, as we lost the 1982; 1990 and 1999 Finals. If you fancy a flutter on us to win it, then we're best priced at 12-5 with 13-5 the draw.

Coleraine Showgrounds, Coleraine

Attendance: 535 (151 away)

As expected, we were forced into a couple of changes for the Final. Ben Mitchell and Louis Blackstock had to miss out due to injury and suspension respectively. We decided draft in Jack Graham and the veteran that is Gary Brown as their replacements, There was a third change too as Ryan Woods came in for Sean Hill who dropped to the bench. We also decided to change the formation too as it was felt that we're a bit too open even with a standard 4-4-2 formation so we decided to go with three central defenders with Graham in the middle of Woods and Andrew Ferguson; Cian Stewart reverted to playing a right wing role as we adopted a 5-4-1 formation to try and stifle Moyola's dangerous front four. The hosts made one change from Friday night's match, Alfie Hanna replacing Jake McNeill in central midfield alongside former Ballyclare Comrades playmaker Samuel McIlveen.

The home side took the initiative from the start, and opened the scoring in the 21st minute. McIlveen played a corner to Caiolan Brennan and the left winger took a touch before firing a shot on goal that appeared to take a deflection off Zach Annett and subsequently fly into the top corner with Jonah Magill given no chance whatsoever. We were being distinctly second best as if we had frozen on the door, and it took us 31 minutes to fashion our first chance on goal which predictably was off target. The big surprise was that it was still just 1-0 to Moyola at half time, it should have been more.

We made a bold substitution at half time, swapping Magill for his deputy Allister McVeigh. Then a double gamble in the 56th minute, skipper Johnny Wilson and Graham coming off to be replaced by Kian McConkey and Hill. With these changes in mind, we went to 4-4-2 with Stewart partmering Jonathan Doyle up front and Hill into the right wing. Within seconds of that double change, we were level: Doyle pulling the ball back from the byline to strike partner Stewart whose shot on goal was diverted into his own net by Richard Vauls. Vauls had the chance to redeem himself and put Moyola back in front 12 minutes from time after Nicholas Turkington had been adjudged to have fouled Jake Morrow even though it looked a dubious decision. The full back's kick was weak and easily claimed by McVeigh.

Could there be late drama? Yes indeed, and we provided it in the 89th minute with what proved to be the game winner. A length of the pitch counter attack saw McConkey's effort deflect into the path of Hill who showed nerves of steel to compose himself and steer a shot across Andy Findlay and into the bottom corner. Absolute scenes! Despite playing six minutes added-on, we remained defensively resolute and produce this scene:

Substitute keeper Allister McVeigh was given the Man of the Match beers for an incredible performance despite straining wrist ligaments when saving that penalty. Moyola's best performer was deemed to be McIlveen.

2023-2024 Season: Double blow ahead of Cup Final - Chapter 39

Our hopes of taking the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day afternoon have suffered a double blow with two first teamers declared unavailable.

The first known absence is central defender Ben Mitchell who picked up a back injury in the 3-3 draw but carried on to finish the game. Scans have confirmed that he has sustained a pulled back muscle which will rule him out of action for a week. Meanwhile, we will also be minus central midfielder Louis Blackstock whose 79th minute caution was his fifth booking of the season and took him to the threshold of 20 disciplinary points. As a result, he picks up an automatic one match suspension which applies to all competitions including the Steel and Sons Cup.

Mitchell is likely to be replaced by either Jack Graham, Ryan Woods or Ben Gordon whilst Gary Brown or Aaron Cochrane are in line to replace Blackstock in central midfield alongside skipper Johnny Wilson.

One positive; veteran full back Mark McCullagh is now back in training but is far from match fit to regain the right back spot.

2023-2024 Season: Six goal dress rehearsal thriller - Chapter 38

The win against Coagh was massive in every sense. It had been coming and it actually came at much needed stage of the season. If we had lost that one then the personal pressure would have been unbearable, I would have not been adverse to have probably heard the managerial departure chants coming from our fan base. As it is, the change of formation has given me a stay of execution.

Nobody likes to lose their managerial job at Christmas time. I mean just think about Derek Dooley and Christmas Eve 1973.

