Skipper wants young players to learn quickly

Despite losing their opening game of the campaign at Bangor on Saturday, the defender felt the Waterside men had their chances at Clandeboye Park to get a better result at the weekend.

“In the first 35 minutes we more than held our own, in fact we were probably the better side and had a few chances, but unfortunately we didn’t take them,” he said.

“But the first goal knocked us back on our heels and whenever we weren’t clinical at the other end it was always going to be hard to get back into the match.

“I felt their second goal was offside and having seen it on the internet I’m even more convinced, but we just have to get on with it, their two goals either side of half-time really killed the game off, but as I have already said we did create chances and if we are more clinical in front of goal then I’m confident we’ll start getting positive results.”

The Strathfoyle man is expecting a marked improvement when ’Stute host Carrick Rangers, next Monday night (KO 7.45pm) and he’s also hoping some familiar faces return to the squad.

“Obviously if you want to be challenging for the title then, you need to have a good home record, so we need to try and make Drumahoe a bit for a fortress,” he added.

“Hopefully we have a decent crowd at the match and the supporters who do come will certainly be looking at practically a totally different side from last year.

“In saying all that I’m hoping the likes of Tommy Wray and Ryan Semple are back, because although the young boys are going to get a chance this season under John Gregg, we still need that little bit more experience.

“At the end of the day Carrick aren’t going to be any easy push overs, although I have to admit I don’t know much about them but from what I have heard about they are going to be up their challenging with the likes of Bangor, Loughgall, Limavady United and Ards.

“We know that we got off to a disappointing start on Saturday but, I don’t think the league will start taking shape until at least the end of the month, whenever the transfer window is closed and everyone has a settled squad.”

Another man who Ogilby is expecting big things from this season is Eddie McIntyre.

The ex-Notts County man has settled in nicely during pre-season and if his clearance is through he’s likely to go straight into Monday night’s squad.

“Eddie has been super during pre-season and his delivery with his left foot has been superb, so hopefully his clearance will be sorted out and he’s available for the Carrick game.

“Eddie along with a few other young players know they are going to get their chance at ’Stute this year, but whenever they do get their chance they have to grab it with both hands and more importantly learn quickly from every game,” concluded the skipper.