Boss Wilmont delighted with win over Tobermore

The Ballymoney mne travelled for this league fixture hot on the heels of their defeat of league leaders in the Intermediate Cup and played with a renewed confidence.

“It was a fantastic result,” said Wilmont. “They put in the same performance as they did against Limavady and got their rewards. I thought we were very good and played very, very well. Everyone was on their game which is very pleasing.

“They are playing with belief that they know they can play and beat these teams. We have been trying to install that in them and I think now they believe themselves.

“When you look at our results this year we have beaten teams above us. We have now beaten Tobermore twice, beat Banbridge, Beat Queens and Newington so it shows that we are capable of mixing it with the top teams.

“We should have won by more. Our centre half Chad Dobbin scored from a set piece. We had three or four bites at the cherry to get it in, Matt McGraw made a brilliant save from Ricky Dunlop who hit it for all he was worth from 80 yards out, Matt palmed it out to Chad who put it in.

“Ian Christie missed an open net in the first five minutes and Ricky Dunlop hit the bar from 25 yards. Jake Carson came on in the second half and missed from seven or eight yards out as well. The important things is we got the win and kept a clean sheet as well.

“Jake came on at half time along with Zach Barr who I signed from Carniny Rangers. Zach is a big tall centre forward, he’s very good on the ball and has a great touch. It was a very pleasing result and we played some great football. We also had tremndous support and I want to thank all the fans, including those from Carniny who came along, it was appreciated.

“This week we play Knockbreda at home in the Intermediate Cup (1.30 ko). That will be a big test for us because they are mid-table in Championship 1. We need to go out and put the same effort in again and whatever will be will be but as I’ve always said the league is my main focus and we need to maintain the momentum.”