BY RYAN FERRY

Naomh Pádraig, Lifford manager Donal Grant hopes that things are on the up for his side and they are aiming to finish in the top three of Group A.

Lifford only had a win against Na Rossa and a draw with Naomh Colmcille to show from their eleven games in Division 3.

However, Grant points out that they were weakened for a large chunk of the league but with a stronger team they feel they can be competitive in the Championship.

“We’re hoping things are on the up.

“The league campaign was very tough.

“We had a few games where we played well and then a couple of matches when we were completely over-run. We have no reserve team in Lifford at the moment and it’s tough on young lads. We had a 17-year-old in playing full-back against Burt and it was a bit of a baptism of fire but the young boys have progressed and are learning.

“We were without four of our main players for a few games but everyone is on the road back now. They mightn’t all make Sunday but they should be back soon.

“We feel things are on the up and if we can get our best team out we think we can give anyone a match really.”

Young Kyle Martin has really impressed in attack for Naomh Pádraig this season.

He has had to deal with the burden of responsibility with Brian Breslin injured, and Grant admits that their star forward may not see much action.

That said, the border club feel they have games that they can get results from.

“We have Convoy and Pettigo away and then Robert Emmets and Naomh Bríd at home. That might give us a wee advantage if we can use Lifford as a fortress at the end and finish strong. Convoy are going to be hurting after the league they had and they will be out to prove a point that they are still a side to be reckoned with. It’s always a battle when we play Castlefin and we had a poor performance against them.

“We were a few points up against Pettigo and our midfielder went off injured and we couldn’t get to grips with the match then.

“It was close at half-time against Naomh Bríd but there was a big wind and the score kind of flattered them in the second half.

“We feel we could have done better in all three of those matches.

“We’re obviously going to try and target every match but we want to make sure we progress to the next round.”

Bainisteoir: Donal Grant

Captain: Brian Breslin

Last Year: JFC Group Stages

Star Man: Brian Breslin

One to Watch: Kyle Martin