Manager’s programme notes
Posted : 22nd August 2023
Tonight we are sure to face a formidable challenge from a Cliftonville team that won their first two league games 3-0 (against Glenavon and Newry).
Under new manager Jim Magilton, they are sure to be among the challengers when the league table settles down in the coming weeks and with a big crowd of supporters expected on both sides tonight, it's sure to be an exciting and fiercely contested battle for the all important three points from this big derby game.
We got our league campaign underway with two good wins (3-2 away at Dungannon and 4-2 at home to Glenavon). Both were solid and pleasing performances, providing us with a platform to build upon, as we hopefully gather momentum over the coming weeks.
New players have settled into the squad nicely and we have a good blend of youth and experience amongst the tightly knit group.
We've scored some fine goals and played some excellent football in our opening few games, so the talent is in the squad and tonight would be an excellent opportunity to display what we are capable of against one of the expected main contenders at the top end of the table.
Kirk Millar scored his 50th goal for the club (a fine strike that turned out to be the winner in Dungannon) and Chris Shields, having scored two penalties against Glenavon, was due to play his 100th game for the club against Ballymena on Friday.
Everyone has been talking about Joel Cooper's exceptional individual goal against Glenavon and with so many tight games in this highly competitive league, I've no doubt that every goal scored and every point earned will prove to be crucial in the final analysis.
Injuries and suspensions are unfortunately part and parcel of football and we've already missed Daniel Finlayson, due to a red card issued in Dungannon. We will continue to be missing Robbie McDaid and Jordan Stewart, due to longer term injury. Our other injury absentee, Stephen Fallon will hopefully be available for selection in the near future.
I want to thank everyone who has turned up to get behind the players in our European and domestic games to date. The attendance at the opening day game in Dungannon was really impressive and we want to see and earn that level of support on a regular basis.
There is no doubt that our players are inspired by passionate vocal support and we are sure to need our supporters to really get behind the players tonight and help drive them on to the positive outcome we seek from what is sure to be a tough and competitive game.