Wakehurst boss praises ‘mighty’ performance

Wakehurst goalkeeper Marc Maybin clears his lines under pressure from Limavadys Hugh Carlin.

Jordan Foster’s first goal for the club since his January arrival earned a 1-1 draw against the Belfast Telegraph Championship Two title hopefuls.

“It was a result which actually felt more like a win for us for a number of reasons,” Gregg told Times Sport.

“Firstly, we were up against a side battling at the top end of the table, secondly, when you consider the run of form we have been on recently, and thirdly, when you take the conditions into consideration, it was a mighty performance.

“I had talked last week about the players having to roll their sleeves up and there was a real indomitable spirit from our players.

“We played with the wind and rain in our favour in the first half but we were again a bit tentative and Marc Maybin made some good saves.

“He had a really good game, not in terms of making spectacular saves, but in dealing with balls skidding off the wet surface and balls swirling around in the air and he gave his defenders real assurance.

“In the second half the rain had stopped and it was just a gale blowing down the pitch into our faces and I knew it was a case of backs to the wall.

“We conceded a goal 20 minutes into the second half when a corner came in, came through someone’s legs, hit Andy Erwin on the chest and ended up in the net for an own goal.

“That could have been it but we responded really well and Conor Gregg missed a one-on-one and then clipped the top of the crossbar from a free kick.

“But we responded with a move which started down the left with Ryan Gregg and Andy Laughlin before Conor Gregg’s cross was slid in by Jordan Foster who got there ahead of the goalkeeper.

“I’ve been delighted with the way Jordan has integrated with the squad and the attitude he has displayed. He knows our league is a tough standard to play at but he wants to try to improve.

“We managed to see the game out for a draw and it was a reaffirmation that we are capable of producing those types of results and performances,” said Gregg.

Wakehurst: Maybin, Colville, Swan, Crawford, Erwin (sub R Gregg), Young, Lemon (sub Gilmore), Millar (sub Price), Laughlin, Foster, C Gregg. Subs (not used): Tolan, Mellon.

This Saturday Wakehurst face Glebe Rangers at Mill Meadow, seeking some atonement for an 8-0 defeat at the hands of the Ballymoney side in September.