Friday night's game pits two teams at differing ends of the league table. Our hosts Moyola Park are amongst the sides looking to chase down leaders Queens University Belfast with us trying to haul ourselves up after a stuttering run of form that had seen us slide down the standings. It's also a dress rehearsal for the Steel and Sons Cup Final which is to be played here on Christmas Day afternoon. The bookies don't think our win at Coagh is enough to upset the proverbial result applecart, they have the home team instilled as 5-6 favourites with us best priced at 11-4 and a draw is on offer at 13-5. Can we spring a surprise under the lights in Coleraine?

Coleraine Showgrounds, Coleraine

Attendance: 47 (3 away)

I decided to go with an unchanged line up from Coagh for the trip to Coleraine. However, with one major tweak. Instead of playing the attack minded 4-2-4 which did an excellent job in Coagh, we decided upon a more traditional 4-4-2 for this match as we felt that going with the adventurous 4-2-4 would leave us too exposed in midfield. Moyola made just one change from the side that lost 3-1 at Armagh City, Jake McNeill comes in for Robert McLean who drops to the bench. They have a potent front 4 who are bound to test our defensive capabilities, and in the opposing dugout is none other than former Kilmarnock and Derry City boss: the vastly experienced Kenny Shiels.

We made the most terrible of starts, conceding twice in the opening eight minutes. The first came after just 96 seconds on the clock when Samuel McIveen's right wing corner was headed home by the experienced Elliot McKim; a defender who made six appearances for us in 2016 and is now in his second spell at The Park. We hadn't regrouped and recovered from that early goal when our net bulged for a second time six minutes later, a slide rule pass from Jake Morrow into his skipper Mark Kelly and he directed it past Jonah Magill for 2-0. If we didn't wake up soon, we could be easily swamped. As it was, some choice expletives from the dugout did wake us up. In the 24th minute, a loose home throw was seized upon by skipper Johnny Wilson and although Sean Hill's shot was blocked: Nicholas Turkington swung it into the mix and Cian Stewart hooked home from inside the six yard box for his eighth of the season and first in six games.

Four minutes later, we restored parity. Turkington sped between two home defenders before drilling it across the area for Jonathan Doyle to poach home his 12th of the campaign. However, all the good work to get back into the game looked to be undone three minutes from half time when Craig Briers was adjudged to have pushed Caiolan Brennan in the area. Penalty Moyola Park. Left back Richard Vauls stepped up by Magill proceeded a fine reaction to keep him out. Six minutes into the second half, the turnaround was complete was Hill poked home from close range: Turkington with his third assist. The home side made it all square on the hour when Peter Duffin's cross was headed home at the far post by Brennan. Neither side could find a winner in the time left so shook hands on a point apiece; if this is anything to go by then the Steel and Sons Cup Final should be an absolute crackerjack!

After bagging a sensational three assists, Nicholas Turkington took home the Man of the Match beers with him. Moyola's best performer was left winger Brennan.

The Cup Final is just 72 hours away!

2023-2024 Season: Praise be! We won a game! - Chapter 37

After the fans reaction to the previous game, I knew I had to try and find something new to change our fortunes. We were hurtling towards that dangerous 14th place which the pundits had predicted for us at the start of the season, and that would mean relegation and probably a swift exit out of the door. It's obvious that 4-3-3 isn't the answer now. We need to get answers, quickly, before it becomes a much bigger problem.

Lose on Saturday and gawd knows what kind of negativity will follow…

League Game number 11, and an away visit to Coagh United. Coagh are below us in the table but then again so were Portstewart last week, and we all know what happened then. For once the bookies think we have a chance of taking all three points on offer, as they have us at 2-1 to do so. Our hosts Coagh are narrow favourites at 5-4, with the teams settling on a draw best priced at 5-2. Better than being rank outsiders for once…

Hagan Park, Coagh

Attendance: 95 (4 away)

After deciding to dispense with the 4-3--3 formation, we have gone with an attacking 4-4-2 today. It's more a 4-2-4 but you could say it's definitely a 4-4-2 attacking minded one. There's just the single change to accommodate the change in formation and that sees Sean Hill come in for Gary Brown. Hill takes up a right wing position with Cian Stewart alongside Jonathan Doyle in a potentially goals partnership up front. The home side make two changes from their last match, Tyler Anderson partners Ballymena United loanee Jordan McMullan in central defence whilst their other Premiership loanee, Loughgall's Lee McMenemy is also restored to the starting eleven. They replace Scott McGeown and Harry Wilson, who both drop to the bench. Experienced left back Nathan Riddle, who joined Coagh this summer after six seasons with us, starts at left back.

