(FM'09) - A Chance To Rewrite History

[neilhoskins77]

Everyone has had that 'epic' save, right? Mine was years ago. It happened on Football Manager 2009, the first that had the 3D match engine, and a long time before I even knew these forums existed. It started in Northern Ireland, with little club Lurgan Celtic. Starting in the third tier, we were promoted in our first season against the odds, and won a Cup as well, the first silverware the club had won in nearly 100 years. Life was tougher in the second tier, but we found form late in the season, and avoided the drop. In our second season at that level, we had a much better idea of what was required, and we qualified for the Promotion Playoff, which we won, and we went into the top division for the first time in the clubs history. We were a revelation in the first season, hanging onto the coat tails of the much better financed clubs, and finishing fourth, but winning the Cup for the first time ever. We found ourselves in the Europa League, and wins over sides from Luxembourg and Malta earned us a trip to Sweden, where we taught a lesson by IFK Gothenburg over two legs. We held our own again in a second season in the top flight, but the finance wasn't coming into the club, and it was time to move on.

Scotland would be my next destinantion, and I was given the job at Dunfermline Athletic after the club dropped into the Second Division. We blew that League apart that season, cruising to the Title by 20+ points. We carried that momentum into the First Division, and launched a Title challenge, but we missed out. Despite that, there were eyes being cast in my direction from South of the Border by Christmas, and after being relegated into League One, the former big timers of Leeds United were staring right into the face of a relegation into England's fourth tier. It was a challenge I couldn't resist, and a couple of loan signings stabilised the club and kept them up. With a summer of upheaval for the playing staff, we entered into a titanic struggle with Brighton and Hove Albion for the League One Title, coming out on the losing side, but finishing second and earning promotion into the Championship. The media expected us to go back down, but we kept ourselves afloat in the first season back in the second tier. But when the club sold one of my star players behind my back, my job at Elland Road became untenable.

I wasn't unemployed for long, and was shocked to receive an offer from Dutch giants, Feyenoord of Rotterdam. After going the best part of ten years without a League Title, they were desperate to turn the tables on Ajax, PSV and FC Twente. But their failiure to get into the Champions League would work to my benefit, as in my first season at the club, I led them to a triumphant Europa League season. The money poured into the club, and I spent it on a group of young South American footballers, and an Icelandic striker who brought the long awaited Eredivisie to De Kuip. I felt that I had done my job in Holland, and left for pastures new.

Pastures wasn't exactly the right word, as I was taking charge of the new generation of golden footballers, from that legendary football nation of Albania. No really. They had a group of players who were playing in the Bundesliga, Serie A and the Premier League, and some exciting young players joining them in the National Squad. After missing out on the European Championship Qualifying Playoffs on the last day, hopes were high for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. We started so well, winning our first five matches. Then we capitulated, spectacularly. Our good start and nations taking points from each other meant that on the final day, we could still secure a Playoff spot with a win in Bulgaria. We lost 4-1, and I was sacked, ending the career on that down point, but able to look back over some pretty successful years.

It would be foolish to try it all over again, wouldn't it?

Even loading up the '09 version of the game takes you back through the years. The starting point is eight and a half years back in time, July 2008. Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers are in the Premier League. In the Coca-Cola Championship, are Blackpool, on the way up and not down, and Plymouth Argyle. Then we find Leicester City and Leeds United in League One, along with a real blast from the past, Hereford United. In League Two, there are the likes of Aldershot, Darlington and Lincoln City, while Bournemouth and Rotherham start the season with a seventeen point handicap, and Luton Town will be 30 points in the negative before a ball is even kicked. But we don't need to worry about any of that at the moment.....

.....if we're lucky, that will all be for the future. For the moment, it's good to be back at Knockramer Park. You know where that is, right?

-------------------------
FM'09 version 9.3.1.
Every League that is available without any data expansions is loaded, with a large database.
Unfaking process completed, no other editing has been done other than display cosmetics (Logos and Kits).

I am happy to make this as interactive as possible, so if people have requests for updates on particular Nations, Clubs or Players, then please feel free to ask and I'll see what I can do. Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

[mark wilson27]

Really love the older games, my favourite though has to be FM07, still got a few saves going in that but never got round to making them into a story. Good luck anyway with this Neil

 

[CFuller]

I never played FM09, as I was taking a prolonged break from FM after having major problems with the previous two games. I did, though, have an 'epic' save at CM00/01 in which I started out as England manager and finished up 12 years later at Motherwell! 

Anyway, shame about the Lemington save, but good luck with this one.

