Bell believes his side can be the best in Ireland

Lisnagarvey captain Jonny Bell says his side have what it takes to win the IHL this weekend.
Billy Stewart, Ulster Hockey president, presents the Ulster Premier League trophy to Lisnagarvey hockey captain Jonny Bell, the club's 37th Premier League title following a 7-0 victory against Raphoe. US1414-559cd Picture: Cliff DonaldsonBilly Stewart, Ulster Hockey president, presents the Ulster Premier League trophy to Lisnagarvey hockey captain Jonny Bell, the club's 37th Premier League title following a 7-0 victory against Raphoe. US1414-559cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Billy Stewart, Ulster Hockey president, presents the Ulster Premier League trophy to Lisnagarvey hockey captain Jonny Bell, the club's 37th Premier League title following a 7-0 victory against Raphoe. US1414-559cd Picture: Cliff Donaldson

After senaking through to the finals weekend with a last gasp goal against Cookstown, Bell wants his side to add the Irish Hockey League title to their Ulster Premier League victory.

“We believe we have the quality and that we are playing well enough to win it,” he said.

“If we produce our best performance, nobody can match us but it’s all down to whether or not you can produce that display on such a big occasion.

“It all depends on what happens on the day and if the ball breaks for you. Those things can be very crucial.”

Lisnagarvey, of course, come up against hosts Banbridge in the semi-final at Havelock Park on Saturday (kick-off 5pm). Garvey beat Bann 8-2 in the Premier League back in December but Bell isn’t expecting such an easy ride this time around.

He said: “We played very well but we had the home advantage, which helps. Banbridge will have that this time round but that can also add pressure, playing in front of expectant home support. We’ll go into it full of confidence but wary of the threat Banbridge pose.

“It’s going to be a great weekend. We’ve been in the finals the last five years which is a great testament to the guys.

“It wasn’t easy and we came through what everyone was saying was the group of death. Banbridge had the perceivably easier group but it’ll be tough.

“There are very small margins in big games like these so hopefully we will get that break that we need.

“It’s great having the finals up north. We’ve hosted it twice and they were two fantastic occasions. The club put on great events and I’m sure Banbridge will do the same this weekend.”

Garvey have already got one over on Banbridge this year, edging them to the Ulster Premier League title on goal difference, largely thanks to that stunning win at Comber Road.

Bell said: “It was pretty tight at the top of the table and there’s no doubt that we are the best two teams in Ulster.

“They left us a tough task to score 14 goals in our last three games. I know they were against the lesser sides but it’s some going to do it anyway.

“It’s been a great season so far.”

There was almost a calamitous end to the year on Saturday when they were just five minutes away from going out of the IHL. Going 2-0 within the opening four minutes, it took a stunning comeback for them to seal their place in Saturday’s semi-final.

Bell said: “We had a poor start and we had to show a lot of composure to come from behind and dominate things the way we did after the first four minutes. We got the first two goals and we were dominating but their keeper was having a very good game. When you see so many chances saved and hit the crossbar, you think maybe things are against us but we kept going and got the win.”

One man they’ll look to for inspiration this weekend will no doubt be goal-scorer Timmy Cockram, who has amassed over 50 for the season.

“Timmy’s world class. He’s getting better with age and he’s a massive asset to us,” said Bell.

Garvey last won the IHL in 2012.