The change in formation seemed to look more suited as we started to create chances immediately. Could we make it count? Well after just ten minutes, we were awarded a penalty when the recalled Anderson clattered Doyle as they challenged for a right wing cross from Hill. After missing against Banbridge, we could have been forced to change the taker but we didn't do so as Andrew Ferguson blasted the ball top corner from twelve yards. We were forced into a change ten minutes later when Zach Annett went off holding his hammy, Brown coming to substitute. Yet the unusual choice at left back had a hand in the second goal which arrived ten minutes before half time: a deep cross to the far post where Hill headed in his first senior goal in his career.

Both sides struck the woodwork numerous times in the match, with Brown curling two efforts against the post from distance a prime example for us. Coagh got desperate, and we were ready to pounce again given half the opportunity. However, nerves started to jangle five minutes from full time when the hosts halved the deficit. It came when McMenemy slipped in Tiarnan Rafferty and the striker tucked it beyond Jonah Magill. Yet, relief was absolutely palpable when the final whistle sounded: the monkey was off our back!

The Man of the Match beers went to that unlikely left back hero himself, Gary Brown, whilst Coagh's best performer on the afternoon was goalscorer Rafferty.

2023-2024 Season: Seven goal thriller but the slide continues - Chapter 36

After exiting the Irish Cup at Banbridge Town, and a potential money spinning tie against one of the Premiership sides, we were undoubtedly down in the dumps. Aside of the Steel and Sons Cup campaign, which has taken us to a Final, we have not had much to shout up about recently. Money is tight, and for a Club like us, our dream to progress seems a long, long way in the distance.

Is there going to be light at the end of the tunnel soon?

Our next game is a home one, as we host Portstewart at The Hub. Portstewart are a place below us in the table, so this is one of those proverbial six pointers as they say. The bookmakers do not think our form is going to improve any time soon judging by the odds on offer. Our esteemed visitors are favourites to leave with all three points at 11-10, whilst you can get 11-5if you think we will arrest (pardon the pun) the slide. A draw can be found at 5-2.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 101 (2 away)

A couple of changes for us from the side that lost to Banbridge. Jack Graham replaces the suspended Ben Mitchell in central defence alongside Andrew Ferguson whilst veteran Gary Brown is also back in the starting eleven. He replaces Lithuanian winger Ernestas Verenka, in a switch that allows skipper Johnny Wilson to move from the defensive midfield role to the engine room alongside Louis Blackstock. Brown is in his defensive midfield spot whilst Nicholas Turkington moves from alongside Blackstock to the left wing spot vacated by Verenka. Portstewart make three changes themselves from their last game. There are recalls for veteran skipper John Watt as well as Mark Stewart and Joshua Kee; they replace jesse Carson, Nicky Hudson and Paul Smith. Former PSNI man Mark Johnston lines up at left back for the visitors.

As usual, we made a terrible start to the game with Portstewart scoring inside three minutes. Ferguson was adjudged to have been a bit too forceful with his challenge on Kee, and referee Mr Clarke pointed to the spot. Glenn Law, the manager's son, stepped up to convert the perfect penalty despite Jonah Magill going the right way. Was just the kick up the backside we needed, and we levelled in the 26th minute when Blackstock found the supporting Craig Briers who crunched a half volley from distance into the bottom corner. Time to kick on, right? Well, not exactly as Portstewart regained the lead seven minutes when Law bagged his second of the game: a low long range effort that found the net when it shouldn't have. It was a bit of a daisy cutter to be fair, and we had just given him the freedom to have a shot and punish us.

Could we get back into it again? Well the game was taken away from us with two goals in four minutes midway through the second half. First of all, Gerry Graham made it 1-3 when he drilled in a low effort from inside the penalty area after picking up a short corner from Michael Smith, and then in the 70th minute Law completed his hat-trick when he converted a second penalty high into the top corner: given for a reckless challenge by Wilson on Matthew Holloway. Pride was just that was left, and a number of home fans had enough. What they missed was two injury time goals though. First of all, as soon as the board popped up into view, Magill's long goal kick was missed by Kielan Reid and Jonathan Doyle strode to beat Alan Walsh for his 10th of the season. Then we scored again. Substitute Sean Hill's cross was turned in at the near post by Doyle who gave us a glimmer of hope at 3-4. Could we complete an amazing comeback with still three minutes of stoppage time to play? Alas no, time eventually expired and it's now six league losses on the spin. Will this bad luck end?