P.S. What's Portsmouth's financial situation like? I'm interested because I had an FM08 holiday save in which they had loadsamoney and got to the 2012 Champions League Final. Was it all beginning to go south by FM09?

[neilhoskins77]

3 hours ago, mark wilson27 said:

Really love the older games, my favourite though has to be FM07, still got a few saves going in that but never got round to making them into a story. Good luck anyway with this Neil

 

Thanks Mark. I haven't played '09 for a very long time, but the number of hours it shows I've played it on Steam is eye watering, and FM'14 is not far behind. I remember having a pretty long and successful save on '08 with Red Star Belgrade as well.

2 hours ago, CFuller said:

I never played FM09, as I was taking a prolonged break from FM after having major problems with the previous two games. I did, though, have an 'epic' save at CM00/01 in which I started out as England manager and finished up 12 years later at Motherwell! 

Anyway, shame about the Lemington save, but good luck with this one.

P.S. What's Portsmouth's financial situation like? I'm interested because I had an FM08 holiday save in which they had loadsamoney and got to the 2012 Champions League Final. Was it all beginning to go south by FM09?

Going back to this version with no data expansions should mean some longevity to the save Chris, one of the main reasons why I've done it. England to Motherwell sounds like a pretty big fall from grace mind! Haha.

At the start of this save (July '08), Portsmouth are in the Premier League, and looking forward to a season that will include European football. The club info page has their finances described as 'secure', but notes that there is a Board Takeover currently in process. It shows the value of the club as £57m, but also shows they have a loan debt of £15m. It maybe the start of the financial issue for Pompey.

[neilhoskins77]

July 2008.

Tuesday 8th July.
Chairman of Lurgan Celtic, one Mr Maurice McEvoy, has named me as the new manager of the Northern Irish Second Division club. He certainly appears to have faith in his new rookie manager, as he has handed me a five year contract on a part time basis, paying me £150 per week. First thing is first, lets learn a little bit about the new manager, and how my stats look at the start of the save.

-------------
Neil Hoskins.
30 years old. Welsh. Uncapped.
Reputation :- National. Contract :- Part Time, 5 years, £150 per week.
Previous Experience :- Sunday League Footballer.

Managerial Statistics.
Club/Player Loyalty :- 10. Domestic Players Bias :- 10. Financial Control :- 10.
Hands On Approach :- 10. Squad Discipline :- 10. Tactical Consistency :- 10.

Season Expectations :-
Achieve a respectable League position in Division Two (Finish in the top half).
Transfer Budget :- £0. Wage Budget :- £650 per week. Currently Spending :- £774 per week.
-------------

Clearly I'm going to need to move some players on before I can look at bringing in any quality players and paying them. That is a problem, as Sean Collins, my inherited Assistant Manager, believes we need to improve our defence if we're going to achieve our goals this season. He advises that right back is our problem area, and makes a couple of suggestions of players that would improve that position. He has better news from the left side of the back four though, where he believes that 22 year old Conor McAnallen is the best player in the squad. He is already attracting attention from several clubs in England and Wales. I suppose it would also be appropriate to learn a little about the club I'll be managing at this point. Let's face it, they're not exactly a household name, even in their own town in County Armagh, in the east of the country, just down the M1 from Belfast and Lisburn.

-----------------
Lurgan Celtic FC.
Founded :- 1903. Nickname :- Celtic. Status :- Semi-Professional. Reputation :- Local. Value :- £7,000.
Chairman Status :- Love the club. Finances :- Okay (-£3,485).
Club Colours :- Home - Green and White Hoops with Green Sleeves. Away - White, with Green and Gold Trim.
Club Legends :- None. Club Icons :- None. Favoured Personnel :- None.
Fierce Rivals :- Glenavon. Other Rivals :- Oxford United (Lurgan), Portadown, Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Honours :-  *Northern Ireland Second Division Runner's Up - 2007. *Northern Ireland Mid Ulster Cup Winners - 1913.
Last Season :- 17th (bottom) of Northern Irish First Division.

Knockramer Park, Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland.
Capacity :- 1,500 (0 seats). Condition :- Poor. Surface :- Grass. Surface Condition :- Perfect.
Adequate Corporate Facilities, Basic Training Facilities, Minimal Youth Facilities and Youth Academy.
-----------------

Thursday 10th July.
I'm scouting for Scouts. I'm allowed to hire two, as there are none at the club currently. I fill both positions by the end of the day. Chris Butler is a 38 year old Englishman, his knowledge is primarily from England and Scotland, with some limited knowledge of France, Spain, Denmark and Sweden. He'll be learning about the players in Northern Ireland from scratch. Meanwhile, Paul Davidson is a 38 year old Scotsman who has a reasonable knowledge of footballers in this nation. He also brings good knowledge of players from England and the Republic of Ireland, along with excellent knowledge of players from Scotland of course. Both are restricted to Scouting in Northern Ireland only by the Board.

