Dream start for delighted Dorrian

For his first game in charge the former Ballymena United Reserves boss made four changes, introduced a new midfield diamond formation, and got his side playing with fluency, ensuring that the Welders would fail to send the sparks flying.

“The Welders are one of the top Championship 1 sides who knocked Glenavon out of the Irish Cup and then came within a whisker of disposing of Ballymena United in the next round, so we set out to prevent them from playing,” said Dorrian.

“They have a couple of excellent marksmen but our two central defenders, Andrew Doyle and Adam McCart, hardly allowed them a kick of the ball, while Eoin Kane and Andrew Simpson covered every blade of grass on Dixon Park. It was a super team performance,” he enthused.

“The lads were hurting following the recent poor run of results. They had been playing well but didn’t get what they deserved, but this time with Chris Trussell and Randal Reid spearheading the attack we were worthy winners.

“Trussell was a big plus. He has been out injured for three months, but he did a full training stint on Thursday so I decided to put him straight into the team. I think his return inspired everyone. It paid off and the three points earned us some breathing space in the bottom half of the table.”

Asked about this weekend’s clash with leaders Bangor, Dorrian replied: “Going to play the top team on their 3G pitch will be a tough assignment, especially after they were surprisingly beaten by relegation-threatened PSNI.

“They will be going all out to make amends, but thankfully we have no injuries or suspensions so we go to Clandeboye Park at full strength, confident of pulling off back-to-back wins against top opposition.”

Mark Cooling, Ethan Boylan and Andy Morrow have been knocking in goals for the Seasiders in recent weeks, so skipper McCart and his defenders are likely to be fully tested in what promises to be a thriller.