‘Nothing beats playing competitive games’

“We have been idle far too often and it’s not good from a psychological viewpoint, never mind the lack of match-fitness and the momentum which can build up with playing games every week,” explained the Taylor’s Avenue boss.

“We were sitting just below the leaders a few weeks ago and, although we haven’t dropped all that far down the table, there is now a considerable points gap developing and that can play tricks with your mind. Obviously, we have games in hand over the rest, but there’s nothing like points on the board.

“And, if it’s frustrating for me as the team manager, what must it be like for the players? We can train all we want and we can have as many friendly and inter-club matches, but nothing compares to playing competitive fixtures.

“We trained on Saturday, because we couldn’t get a match arranged because anybody we approached was already tied up. Because of the size of the squad, we were able to play a game amongst ourselves. But, good as it was, it is no substitute for the real thing.

“If there is any positive side to the long lay-off, it is that I have been able to get along to watch our rivals play and on Saturday I went to see Ballyclare Comrades against Harland and Wolff Welders, whom we play this weekend.

“It was an enjoyable match and I think a draw was a fair result. The Welders came from behind to go 2-1 up and Comrades hit back to 2-2.

“Welders had a great start to the season but they haven’t quite been able to keep that going and have lost a wee bit of ground. But they are a very good side with some very experienced quality players.

“Philip Simpson is a class act, as is Matty Burrows and then there is Ryan Deans. There are lots of others as well.

“It was take a big effort from our players to match a team like Welders, but I am confident they will be up for the challenge and there’s no reason why we can’t win it.”