Wednesday 16th July.
Northern Ireland's representatives in the UEFA Champions League are Linfield. They have to negotiate a difficult First Qualifying Round tie, as they are drawn to face Dinamo Tblisi of Georgia. They play the First Leg away from home, and are beaten 2-0.

Thursday 17th July.
It's been a quiet week, with very little movement on players, except for an offer sent out to a left winger. I've set up my tactics, and it will be interesting to see how the 4-2-3-1 that I like to utilise transends into an older version of the game.

There are two representatives from Ulster in the UEFA Europa League when that begins, and Cliftonville are drawn against opposition from Slovenia. They travel for the First Leg, where they lose 3-2 to NK Interblock, giving themselves a shout in the Second Leg. There is less hope for Glentoran, who are drawn to face Austrian side FC Salzburg, and are beaten 4-0 away in the First Leg.

Monday 21st July.
I make my first signing for Celtic, and it's 22 year old left winger, David Sinton. He signs on a Free Transfer from amateur side, Laurelvale, where he wasn't getting paid. He signs for us despite me offering him only half of the wage that he requested, citing a talented squad and a well supported club as his reasons for accepting the offer.

Tuesday 22nd July.

Pre-Season Friendly
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Ards
Attendance :- 70. Weather :- Drizzle, 7c.

Our opening match of a three game pre-season schedule see's us entertain Ards, who play one League above us in the First Division, and have amongst their ranks former Glasgow Rangers youngster Darren Fitzgerald, and very strong Cameroonian forward, Benjamin Njemo, who has previously played at a high level in Bulgaria. In midfield, they have Lee Mudd, who was capped at Under-21 level by Northern Ireland, and has just signed for the club after a stint in New Zealand.

After a bright start, where Ryan Murphy hit a shot that just flew over the angle of the goal frame, Ards started to assert their authority on the match, and we were struggling to get a foothold in the match. Ards had the ball in the net in the 10th minute, Jimmy McIlhagga slid a ball into the box after we failed to clear a cross properly, and Darren Fitzgerald turned it home, but the assistant referee deemed him to be offside, though it was close. When we attempted to attack, it was predominantly through the player I considered to be our main threat, right wing Michael Downey. He was always willing to take on his man, and got in a cross that was blocked, Stephen McArdle hit the loose ball just over the bar. Midway through the half, Lee Mudd tried a curler from the edge of the box, fortunately Marc Fegan partially blocked it, and that sent the ball spinning over the cross bar.

Neither side made any changes at the break, and as the second started, Fitzgerald continued to be the thorn in our side, running at the defence early after the restart, and then curling a shot just over the top. On his next raid forward, he managed to get past Niall Lavery, and shoot low from an angle, Stephen Havern reacted well and pushed it around the post. He was pack in action again quickly, this time turning Benjamin Njemo's shot over the top after we didn't deal very well with the corner. Her couldn't do anything about the next effort though, which came just before the hour, McIlhagga teeing up Mudd for another effort, this time from the edge of the 'D'. No one would manage to close him down this time, and Havern was helpless as the ball went in off the underside of the bar. I reacted by making seven changes, mostly forward and midfield players.

Michael Hall was one of those that came on, and he would play at his usual right back spot, allowing Conor McAnallen to go to his more usual left side after Gareth Murphy departed the park. Hall struggled to get to grips with Darren Stirling, and he got his shot away, Havern spilling it, but fortunately his defence helped him out. With a little over twenty minutes to go, and right after Ards made a host of changes themselves, we dragged ourselves back into the match. Hall took a throw from the right, launching it into the box, which Michael Maguire flicked on. Raymond Fitzpatrick was too strong for the defence, and beat two defenders in the air, heading the ball against the angle between cross bar and post. As the ball dropped, he threw himself at the rebound, which a defender blocked. But the ball squirmed loose, and Maguire managed to bundle it over the line from close range to the delight of the few dozen who had come to the match. I made one more change after that goal, and both sides had chances to win this one. Ricky Billing came closest for Ards, curling his shot just wide of the post. Ryan Newberry forced another stop from Havern with moments left. It was even later when we won a free kick on the edge of the box, halfway through the three minutes of injury time to be precise. Ciaran McGurgan's left footed effort cleared the ball, but hit the top of the cross bar and flew over. We'd earned a draw, and nearly snatched a win. It wasn't a bad start at all.

Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Michael Maguire (72)
Ards (0) 1 - Lee Mudd (59)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Paul Burns (Ciaran O'Kane 60), Gareth Murphy (Michael Hall 60); Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 60), Niall Lavery (Mark Rooney 60); Michael Downey (Kieran McKerr 78), Stephen McArdle (Michael Maguire 60), David Sinton (Ciaran McGurgan 60); Ryan Murphy (Raymond Fitzpatrick 60).
Unused Substitutes :- Ciaran Fox (GK), Ciaran McEvoy, Liam Smyth, Barry McKeever.
Bookings :- None.
Possession :- 46% - 54%. Man of the Match :- Lee Mudd (Ards).

[neilhoskins77]

Wednesday 23rd July 2008.
Linfield's adventure in this seasons UEFA Champions League came to an end at the first hurdle, but they certainly gave it their all. After a 2-0 defeat last week in Georgia, they turn the tables in the Second Leg, with a 2-1 win, but they are still out 3-2 on aggregate.

Friday 25th July.
Northern Irish Premier Division club, Bangor, have made an offer for our Assistant Manager. They are hoping Sean Collins will make the move to Clandeboye Park, and actually, I hope he goes as well, mainly as we will get £8,000 in compensation, which would take the club out of the red in one swoop. If he does make the move, I have a replacement lined up.

Saturday 26th July.
Sean Collins didn't take too long to made up his mind. Within 24 hours, he had decided to move to the Premier Division club. We collect £8,000 in compensation, and now need a new Assistant Manager. I've offered a contract to Welsh 34 year old, Dave Norman. He would be more expensive on weekly wages, but at least I'll be able to understand what he is saying.

Monday 28th July.
Dave Norman was attracting the interest of more than just one club, and he has rejected our offer, and he has taken an offer to become Manager of First Division side, Ballinamallard United. I can't say I blame him too much, apart from the obvious benefits of being a Manager rather than an Assistant at a lower Division club, he is also getting paid three times as much as we were offering.

Pre-Season Friendly
Drome Park, Newtonards
Ards Rangers v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 66. Weather :- Wet, 16c.

Our second pre-season friendly, and after a draw last time out with the main team in Newtonards, we were very much expected to secure a win against the amateur side from the town. I decided before the match that I would keep the same starting eleven mostly, but try and give some more players a run out from the bench. With only one more friendly after this one, and the players being part time, there were limited chances for players to get match fit before the season begins.

The difference between the sides became apparent very early on, as within the first two minutes both Ryan Murphy and Niall Lavery got away shots on goal, both well blocked by Stephen Gibson. Murphy would force another save from Gibson in the 4th minute, this one was a shot on the turn after Gareth Murphy found him with a low cross from the left. David Sinton was next to try his luck, receiving the ball after Michael Downey danced his way past a marker on the corner of the box, and then setting up his fellow wide player with a low cross, but Sinton's effort was again saved by Gibson. The keeper was having an outstanding match, and came to Ards Rangers rescue again in the 25th minute, as Ryan Murphy tried to round him, Gibson got a foot in this time to prevent the shot. A goal looked inevitable, and came in the 26th minute. Tony Creaney created half a yard of room on the edge of the box, and passed it to Downey. He spun away from his marker, and then slid a shot under Gibson to break the deadlock. A second goal would follow just a few moments later. Downey and Creaney were involved again, the winger swinging in a corner towards the far post, Creaney heading it down, and Sinton striking a low shot into the bottom corner.

It had been a very good first half for us, and we should have got more than the two goals we had managed. I made four changes at the break, one in goal, one at centre back, and then also at attacking midfielder and striker. The changes didn't seem to put us off our stride, as we netted a third goal just seventy seconds after the restart. Downie took a short throw in to Conor McAnallen, and he swung the ball into the left channel just outside the box. Gareth Murphy picked it up, darted past Matthew Adair, and then slammed a shot into the far top corner, a really lovely piece of play from the attacking full back. As the next set of subs were about to make their mark, midfielder Niall Lavery tried to add his name to the scoresheet with a dipping shot that just cleared the cross bar. He would be one of the trio that would leave the park just after the hour, joined by Creaney and a now injured Sinton. With twenty minutes to go, Raymond Fitzpatrick held up the ball near the penalty spot after controling a long ball upfield. With his back to goal, he had all manner of options, and with some success already, he plumped for Gareth Murphy. From an almost identical spot that he had scored from earlier, the left back had another go, this one hitting the underside of the cross bar and bouncing clear. Ciaran McGurgan was the next to try his luck, but his shot flew over the bar. Rangers had offered zero threat at the other end so far, but sub keeper Martin McGuigan was called into action in the 74th minute, as he tipped over Colin Nixon's drive from range. I made my remaining changes in the 77th minute, which were mostly defensive changes. That was just as well, as the game had lost it's spark by that point. That was a pretty good run out for us.