Not surprisingly enough for his hat-trick, Glenn Law left with the Man of the Match beers. Our best performer on the day was two-goal striker Jonathan Doyle to take him to 11 for the season. But it was a game where the majority of the team were absolutely shocking as a whole, not just one!

As I drove home, the discontent was apparent. Fans were questioning the tactics, so maybe 4-3-3 isn't the right formation. Need to find a winning solution, and quick at that too!

Looking good with the screen grabs now mate. Definitely brings the story to life 

Hope you get the Cartoon army relegated tbh, I would say that because I’m a SAFC fan….

Interesting concept this.

Would be even better with a few bits of graphics here and there in my opinion.

Senegal seems an interesting international challenge, produced plenty of good players over the last few years it has to be said.

2023-2024 Season: Red card proves costly for us - Chapter 35

The recent run of games came to an end as we played in the fourth qualifying round of the Northern Irish version of the FA Cup. A place in the First Round Proper awaited the winners, and the potential of drawing one of the big lights from the Premiership. Having played our opponent, Banbridge Town, just seven days previous then we have a good idea of what to expect. We know we need to contain their strike force tighter than we did then.

Are we up for the Cup? You bet we are…

Obviously the bookies think that the result from seven days previous is a clear sign of what is going to happen on Saturday. But what they don't realise is that this is Cup football and it actually means nada. They have priced the home side as even money favourites to go through, whilst we are a best price 5-2 to advance. If you fancy a draw then it's 13-5 for that.

Crystal Park, Banbridge

Attendance: 184 (10 away)

We made a couple of changes from the side that lost in midweek at Tobemore United. Ben Mitchell returned to partner Andrew Ferguson in central defence whilst Zach Annett replaced Gary Brown as we reshuffled the midfield trio. Nicholas Turkington moved into central midfield whilst skipper Johnny Wilson moved into the defensive midfield role vacated by Brown, Louis Blackstock was declared fit to play despite leaving the Tobemore game with a bruised shin early in the second half. Banbridge's side had one change from that beat us 3-2 seven days, Conor Downey coming in on the left wing which meant that Joshua Quinn moved to left back to replace Adam Hamilton.

Unlike the first encounter, we actually made a better start and opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Craig Briers swung in a deep cross to the far post and Lithuanian winger Ernestas Verenka powered home a header that nestled in the back of the net. Could this be a change in fortunes for us at last? We would liked to think so.  However, the lead lasted all of eight minutes when Sean Og Gallagher's was deliberately swung wide to full back Quinn who cut inside Zach Annett before steering a low curling effort out of the reach of Jonah Magill and into the corner of the net.  We must be terrible dog walkers then?

Banbridge piled on the pressure and we were holding on at times, hoping that we could manage to catch them out on a rare break or two. Then with just 13 minutes to go, the game changed and we were on the receiving end of a quite shocking decision. Mitchell and Banbridge's Nigerian striker Ebuka Kwelele clashed after the former made a legal challenge on the latter. Next thing, the striker is rolling around like he'd been physically assaulted and wasting time: well that was how our lads saw it close up. Mr Davey then astounds us all by producing a second yellow and subsequent red to Ben, thereby reducing us to ten men for only the second time this season. We take off Verenka and bring on Jack Graham to shore the defence up, but we concede seconds later when Gourley's deep cross sees Conor Downey get the leap on Briers to head home. We push on but can't force extra time, our Cup run ends here.

Conor Downey was awarded the Man of the Match beers post-game; whilst Lithuanian Ernestas Verenka was deemed to be our best player on the park today.

Thanks mate. As I said in my PM, more to come….

Season 2023-2024: Current Expectations at a Glance.

This is exactly how the board see things at the moment, no heat on at the moment. Guess they will have a better positive attitude if we get into the First Round of the Irish FA Cup. Don't you think? Contract up for renewal season end….

