Sandilands expecting tough Bonagee assignment

BY MATTHEW WILSON

KILMACRENNAN CELTIC’S John Sandilands is expecting a tough test when they host Bonagee United in the Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division this Sunday.

The Kilmacrennan outfit began this season’s cup competition’s well, securing the Area Shield in the Brian McCormick Sports Cup.

However, they exited the Ulster Cup in the Preliminary Round last Thursday night, losing 6-1 to Aileach FC.

Sandilands stated that the group were disappointed with the outcome but expressed that they were without a large number of first-team players for the encounter.

“We were disappointed with it but I suppose in reality going into it, I think Marty (McGinley) said we had 13 men out.”

“When you’re going into the game, we probably weren’t expecting too much. It would’ve been nice to run them closer but 13 first-team players being out is a lot.”

“In fairness, a lot of the Saturday boys had to step up for us and they did quite well given the circumstances that we went into it in.”

The Joseph McGettigan Park residents have had a mixed start to the league campaign but Sandilands discussed that with the players they’ve been without, they’re content with how they’ve done.

They sit middle of the pack in the Premier Division, with them securing a hard fought point away to Fanad United in their last league outing having found themselves two goals adrift.

“We’re probably happy enough. We were happy to get a draw away to Fanad having gone 2-0 down and with the couple of players that we were missing.”

“It’s just such a tough league this year that if you are carrying a few injuries then you’re going to struggle. We do actually have a big enough squad, we’ve needed it all so far and I’d say Marty is glad to have them.”

The strength of the Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division is increasing every season and the competition within the league this term is fierce.

The Kilmacrennan Celtic defender expressed that nothing is guaranteed in the league and that if you’re not on your game then you’re not going to be in with a chance of coming away with the points in a match.

“There’s nothing guaranteed in this league, every team can beat one another any weekend. Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee might be a little bit stronger with regards to depth of squad.”

“Most teams will probably think they can get a point off them on any given day too. Even Donegal Town and Glenea who came up, you’re not getting anything easy against them.”

“It’s just a struggle every weekend now, you have to be on it or you’re not going to get points in the league and that’s the reality of it.”

Following the departure of Gerard McGranaghan at the end of last season, there is a new face in the dugout at Joseph McGettigan Park in the form of Martin McGinley.

McGinley, who is a former Kilmacrennan Schoolboys player, has settled into the role well and is extremely committed to the cause according to Sandilands.

“It’s been good under Marty. He’s tried new things and I suppose Marty is just finding his feet too. I’m sure that coming into this time of the season he’ll have a fair idea of where he wants players to play.”

“He’s starting to settle in nicely and it’s great to have him. He’s got a great footballing head and he’s very committed to it. He’s a good man to have in there and I’m sure we’ll only get better as the season goes on.”

Following their Ulster Cup exit last week, Kilmacrennan Celtic’s attention turns back to league action this Sunday when they host Bonagee United in the Premier Division.

The Dry Arch Park residents have made a strong start to their new season, sitting top of the table, and Sandiland’s is aware of the ‘massive task’ that lies ahead of them.

“It’ll be a massive test, Bonagee are flying at the minute. They’ve a lot of experience in the team and they signed very well.”

“Mickey Funston is managing them and he’s a lot of experience too. We know it’s going to be a massive task, all we can do is prepare for it and see how it goes on Sunday.”

“We’re under no illusions of how difficult of a challenge it’s going to be when you’re playing that Bonagee team.”