Ards Rangers (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (2) 3 - Michael Downey (26), David Sinton (29), Gareth Murphy (47)
Stephen Havern (Martin McGuigan 45); Conor McAnallen (Michael Hall 77), Marc Fegan (capt - Ciaran O'Kane 77), Tommy Murphy (Paul Burns 45), Gareth Murphy (Ciaran McEvoy 77); Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 61), Niall Lavery (Mark Rooney 61); Michael Downey (Kieran McKerr 77), Stephen McArdle (Michael Maguire 45), David Sinton (inj - Ciaran McGurgan 61); Ryan Murphy (Raymond Fitzpatrick 45).
Unused Substitutes :- Barry McKeever.
Bookings :- None.
Possession :- 39% - 61%. Man of the Match :- Michael Downey (Lurgan Celtic).

David Sinton suffered bruised ribs in a tackle in that second half, and he is now going to miss anything up to two weeks. It means that Sinton is going to be struggling for match fitness in the early stages of the season now.

Tuesday 29th July.
Our attempt to bring very talented looking East Belfast attacking midfielder Gordon Hillis to Knockramer Park looks doomed for failiure, as Premier Division club Cliftonville are also interested in the 26 year old. There is better news though, as promising 16 year old left back Nigel Hagan signs a two year pre-contract agreement with us, which will become effective in July next year when his Youth contract runs out.

Thursday 31st July.
Cliftonville were the most likely of the two sides in the Europa League to make any progress. They had lost 3-2 in Slovenia in the First Leg, but would lose the Second Leg at home 2-0 to crash at the first hurdle. Glentoran had almost no chance of overturning their 4-0 defeat in Austria against FC Salzburg a fortnight ago, and they would also lose 2-0 on the night. After Lisburn Distillery had been thrashed by Bohemians of Ireland 8-0 on aggregare in the First Round of the Intertoto Cup, the end of Northern Ireland's interest in the European competitions had arrived before we'd even got into August. Those efforts are unlikely to help the Northern Ireland coefficient very much. The nation were ranked 46th heading into this season, with only the clubs of Wales, Faroe Islands, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, Montenegro and San Marino ranked lower.

[neilhoskins77]

Friday 1st August 2008.
Sky Bet have made us 4/6 favourites for the Title, and therefore the only available promotion spot this season, which is pretty unexpected. They expect our sternest competition to come from Dundela (4/5), Portstewart (Evens) and Annagh United (5/4). Clearly with those odds, the bookies are covering themselves, and they don't really have a clue how this season is going to go.

Saturday 2nd August.
In less shocking news, Gordon Hillis has rejected our contract offer, and signed instead for Cliftonville on a one year deal for £150 per week. I hope it goes well for the 26 year old in the Premier Division, but I will be keeping an eye on his progress, and you can be sure that I'll be looking to bring the attacking midfielder to Knockramer Park at some point in the future, especially if he struggles to get a game with his new club.

Monday 4th August.

Pre-Season Friendly
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Ballymoney United
Attendance :- 66. Weather :- Dry, 14c.

We're back at Knockramer Park, and back playing a side from a higher level than us, as First Division club Ballymoney United come to town for our final pre-season friendly. This is our last chance to buid up some match fitness, and run the rule over our players before the real action begins on Saturday.

After an even start, Niall Lavery produced a poor first touch just outside his own box, and Brian Maybin pinched the ball from. Fortunately, we weren't punished, as Maybin's shot curled off target. It was ourselves who came close to scoring next, though it wouldn't actually be from what would conventially classed as a chance. Stephen McArdle picked up the ball in the centre circle, and then lofted it into the left channel. It looked harmless, but Ciaran McGurgan, in the side to replace the injured David Sinton, didn't give the chase, and kept the ball in by hooking it goalwards, and it bounced right back off the near upright. The United defence smashed it down the park, and it went over Tommy Murphy's head, and Gavin Burnside made for goal. Our centre back was bailed out by his Captain, as Marc Fegan covered across and made a crucial tackle. Burnside would be involved in the 35th minute when he collected a short throw in and then sent the ball back to Bobby Carson. He sent it across the box, and found Maybin. He took it on his left foot, and managed to throw enough of a feignt to earn the room to get it onto his right foot and send a curling shot into the top corner. While my players had given me no real reason to worry about it, I had a sinking feeling that my team were about to fall apart. I was wrong though, and within five minutes, we were level. Conor McAnallen won a race down the right, and cut the ball back inside to Tony Creaney. Our veteran midfielder picked a diagonal pass through the defence, and found McArdle, who was unmarked, and connected with a low first time shot that just sneaked inside the near post.