And this is the actual supporters feeling, some slight mumbles but nothing majoe thankfully…at the moment that is! Can change though…

You can't please everyone. I'll be doing a similar analysis at the end of February and the season's end.

2023-2024 Season: A look back so far… - Chapter 34

We have been in the job almost five months now, and safe to say it hasn't been all plain sailing.

This is how we stand in the league table at the moment:

Whilst our recent form leaves a lot to be desired, we are on course to achieve what the board wants from us this season: that being a mid-table finish. However, bottom placed Tobemore United are just three points behind us. Yet the same gap separates us from sixth placed Ballymacash Rangers which goes to show how tight things really are.

If we could start to put a sequence of wins together then this could be looking even better than it is.

Thankfully, the board nor the supporters have voiced serious displeasure yet. Imagine how delighted they would be if we win the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day. Quite….

Our top scorer so far this season at the moment is Jonathan Doyle with 9; with Nicholas Turkington and Mark McCullagh topping the assists with 6 apiece. Turkington leaves us next month when he joins Wakehurst so we will undoubtedly miss that contribution a lot.

It's a challenge for sure. Not sure to keep the format for subsequent reasons or change it up. Let me know what you think.

2023-2024 Season: Can't buy a win for love or money…. - Chapter 33

After having such a good start where we hit the heights of fourth at one stage, we are now in a bit of a slide. We just can't seem to find a win at the moment, and it certainly feels a tad demoralising for all concerned. One can only but hope that those upstairs aren't thinking that a change, i.e. sacking me, is the option open to them.

Midweek sees us travel to Tobemore United under the lights, a Tobemore side that is at the bottom of the league standings. However, this is in the Intermediate Cup Second Round and we're hoping to progress to the last 32 after sending a higher ranked team in the shape of Ballyclare Comrades out in the previous stage.

The bookmakers think that there is not much between the sides, as evidenced by the odds they have come out with. Tobemore United, our hosts, are best priced at 6-4 whilst we are at 13-8. If you think it will go to a draw then that is to be found at 5-2.

Fortwilliam Park, Tobemore

Attendance: 58 (1 away)

We were forced to one change tonight for the game at Fortwilliam Park.  Mark McCullagh's injury prognosis is not what we wanted, a very badly twisted ankle which is going to keep the veteran full back out of action around five weeks or so. Luckily for us, we have a ready made replacement to step into the breach in vice-captain Craig Briers. There are two further changes in defence where Jack Graham partners Andrew Ferguson in central defence, and Nicholas Turkington comes in at left back for Zach Annett. Compared to the side that we beat 2-1 here at the start of October, and that now feels like a distant memory indeed, Tobemore have the same outfield players starting but Tom Hegan is in between the posts as opposed to Morgan Moore who featured in said league encounter.

Predictably, the home side controlled proceedings but it looked like we would go into half time goalless when Tobemore scored in the first of two added on minutes. After defending a dangerous cross, we allowed the home side to work the ball between themselves and Declan Martin fed the ball to Iain McCashin, and the 16 year old spun Briers before hammering an unstoppable shot beyond Jonah Magill and into the far corner. No chance of saving that. It certainly changed a bit of my half time team talk for sure. But it was no more than what Tobemore deserved to be fair.

The home side added a second early in the second half to give themselves some breathing space; Martin fed in Daniel McIlhatton and although Magill pushed the initial effort onto the post: the midfielder made no mistake in netting the rebound. It was hardly the start that we needed when chasing the game. Our woes were continuing and we seemed powerless to it. Try as we might, we simply couldn't get anything going .Then we pulled one back, the problem was though: the timing of it. It came in the 91st minute! A counter attack from a Tobemore corner saw Jonathan Doyle bomb down the right and the centre forward drilled the ball across the penalty area to an onrushing Ernestas Verenka to place a low effort beyond Hegan into the corner. Could we get an unexpected equaliser? Alas no, as time ran out on us.

Tobemore's Declan Martin was the recipient of the Man of the Match beers tonight; with keeper Jonah Magill being the only PSNI player to show some kind of reasonable performance on yet another dismal night.

