Wakehurst still waiting for first league victory

The Ballymena men recorded their second successive draw when they were held to a 1-1 stalemate at Sport & Leisure Swifts on Saturday.

Wakehurst looked to be well on their way when Conor Gregg put them ahead after just four minutes.

But a series of missed opportunities cost Wakehurst dear as the west Belfast side battled their way back into the match, eventually forcing an equaliser.

“We dominated for 20 minutes and should have been about three up,” reflected Gregg.

“It once again illustrated what I always say, in that we need more goals from other areas of the team if the strikers aren’t scoring.

“What worried me more was the way in which we allowed Sport & Leisure to come onto us - we were too easily caught on the break and they looked dangerous.

“At the other end of the pitch we look secure at the back and a lot of that is down to the influence of Paul Muir.

“He played on Saturday despite suffering cracked ribs during the week but he got the go-ahead from the physio.

“We lost Gareth Dickey, though, to a minor groin tear and he will be out for a few weeks,” added Gregg, who has brought in Gavin Gilmore from Ballymoney.

Wakehurst will be looking to claim their first three points of the season this Saturday when they entertain Killymoon Rangers at Mill Meadow.

Gregg’s men also have another big date at the Castledawson venue next Monday night when they entertain Premiership new boys Ards in the second round of the League Cup.

They secured their place by beating Tobermore United 1-0 after extra-time in last week’s first round, thanks to Arron Lemon’s winner.

“It was one of those game where I thought we would never score,” said Gregg.

“It was Arron’s last appearance for us before he goes to Wales to do a teaching qualification so it was a nice way for him to sign off - he has been really good for us.

“We’re looking forward to playing Ards - nine times out of 10 they should beat us but you just never know in a one-off occasion like a cup match,” added Gregg.