Comrades aim to build on win over Armagh

“It was a huge relief to get the win after suffering seven defeats,” he admitted. “I would gladly have settled for a 1-0, but the lads did us proud by hammering them for four.”

Commenting on the team changes, he said: “Some of our recognised stars hadn’t been doing the business, so I had to make changes and it paid off handsomely.

“We have turned the corner, but we must now concentrate on building on this win and aim for a wee winning run ourselves.”

Next up is the Championship 1 basement battle with Jamesy Kirk’s PSNI. Comrades fans need no reminding that it was the Newforge outfit who knocked them out of this year’s Steel & Sons Cup, but Hill insists revenge will not be on the agenda.

“As far as I am concerned it’s just another match and Jamesy and I will both be striving for a win,” he added.

On the down side, Ballyclare have parted company with stalwart Stuart McClean who has served the club well over the past decade as player and coach.

“There was no animosity in the parting,” assured Hill. “Stuarty reckons he’s capable of playing for one more season and wants to be on the pitch every Saturday. He knows I can’t guarantee that, so we agreed his release would be the best option.

“He has assured me he would be delighted to return to Dixon Park to assist with the coaching when his playing days are over,” he added.