ADAIRING TO DREAM

Adair has been busy in the build up to the new season, bringing in a whole host of new, local players.

The club is daring to dream of success as it gears up for its 50th anniversary in two years time - and the building work towards that success is starting now.

Amongst those joining is Clifford Sterritt, who has made the move to Iveagh Park from neighbours Moneyslane.

Adair has also brought in two of his old colleagues from Loughgall, Ryan Evans and Willy Herron.

"It was a nice wee friendly for us to break us back in," said Evans.

"We'll have a break now until we return after the holidays on the 15th but once we come back there's a lot of hard work to be done.

"We have a hard schedule in front of us with Glenavon, Newry and Portadown all coming up in preparation for the new season.

"They'll be good tests for us though because in this league the teams are going to be tough to beat, even if it is a bit of a step down from the level some of us have been playing at.

"There are some good teams in there. At Loughgall last season we played former Town manager Michael Lamont's team, Derryaghy, and it was a tough enough game."

He added, "Brian and the boys are enjoying it. All the new boys seem to be enjoying it too and we want to build on our good start.

Sterritt got on the scoresheet along with another new face, Ian Weir, Kyle Heslip and an own goal completing the scoring.

Former Banbridge Town players, Kevin Henry, Paul Rice and Ally Beck have all joined Adair at Rathfriland, along with Philly Davidson, Andrew Bell and former Lisburn Distillery player Conor Rippon.

For a full list of pre-season fixtures for Rathfriland Rangers and Rathfriland Swifts see page 44.