Ballyclare Comrades gear up for Bangor challenge

Ballyclare boss Eddie Hill rates Chris Trussells chances of facing old club Bangor as 50-50 after the striker was forced to withdraw from the Regions Cup squad with a toe injury.

Last season the Seasiders finished runners-up, but were denied promotion owing to the absence of an IFA licence, and this season they are again title contenders.

Currently they are in third spot behind the Welders and Carrick Rangers, so the fans are in for a treat when they clash with Eddie Hill’s lads.

Last season the Seasiders won both league fixtures, but the Comrades knocked them out of the Steel and Sons Cup en route to the semi-final, so the scene is set for a real battle.

Hill is delighted to have a full squad at his disposal.

“It’s the first time this season that I have everyone available with no weddings, stag-dos, injuries or suspensions, so we will give it our best shot,” he asserted.

“Chris Trussell was unable to travel to take part in the Regions’ Cup because of a toe injury, but he should be fit to line out against Bangor.

“I know that he is particularly keen to play against his former club, and I reckon his chances to be more than 50-50,” he stated.

Continuing, he said,:“Garth Scates has assembled a strong team, with quality throughout the squad, and we will have to be on our guard against hot shots veteran Andy Morrow and his young partner Jordan Forsythe.

“Being beaten by Carrick on Saturday will make them all the keener to bounce back against us, but we will be up for the challenge,” he stressed.

Bangor are well supported so chairman, Trevor McCann, appeals for a full turnout of local fans.

Hill was at Skegoneill Avenue on Saturday for the Reserves cup clash with Brantwood, and was so impressed by teenage striker Rhys Clelland that he has promoted him to the senior squad.

“I was delighted to see several players getting 90 minutes, but I was also pleased to see that we have talent coming through on the conveyor belt,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Hill will continue without an assistant following the shock resignation of Gary Bell.

“I don’t feel that I need a replacement,” he contended. “I have Ross Oliver as coach, and although Stuart McClean wants to continue playing, he will help out when needed,” he ended.