BY MATTHEW WILSON
DRUMOGHILL forward Liam O’Donnell is hopeful that the side can build a bit of momentum in the run-in to Christmas as they prepare for a meeting with Dunfanaghy Youths.
Jonathan Wilson’s outfit were successful last time out, securing a convincing 6-0 over Dunkineely Celtic at Darney Park on Sunday.
The Dunkineely outfit have struggled for results to date, failing to register a point so far, although O’Donnell was pleased with the performance of the side to travel there and get the three points.
“It was a good result, Dunkineely have struggled the last couple of seasons, it’s a game that you’re expected to win but you never take it for granted. You just go there and get the job done.”
“In fairness, on Sunday we were down on numbers as well so it’s good to have a big squad. We went there and got the job done, got the three points and we’ll move onto next week.”
It’s been a solid start to the season for the Moss residents, sitting third in the league courtesy of four wins and a draw from their first six matches.
Their only defeat came against Raphoe Town and the Drumoghill forward is pleased with the progress the side have made but insists that they need to continue to push forward.
“We’re very happy. We have a good squad, as we have had in previous years but it’s about getting over the line.”
“We’re happy enough with where we are at the minute but you want to keep pushing on. You’re always chasing, you’re not being chased.”
“We’re sitting in the right place but it’s about keeping the training going and keeping the boys fighting and interested.”
“We’re pleased with how it’s going, the defeat to Raphoe was a small blip but it happens, they’re a very good side. There’s a lot of very good teams in that division this year, the standard has improved.”
Drumoghill have remained firm at the back to date this term, boasting the second best defensive record in Division 2 with just three goals conceded in their first five outings.
It’s only early days in the campaign but O’Donnell feels like the defence that they have in place this season is one of the best they’ve had, with all of them playing their part.
“It’s something that I’ve said a couple of times, it’s one of the best defences that we’ve had so far. Sergey Alcorn has come in and has paired well with Dylan McElhinney, the two of them bounce well off one another.”
“Leon Doherty is also unbelievable, he can go forward, as well as Josh Hayes who is a big plus in there too.”
The 38-year-old striker is still doing the business for Jonathan Wilson’s outfit at the top end of the pitch, scoring six goals in as many league games this season including a hat-trick against Dunkineely Celtic last time out.
O’Donnell is content with the start of the season that he has enjoyed but heaped praise on the creative individuals within the side that are supplying him with the chances.
“On a personal note, I’m pleased. All of my goals are from inside the 18-yard box so I rely on players around me. If I’m not getting the supply then I’m not scoring goals so it’s as much of a positive on their side as it is mine.”
“My three goals on Sunday were fed to me, you have to finish them but the boys worked hard to get the ball to me.”
“This year we have goals that can come from anywhere. They can come from your midfield, your wingers or even a defender that’s mad to get on the scoresheet. Everybody is hungry for that and it’s working well because we’re not relying on one individual.”
O’Donnell stated that they are operating with a much changed side this term, with just one player from last season starting their opening league encounter against Cranford FC.
The new faces appear to have gelled together seamlessly as they bid to regain their status in Division 1 following a three year absence.
The Moss residents have been hovering around fourth and fifth position in recent seasons but if a promotion attempt is to prove successful this term, O’Donnell expressed that the side must keep moving forward and start well after the Christmas break.
“It’s something that you’re trying to instill in the players week in week out. After Christmas is an important time to get off to a winning start again in previous seasons.”
“Even from down through the years in that league, if you get off to a good start after Christmas then you can continue the momentum on again.”
Next up for Drumoghill is a meeting with Dunfanaghy Youths on home soil this Sunday.
The Dunfanaghy men will provide a test, having gone unbeaten in their previous two outings against Dunkineely Celtic and Curragh Athletic.
The Drumoghill forward discussed that it’s just about taking it one game at a time in order to try and build some momentum this side of Christmas.
“It’s about getting your team on the pitch and staying positive, you can take nothing for granted. You always want to win your home games.”
“You want to get a good training session in now on a Tuesday and Thursday night, get on the pitch on Sunday and try to get the job done.”
“We have a good run-in now until Christmas. It was hard before because we were starting and stopping, it was difficult to get momentum going.”
“We have matches now in our next four weeks so we’ll just get a run at it, try to stay positive and take it one game at a time.”
