Found-ations to build on

The fixture list wasn't kind to United and McCall's youthful side have struggled in their opening games so far, most notably during the 6-1 defeat to Loughgall in the CIS Cup.

But they avoided a potential banana skin by seeing off Albert Foundry by two goals to one to get a much needed victory under their belts.

McCall says his fledglings must use the win as a platform to get back to winning ways in the Championship, starting with Bangor this Saturday.

McCall wasn't in the dug-out for Saturday's game, his assistant Sammy McVicker taking the reins in his absence.

"By all accounts we were 2-0 up and cruising before giving away a sloppy goal and in the end perhaps made hard work of it," he told Times Sport.

"They are a very physical side but at the end of the day we are through to the next round.

"The big thing for us is getting the win which will give a bit of confidence.

"Chris Getty and Michael McQuitty were both unavailable on Saturday so to get a result despite missing two of our most influential players is testament to the other players.

"We played Albert Foundry in the Intermediate Cup a few years ago with a far more experienced team and we got away with a win on penalties."

Despite their stuttering start to the season, McCall said he has every faith in his squad to come together and start showing the consistency of results he craves.

""Football is a funny game," he said.

"We have an inexperienced side and that can make it difficult.

"We have Bangor next Saturday who went out of the cup on Saturday past.

"It will be a difficult match, there's no doubt about it.

"Winning matches can be a habit as can losing and we just have to keep working. We are only four games into the season and there is a long, long way to go.

"We'll be looking to build on Saturday's result this weekend. Bangor have a lot of experienced players but we seem to thrive on that against the bigger teams.

"This year we have a young, inexperienced team but we have a lot of talent.

"We just need that consistency but we'll be okay.

"We were drawn against three of the top four teams in the league in the first three weeks of the season, which was difficult.

"Early season results can be deceiving. They can give you a false sense of confidence and equally one of depression.

"I'm certainly not down and I'm sure as the season progresses we will come through.

"The quality at the club is as good as I've had here since I arrived."