I made just one change at the break, worried about the central defence partnership, I replaced Tommy Murphy with Paul Burns. We started the second half well, with Creaney picking a pass to Michael Downey on the right. Our winger went past two players, and then sent a cross to the far post. Gareth Murphy headed it back to the edge of the box for Creaney, but his curling shot just missed the target. Downey was continuing to cause problems for Ballymoney down that right, and in the 50th minute, appealed loudly after feeling he was fouled in the box, but referee Stephen Weatherall disagreed, and only awarded a corner instead. That wasn't necessarily the end of the world, corner kicks were an area we had been practicing hard. Gareth Murphy sent this one inswinging on goal, and Marc Fegan connected with a glancing header. Simon Smyth pulled out a cracking save to push the ball from goal, but it went right to Ciaran McGurgan, this time the winger missed the target altogether though. I was still holding back on making more changes, and on the hour, Gavin Burnside nearly burnt us as he managed to wriggle past Fegan, but Stephen Havern came to the rescue with a fine point blank save. Ballymoney were really throwing players forward now, and when Hudson headed a cross down to Maybin, he really should have netted his second of the evening, but his shot skimmed the top layer of paint off the bar on it's way over. Millen would have the next chance just moments later after we didn't clear our lines, but he missed the target too, while Niall Lavery did the same at the other end after some good hold up work from Ryan Murphy. When United made a raft of changes, I took that as my signal to do the same, and Ryan Murphy was one of the four to come off, once more the striker had been pretty ineffective. As is often the case with Friendly matches, a glut of substitutions take the flow out of the match, and that was certainly the case here. I made my remaining half a dozen changes with a little under ten minutes left, but neither side every really threatened to break the stalemate. We could be fairly happy with our pre season work though I thought.

Lurgan Celtic (1) 1 - Stephen McArdle (40)
Ballymoney United (1) 1 - Brian Maybin (35)
Stephen Havern (Martin McGuigan 82); Conor McAnallen (Michael Hall 82), Marc Fegan (capt - Ciaran O'Kane 82), Tommy Murphy (Paul Burns 45), Gareth Murphy (Ciaran McEvoy 82); Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 73), Niall Lavery (Mark Rooney 73); Michael Downey (Michael Maguire 73), Stephen McArdle (Kieran McKerr 82), Ciaran McGurgan (Ronan O'Hara 82); Ryan Murphy (Raymond Fitzpatrick 73).
Unused Substitutes :- Barry McKeever.
Bookings :- None.
Possession :- 52% - 48%. Man of the Match :- Brian Maybin (Ballymoney United).

Tuesday 5th August.
After failing to convince Gordon Hillis to join us, I now had another attacking midfielder in mind. Once again though, we were not the only club interested, and as soon as I made an offer to Greg Hall of Ballynahinch United, then Welsh Premier League club Aberystwyth Town also made an offer to 20 year old, who can also play as a striker, or on either wing. Versatility is another string to the bow of the 6'3 left footer.

Wednesday 6th August.
With just days before the domestic football season kicks off, I needed to agree the squad's bonus payments should they have a successful campaign. It was agreed that £1,000 would be shared between the players should they win the League Title this season. In addition, there would be a £3,000 bonus for the squad should they manage to win a Cup. I would imagine the squad would be particularly happy with that, as they would be participating in FOUR Cup competitions this season!

[neilhoskins77]

Friday 8th August 2008.
On the eve of the new season, the bookies have us as comfortable 2/5 favourites to start with a win, despite us playing away from home, as we travel to face Chimney Corner. In a Friday morning interview with Andy Hamilton for the Lurgan Gazette, he asked me who I thought would win the Second Division this season. He looked pretty shocked when I replied that we would. In his piece in the paper that circulated that evening, he said it was a show of over-confidence, and was an opinion that would likely not be replicated by most involved with Lurgan Celtic. I might have to claim I was joking!

Saturday 9th August.

Northern Irish Second Division
Allen Park, Antrim
Chimney Corner v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 190. Weather :- Dry, 29c.

A baking hot day dawned, and so did the new football season. I had some selection decisions to make for this opening match. Paul Burns was selected to play at centre back alongside Marc Fegan, while Stephen McArdle got the nod for the attacking midfielder role ahead of Michael Maguire. The biggest decision was up front, where Ryan Murphy had done well in pre season when holding up the ball, but had performed poorly in other aspects of striker life, primarily, his finishing. He gets the nod today ahead of Raymond Fitzpatrick, but we're very much looking for an improvement from him.

