No doom and gloom at Inver

Indeed, while it’s an accepted fact that football is a results-driven business, the manager is reflecting on the defeats and delighted with the positives taken from the games.

“We played as well as Newry City did in the first half on Saturday and I believe the 1-0 scoreline was actually a fair one at that stage. And I think the reasons for Newry getting the better of us after that were there for all to see,” explained Kincaid.

“We were missing Ryan Berry and George Young, two experienced campaigners, and the two lads who were called up to replace them played very well in the opening half. But, through one thing or another, they didn’t have a proper pre-season and they were simply let down by their lack of fitness, in comparison to the rest of the players.

“We were more than a match for what is a very good Newry team in the first 45 minutes and I thought we maybe could have had a second goal on a better day, luck-wise.

“Newry were probably worthy of their win but, having said that, I would have to say that I thought it was made a wee bit easier for them because every time they ventured forward they looked as if they could score.

“But I can’t say anything bad at all about the performance and the effort every one of my players put in against a team which is many people’s favourite for the title. We lost nothing in defeat, apart, obviously, from the most important thing – the points.

“It was very much like the match against Ards, to be honest, because we were 1-1 with them at half-time and should have been winning as well.

“We have no points and are sitting at the bottom of the table but we have played two of the very best teams in the league and didn’t look out of our depth by any means.

“And even last week in the League Cup, when we went on a long trip and lost to Glebe Rangers, we probably should have won the game, having failed to take any of the chances while they had one opportunity and made it pay.

“Now we go to Tillysburn today to take on another of the fancied teams, even though Harland and Wolff Welders were beaten 3-2 at home last weekend by Limavady United.

“It’s another tough game, but we will be going there with confidence and optimism and are determined to get our first points on the board. We know it won’t be easy because they have signed some quality players, but we will give it our best shot,” added the Inver manager.