McDaid and Cappry hoping to return to winning ways

BY MATTHEW WILSON

CAPPRY Rovers midfielder Conor McDaid hopes that they can get back to winning ways this weekend when they host Gweedore United at Cappry Park.

Cappry Rovers have enjoyed a good start to the Division 1 campaign but they came out on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat to Castlefin Celtic last time out, seeing the Parkview residents move top of the table.

McDaid expressed that the feeling was disappointment however, he insists that it was a learning curve for a youthful Cappry Rovers side.

“Disappointed is probably the word. Going down there, even looking at a point, a good result keeps us top of the table.”

“I think it’s always a chaotic game down there no matter what form you’re bringing in. It was 0-0 at half-time and I think the physicality of the game let us down a bit in the end, we’re a young team.”

“We got it back to 2-1 but we couldn’t keep it going. It’s a learning curve, it’s only early in the league so I wouldn’t hold too many accounts over that.”

As mentioned, overall it’s been a very positive start to the season for Jamie Doherty’s outfit.

Last Sunday’s defeat marked their first loss of the campaign, having been unbeaten in their previous five before the Castlefin Celtic clash.

It’s the Cappry Park resident’s third season in Division 1 following their relegation from the top tier of Donegal football in 2023. They’ll be keen to make a return to the Premier Division in the not so distant future.

Although with a large number of young players in the dressing room this term, McDaid discussed that retaining their status in the league is the priority but is pleased with the start that they’ve made.

“We’re pleased. It’s a tough league, probably not as good as the Premier Division footballing wise but every game is tough.”

“We’d four wins on the bounce there which is good, especially for a young team. I’d be one of the oldest in the changing room and I’m only 22.”

“We’re happy. You have to stay in that league before you move on to the Premier Division. Staying up is the main aim but again, you always try to win your games.”

“Three points every week is your stepping stone and we’re happy with second place at the minute, we’ll keep going now before Christmas.”

It’s also been a fine start to the new season for McDaid personally, scoring seven goals in his first nine games in all competitions.

The 22-year-old is being utilised as a midfielder but appears to have been given a license from Jamie Doherty and his management team to get forward and support the attacking players on the pitch.

It’s an impressive return for a player who formerly lined out as a goalkeeper and defender and he’s glad to have added this attacking element to his game , something he feels that he previously lacked.

“Originally, I was a centre-half. I grew up as a goalkeeper but then I had an accident on my finger so I played outfield for a couple of games and I have stuck there since.”

“Jamie (Doherty) has given me that role now to push the team on from the middle of the field because I’m probably one of the most comfortable on the ball.”

“I think I lacked that last season. I’m a very good, dominant, defensive player but going forward was something that I needed to work on more.”

“Thankfully a good amount of stuff I touch now turns into goals and assists so I think that’s helping the team this season.”

Next up for Cappry Rovers is a home tie against Gweedore United this Sunday.

The Carrickboyle men have struggled for results so far, coming out on top in one of their four league outings.

However, McDaid reiterated that there are no straight forward assignments in this Division and he’s expecting a tough test when the Gweedore men travel to Cappry Park.

The Cappry men will be keen to right the wrongs from last weekend and get back to winning ways, with a number of tough ties coming up this side of Christmas.

“As I keep saying, three points is massive as every game is really hard. I know Gweedore United haven’t had a great start but Gweedore is Gweedore.”

“They’re a dogged team, they’re a fit team, it’s always tough. I know we’re at home and we’re unbeaten at home but again, they’ve good players.”

“Every team is tough no matter what form they’re bringing in. It’d just be nice to get three points and get back into the swing of momentum because we’ve a few tough games now before Christmas.”

“Even a point on Sunday keeps us going forward but it’s definitely a tough game.”