‘i still fancy our chances’

The Comber Road side have picked up just one point from their opening two league matches and have already lost the first of the all-important clashes against title rivals Banbridge.

Tomorrow, they travel to last year’s third placed side Instonians but Bell doesn’t reckon it’s win or bust.

With last season’s top two dropping only two points each in their games against their other eight teams in the division, another slip from Garvey and you could say it will already be a long way back into the title race.

However, Bell doesn’t think things will be quite as clear cut this term.

“The way last season went, some people might think it will be a two horse race again but history would indicate that it has not always been the case,” he said.

“There are a lot of points still to play for and we still fancy our chances in the Ulster League if we can start picking up points.

“After winning the league last year, we have been drawn to play second, third, fourth and fifth in the first four games this season.

“Instonians are always a very tricky side to play against. They will make things difficult for us and we have to take our chances.

“In our first two games, we’ve played three good halves of hockey, one poor one and only have one point to show for it.”

Garvey followed up their opening day defeat to Banbridge with a 3-3 draw with Cookstown last Saturday but Bell reckons his side are just warming up with the All Ireland competitions just over a week away.

“We’ve had people away over summer and we’ve probably gone into the campaign a bit undercooked from pre-season,” he said.

“It’s all about building for the rest of the season now, making improvements in key areas and being in top shape for the business end of the season. That’s what we’re doing.

“We’re also providing chances for the younger guys in the club and that will definitely be a big boost for us in the long run.”