By Chris Ashmore
The best is yet to come – that was the verdict from Letterkenny Rovers manager Stephen McConnell after a big 4-0 win over arch rivals Bonagee United in the Letterkenny Area Final of the Brian McCormick Sports Cup on Sunday.
While acknowledging that the scoreline was flattering, it was nonetheless a most satisfying and timely local derby win.
“I don’t think it was a 4-0
game, but they gifted us two of
the goals. Four nil is a great
scoreline and to win an area final is nice, but next week’s bigger,” he declared.
This was a reference to the fact that the sides will meet again this Sunday at Leckview Park for a crunch Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division clash.
Rovers are five points clear of Bonagee, having played a game more, and will see this as a psychological booster ahead of that encounter.
It also was a case of rectifying matters from earlier in the season when they were outplayed by Bonagee and lost 3-0 at Dry Arch Park.
“It’s good to have the momentum now and we have not lost since that game,” he added.
“There are no easy games. To score four, it’s great for us, for the club and for the players’ confidence, and hopefully we will carry the momentum into next week.”
Last season, Rovers completed a superb treble, crowning their season with an extra-time win over Castlefin Celtic in the decider of the Brian McCormick Sports Cup. They will be favourites now to retain that trophy.
Asked where he feels Rovers are at now, and comparing things to this time last season, McConnell replied: “We feel good. I still don’t think we have hit 100%, but we are still sitting at the top of the league.”
And that is an ominous warning to everyone else.
