Frantic February for Lynch’s men

WITH City of Derry’s drive for promotion to Division Two of the All-Ireland League entering a crucial phase in February, forwards coach Mark Nicholl was simply relieved to see his side come away with five points from Saturday’s game against Navan.

The next four Saturdays see the Judges Road men play Wanderers, Rainey, Ards and Nenagh Ormond a series of fixtures which could well prove decisive for Derry’s league ambitions.

With such an intense programme to come Nicholl was glad to see his side earn a bonus point win from a game where they never really gelled.

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“It was a scrappy enough game to be fair, but at this stage of the season, it’s the result that is the most important thing. We’ve only played once over the last four or five weeks but we’re delighted to get back on track. We definitely were a bit rusty out there but that was to be expected considering the few games we have had recently, Navan have had more games than us over the last month and it showed. It’s always frustrating for a coach to see games postponed but our aim was to get back on track today and I’m glad we did.’’

Having lost to fellow promotion rivals Seapoint last time out it was important for the Foylesiders to get back to winning ways.

“We were disappointed to lose the Seapoint game because I thought we played very well and we were unlucky to lose, but we’re not looking backwards now we’re only looking forward. Our forward line was good at times today and looked dangerous but we have a whole lot to work on defensively, but it’s a work in progress and at times we had to contain Navan. But once we scored a few we started to play a bit of rugby and we were able to bring guys on that haven’t played for a while so we’re more than happy.’’

A big positive for Derry was the return to action of Richard McCarter who came on as a replacement in the closing stages. With such an intense programme ahead, it’s vital that the Derry selectors have a full squad to choose from.

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“I was delighted that we got everyone on the pitch today and with our second team winning away at Ards by close on forty points we have everyone on the first team squad healthy and available for selection next week,” he said.

Strength in depth could prove vital as Derry hone in on their aims of promotion and the Division Three crown.

“At the start of the season our aim was to get promotion. Not only to get promotion but to go on and win the league as well and this win is another step towards that, so we’re happy with the result and happy with the form the boys are showing.”