Maybe it was the heat, but there was a pretty slow tempo to the match in the opening stages. James McPartland took a free kick for Chimney Corner that just missed the target, though Stephen Havern didn't seem too concerned. Our first attack of real note came in the 19th minute, Michael Downey tricking his way past a defender on the right wing, and then sending a cross into the middle. Ryan Murphy connected with a downward header that was straight at Ryan Martin, who held it pretty easily. Gareth Murphy went close a few minutes later, his left footed free kick flashed just past the post. Later in the half, Ryan Murphy showed another glimpse of his good build up play, as he held the ball up superbly, and then played a pass into the feet of Ciaran McGurgan, who curled his shot just over the bar. Murphy did the same close to half time, this time moving out wide and dragging two defenders with him, and then sending a square pass to Tony Creaney, but the veteran midfielder missed the target with his effort from the edge of the box. Paul Storey missed Chimney Corner's best chance right on half time, as he ghosted between our centre backs, but tried to lift his shot over Havern, who held it comfortably.

An early chance to strike in the second half was wasted when Stephen McArdle failed to hold his run, and the offside flag was raised long before he fired low into the net. The Murphy's combined shortly after that, Ryan holding onto the ball and moving past a defender, and then finding Gareth with a pass. The full back let fly with a shot that came back off the bar and into the grateful waiting arms of Martin. That would be the last meaningful part that Ryan Murphy would play in this match, as he was injured, and replaced in the 63rd minute with Raymond Fitzpatrick. I made two other changes at the same time, centre back Paul Burns had taken a knock, and Michael Hall came on at right back with Conor McAnallen shifting across to centre back, while McArdle was replaced by Michael Maguire. We looked a little more dangerous after those changes, with Fitzpatrick and Maguire combining to create a chance for Creaney, but again our shooting was wayward. With the clock past the ninety minute mark, Hall took a throw in, and launched it into the penalty box. Maguire appeared to be clattered by Johnny Banks, and almost our entire team appealed to the ref, who didn't want to know. As the ball was booted out of play, some of my players surrounded the referee, a move which earned Creaney a yellow card. On another day, we may have won this one by a wide margin, but today, it was a goalless draw.

Chimney Corner (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Paul Burns (inj - Michael Hall 63), Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney, Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, Stephen McArdle (Michael Maguire 63), Ciaran McGurgan; Ryan Murphy (inj - Raymond Fitzpatrick 63).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Colm Rooney.
Bookings :- Tony Creaney 90+1.
Possession :- 43% - 57%. Man of the Match :- Stuart Smith (Chimney Corner).

The general reaction was that we should, and could, have won that match. My own opinion was that a point on the road to open the campaign wasn't all bad, and we were the only away side to get a point on the opening day, though our lack of goals was concerning, especially as we were creating plenty of chances. Ryan Murphy had failed to find the net again, though he didn't have a particularly bad game. But if you're going to play with one up front, that one needs to get on the scoresheet regularly if we're going to have a successful season. Murphy's injury turned out to be nothing worse than bruising, but will still keep him out for around ten days. He may find that he has more competition for places by the time he is fit again.

Stephen McArdle would know exactly how that felt. I considered him to be a little on the small side for the type of physical attacking midfielder that my tactics required, and I had sourced a player I felt would better fit the bill. That player would sign his contract to join us on Saturday evening. The aforementioned Greg Hall rejected the chance to play in the Welsh Premier League with Aberystwyth Town, and signed for us at Lurgan Celtic instead. He is 20 years old, stands at 6'3 tall, and is a left footer. He scores highly for physical attributes, and also the attacking side of the game. Not only that, but he can play on either wing if needed, so brings some versatility to the squad. He signs on a Free Transfer from Ballynahinch United, and put his signature on a two season contract at £25 per week.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 10th August 2008.
With Greg Hall signed, I needed to start looking at balancing the books a little better. I have no idea what happpened to that £8,000 we collected from Bangor a few weeks ago, but it's gone, and the clubs bank balance is already back in the red to the tune of close to £2,000. The fact that we are spending over £150 a week more than we should on wages is obviously not helping. I offer both Barry McKeever and Ciaran McEvoy out on Free Transfers, but there are no takers for either at this point.

Monday 11th August.
I now need to choose the Club Captain and his Vice-Captain for the 2009/10 season. I'm told that Gareth Murphy and Stephen Havern are the natural choices. But I select Marc Fegan as Captain, and Michael Downey as his deputy. I also get a scouting report back on the striker that I am considering making an offer for. The report is favourable, and I'm told there would be interest from other clubs. I don't hang around, and offer the player a contract.

