Telford: DC game won’t be easy

Propelled by the free-scoring Ricky Gibson, the Gers have maximum points from their opening two games in Championship 1, but Telford reckons they are in for a tough test against DC.

Paul McAreavey’s men have just one point on the board after two games. They began the campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Ballyclare Comrades before going down 4-1 to Bangor seven days ago.

“The game against Donegal Celtic, despite their recent upheaval and the result against Bangor last weekend, will not be easy by any means,” said Telford.

“Experience shows you never get anything for nothing from Belfast clubs, and DC are one of the toughest and most experienced of them.”

He added: “Looking at the league programme ahead of us right now, we clearly have to find our rhythm because, after DC, we have upcoming games against Bangor, Institute, Distillery and Dundela – all of whom are teams who have potential title credentials.

“Should we not get a fair sprinkling of points from these important fixtures, we could find ourselves with a testing game of catch-up. The League Cup exit (to Knockbreda) may be a timely warning that we need to focus 100 per cent on every single match as they come along.

“The players will be firmly reminded about their responsibilities and we will use the Knockbreda experience to affirm that we must go out every single time with the proper attitude.”