2023-2024 Season: The league slide continues… - Chapter 32

There was very little time to dwell on our extra time win in midweek before a Saturday match in the league against Banbridge Town. This would be the first of two matches in the space of week against the same opponent, the second being in the fourth and final qualifying round of the Irish FA Cup. It certainly would give us an idea of what to expect from them.

Perhaps if we win the league, we get a psychological adventure for the Cup game?

Naturally the bookies had us down for another loss on the league record. They have placed the home side as 11-10 favourites to take all the three points on offer. If we are to arrest our league slide, we are 9-4 and if the game will see the sides shake hands on a draw; then it's 5-2 for that.

Crystal Park, Banbridge

Attendance: 72 (6 away)

We opted to make two changes from the side that won the semi-final in midweek. Ben Mitchell was declared fit enough to start the game this time out, and he resumed his central defensive partnership with Andrew Ferguson. The other change came on the left wing as Lithuanian Ernestas Verenka came in for Nicholas Turkington. Once more we covered all positions on the substitutes bench, maintaining a trend that we have opted into for the last few league games. Banbridge made two changes from their last outing as well: with Jake Redpath and Joshua Quinn replacing Edward Otesanya and Conor Downey.

Once more we made a dismal start to the game which was played in incessant rain, as we conceded twice in the first 18 minutes. The opener came in just the eighth minute when Mark McCullagh was deemed to have impeded Quinn at the far post as they challenged for a Scott Gormley cross. Up stepped Nigerian striker Ebuka Kwelele to blast home the resultant spot kick for his 10th of the season. Ten minutes later, we shipped another when Quinn's low cross was turned home at the near post by home skipper Stephen McCavitt with our defending absolutely non-existent. We looked shambolic and lethargic, perhaps the exertions of extra time in midweek had caught up with us. 

Words were exchanged and arms flailed in anger at half time as the squad was given the hairdryer treatment. A response was needed and we halved the deficit nine minutes after half time when Mark McCullagh's lofted ball forward picked out the run of top scorer Jonathan Doyle who clipped a shot across Niall Brady and into the far corner. Ten minutes after the goal, McCullagh's afternoon ended when he was carried off following a challenge from Kwelele that didn't warrant a card according to the referee. We shipped a third in the 71st minute, Kwelele picking out McCavitt and the home skipper bagged his second of the afternoon. 

With 13 minutes to play, we made it a one goal game again. Home substitute Callum Burns clattered Louis Blackstock in the penalty area and Andrew Ferguson made no mistake from twelve yards. It could have been 3-3 five minutes from the end, Burns conceding a second spot kick as he fouled Nicholas Turkington this time out. However, this time out Brady turned away Ferguson's effort as the defender looked to find the opposite corner this time out.

For his brace, McCavitt took the Man of the Match beers home with him; whilst Mark McCullagh (despite playing only 64 minutes and then getting injured) was deemed to be our best player on the day.

2023-2024 Season: One step from glory - Chapter 31

After that extended break, our next match was the Steel and Sons Cup semi-final against Distillery. For us, we saw this in two different lights: one, that we were maybe 90 or 120 (depending if went to extra time or not) minutes away from a Cup Final and second, a shot at revenge against an opponent that defeated us a month previous in the League. Therefore the lads didn't need much motivation to do well.

Could we rise to the occasion?

Our visitors tonight arrive at The Dub, five places and points above us in the league standings but don't let that be a benchmark for tonight's game as any formbook usually goes out of the proverbial window when it comes to Cup football. Obviously the bookmakers think otherwise as they have instilled the Whites as even money favourites to get to the Final next month. They have priced us, despite being at home, at 9-4 with a draw at 13-5. Like virtually every Cup game, extra time and penalties will be utilised if the scores are level after 90 minutes play.

The Dub, Belfast

Attendance: 410 (163 away)

We made three changes to the side that draw 2 apiece in our most recent fixture. Craig Briers came in for Mark McCullagh at right back and Nicholas Turkington came in on the left wing to replace Lithuanian Ernestas Verenka who dropped to the bench. Ben Mitchell's shins were slightly sore so we opted to go with Jack Graham alongside Andrew Ferguson in central defence with Mitchell on the bench in case we needed him to come on in a cameo type role. The Whites side this evening showed one change from the side defeated us in the League; that came in defence where Ethan Warnock came in at left back which allowed Conor McDermott to switch to central defence and partner David Rafferty in place of Adam McCart. With only five substitutes to choose, we covered most bases bar the full back positions.

