BY RYAN FERRY

RAMELTON Mariners were relegated from the top tier of Saturday football last season but they were able to ‘taste the water’ and are keen to bounce back and earn a spot back in Division One for next season.

The Mariners won the Old Orchard Inn Division Two years ago and carried momentum into their top flight campaign.

They managed to win seven games and finished fourth from bottom, but they weren’t able to avoid the play-off spot and fell through the trap door when they were beaten by Kilmacrennan Celtic Reserves.

Ray Friel has remained on as manager and there is good continuity to his squad which should be a help.

“We were relegated last year when we were beat in the play-off by Kilmacrennan.

“That was our first year back in that higher division.

“We’d have to say that the First Division is a good step up to be honest.

“The clubs have stronger teams and stronger squads and you need to have your best team out every week.

“But it was good for us to taste the water. The boys are hungry enough to get back up there again.”

It hasn’t been an ideal start for the Mariners as they have only taken one point from a possible six so far.

However, there is no sense of panic from Friel, who has Paul Gallagher and Chairman Paul Doherty helping him out on the sideline.

His team are training twice a week and he’s pleased with the application of the players.

“We should be strong enough.

“We have had a draw and a defeat in our first two league games.

“We had a hard one to take on Saturday when we conceded in the last minute against Copany and lost 2-1.

“It was a good game up until that point and we were disappointed.

“We have kept everybody from last year, and we have added in a couple.

“Rob McGrath has moved back to the county after living in Galway for a good while. He contacted us to see if he could come and train with us.

“It might be January before we get him as he was registered with a team in Galway but he’s training very well with us for the last two weeks.

“Young Brian McIntyre, who plays hurley with Donegal, is looking to get back into the soccer. Brian is sorted now and ready for the weekend.

“Those boys will be two good additions and will keep everyone else on their toes. We’re hoping to have a good season in Division Two.”

Friel feels his team can be in the shake-up for promotion but it won’t be easy.

Fanad United, Bonagee, Keadue, Swilly, Gweedore Celtic and Glenea all have their second teams in the league and there are plenty of young players coming through at all those clubs.

Arranmore, Fintown, and Copany are teams that the Mariners know really well.

“There are five or six teams that could be pushing for promotion.

“Division Two and Division Three are good leagues. It’s not easy to get out of them.

“We won Division Two a couple of years ago, and it took an 11-game unbeaten run to do it. We won ten and drew one.

“You had to really fight for all the points.

“To make things happen, you have to keep everybody together.

“Everybody has to be singing from the same hymn sheet.

It’s been a tough few seasons for Arranmore but they look to have steadied up over the summer, and Friel expects the Islanders to provide a stern test at the Flagpole Field, kick-off at 1pm.

“We play Arranmore in Rathmullan.

“No matter when you play Arranmore, you’re going to get a tough battle.

“They have made a very good start to the season as have Copany.

“Arranmore are two from two. They beat Bonagee in their first match and won at Swilly Park last weekend.

“They seem to be strong again this season.

“It will be a big one for us this week. The boys are training very well and they seem to be up for it.

“For us, it’s just a matter of getting that first win.

“We drew with Swilly in our opening match. We knew ourselves we didn’t play well but we still got a good point and Swilly have a very good young side this year.

“Last week was disappointing but the boys are looking to put that right this week now against a strong Arranmore side.”