A much larger than normal crowd was in attendance to see which team would advance to next month's final, and despite being at home: it was the away side that controlled the game from the off. However, a combination of weak finishing and some solid goalkeeping from our very own Jonah Magill was keeping us in the game. One of the biggest wasted chances came in the second half when Josh Lynch wriggled his way down the left and measured up a cross onto the head of Gerard Storey, on loan from Cliftonville, who planted a free header straight at Magill when he should have scored. It was a very bad miss.

We struggled to get anything going in normal time, and former Whites striker Jonathan Doyle was having very little luck as our striking spearhead. Verenka was introduced with 14 minutes to go for Turkington to try and inject some impact. Yet somehow we held on for extra time. Doyle came off for Ryan Worthington whilst Mitchell came on for Graham who was showing signs of fatigue. The game looked like it would be destined for penalties until the deadlock was finally broken in the 112nd minute: Gary Brown fed the ball onto skipper Johnny Wilson who switched it wide right to Cian Stewart who cut inside two Distillery defenders before showing great composure to slide the ball past the advancing Craig Robinson for what turned out to be the clincher. A goal of beauty, and Stewart's seventh of teh season. Distillery tried to fight back but Magill was determined to blank them out, and we're just a single game away from some silverware.

For his imperious efforts in denying Distillery time and time again, goalkeeper Jonah Magill was given the Man of the Match beers and deservedly so. 

24 hours before our semi-final, Moyola Park took on Queens University at the Coleraine Showgrounds in the other final four encounter. Goals from Jake Morrow and Caiolan Brennan put The Park 2-0 ahead inside the first 11 minutes, but Ronan Young halved the deficit just after the half hour. Queens, the favourites to advance, were on level terms midway through the second half when top scorer Zach Ferson bagged his 19th of the season in all competitions. However, winger Peter Duffin bagged the winner for the home side with just three minutes to go. 

Therefore the Final is set as follows:

Some day to play the Final, Christmas Day! But if we win it then it will be some Christmas present for the fanbase. Three days beforehand though, we play the same opponent at the same venue. This fixture list is absolutely bonkers as it comes!

2023-2024 Season: Cup preparation time… - Chapter 30

We now had eleven days between games before the Steel and Sons Cup semi-final. As far as we were concerned though, it was just business as usual for us: three training sessions a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday but no game on the Saturday which meant we could get in an extra session on the Monday following. It would be the same for our next opponents, also being a semi-professional outfit, but the main thing to try and avoid injuries in that time which would force a rethink of who to play in what position. I had an idea of the team I wanted to name but I was equally aware my plans could be thrown into absolute chaos at any time .

One thing was for definite, I was going to ensure the team that would be taking the field would be my strongest one possible despite it being the first match in another hectic spell: we were set to play four matches in just eleven days. Just one of those was going to be a League one as the others were in three different Cup competitions.

The preparation got off to a good start before even the training session had been started. Allister McVeigh, Jonah Magill's deputy between the sticks, had been the target of four clubs in the week previous and I was resigned to think he was going to move on as they all probably were going to offer him a starters role albeit at a lower level to ourselves. Therefore I was pleasantly surprised when Allister advised he was very happy with what his role was at the moment with us, and wanted it to remain that way. You can imagine how delighted we were….

Another player being on the radar of other clubs is central defender Ben Mitchell. Mitchell, 24, who has played all but one game for us this season is rumoured to be a transfer target for our local rivals Queens University, and they have made it public knowledge as such. I've made it abundantly clear to them, Ben is not for sale at all but since he's a non-contracted player there's nothing we can do to stop him leaving if they make a formal approach. We just have to hope that Ben, like others, sees his future with us and not elsewhere. After all, the grass is not always greener if you move on. Just ask many a professional in this beautiful game of ours.

As regards, preparations never run smoothly when you have such a gap between one game and the next as we picked an injury scare 48 hours before the semi-final. The player injured? None other than the afore-mentioned Ben Mitchell who suffered a bruised shin in training which makes him a doubt for the Distillery match. If he fails to recover then Ryan Woods or Ben Gordon will deputise. It's time for heroes to step up and to be counted, nobody wants to on the losing side especially in a semi-final of any Cup competition.