Wednesday 13th August.
The club plays it's first home League match next Tuesday evening, and the Board have decided to take advantage of the summer holidays still being in place by making it a 'Fan Night'. For the fixture at Knockramer Park against Annagh United, any paying adult can bring a child to the match for half of the usual child entrance price. So any adult with two kids, but only enough money to usually pay for one, will not have to pick their favourite for that match. It's a long shot, I know.

Thursday 14th August.
The striker accepts our offer, and we have another new member of the squad. Ally Wilson is 22 years old, and a 6'3 striker. Despite his still relatively young age, he has three seasons of Premier Division football with Loughall behind him. He spent last season in the First Division with Banbridge Town, and had been due to play this season for Seapatrick. Their fans are less than impressed to see him move on so quickly after joining them. He has signed a one year deal with us, for £25 a week. We really must cut spending costs in the near future.

Saturday 16th August.
Our Under-18 side start their campaign with a home match against Chimney Corner's Under-18 side in the twelve club Under-18 League, Group Two. Promising right back Dennis Simpson picks up the man of the match award in this match. So in two contests the Chimney Corner, the home right back has been the best player on both occasions. The match finished goalless in both of the matches too.

Sunday 17th August.
With less than forty eight hours to go before the first match of the season at Knockramer Park, the club are able to confirm that 45 season tickets have been sold at a cost of £59 each. With an average ticket price of £5 a match, and eleven home League games scheduled, why anyone would buy a season ticket at all is beyond me, unless Cup matches are included. Then a few lucky home draws would really see a fan get their money's worth.

Monday 18th August.
I suspected Sky Bet had little clue what they were doing when they came up with the Title odds for the Division. I am even more convinced that they have lost the plot when they price us as 1/6 favourites for this match against a side they have as 5/4 fourth favourites for the Title. Their manager, Keith Wilkinson, who took the job at United at the end of the 2006/07 season is already being described in the media as 'under pressure', despite his club starting off with a win at home to Brantwood.

Tuesday 19th August.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Annagh United
Attendance :- 206. Weather :- Gusty, Drizzle. 22c.

I make three changes for our first home match of the season, handing debuts to both of our new signings, Greg Hall and Ally Wilson replacing Stephen McArdle and Ryan Murphy, neither of whom are in the matchday squad today. David Sinton is also fit and raring to go, and he replaces Ciaran McGurgan on the left wing for us.

We made a really good start in front of what is probably a bumper crowd. When Gareth Murphy set us off on the attack down the left in the 7th minute, he found David Sinton, who came infield to move away from his defender. He slipped a pass to Tony Creaney, and the midfield playmaker spotted that Niall Lavery had darted into the space vacated by Sinton's infield run. He slid a through ball to the young midfielder, and Lavery did the rest, running in on goal, and then guiding his shot under the dive of A.J Mitchell. Annagh were not about to let the floodgates open, and in the 17th minute, they managed to play in Brian Quilty, but the striker fired his shot right at Stephen Havern while under pressure from both Marc Fegan and Paul Burns. Our visitors cause was being aided by a referee who was very reluctant to produce cards as a deterrent to their persistent fouls. Our new attacking midfielder Greg Hall got himself involved in the 34th minute. He took the ball down expertly, and then spun away from a tackle before squaring the ball to Michael Downey. The United defence were clearly under orders to keep our winger on his left foot, and he had to take the shot with his weaker, missing the target by quite a bit.

We had bossed that first half pretty much, and were looking in good shape. So of course, all that work was undone early in the second half. Chris Mackle took a short throw to Ryan Lyness, and the midfielder cut inside to get past Downey. He attempted to hit an unswinging curling cross, that he got too much on, and it cleared the head of everyone, including Stephen Havern, and hit the inside of the far post before settling in the opposite corner of the net. It was a kick in the guts to see our hard work nulified by a fluke forty yarder. To make matters worse, the ref was still doing nothing about the ever increasing foul count from Annagh's players. Sinton was having a very good debut down the left, striking up a good understanding with Gareth Murphy on that flank, and every time the winger stepped infield, the full back was overlapping at pace to cause the United defence an additional worry. Just before the hour, he made a blistering run off his wing, getting to the edge of the box, but just waiting too long to slip his pass to Ally Wilson, and the striker had strayed offside. We were getting frustrated, and that was added to when Michael Downey was booked for his first indiscretion of the day, when none of the United players had yet been cautioned. With seven minutes to go, I made my three changes in a gamble to try and bring home the points. Creaney, Hall and Wilson were replaced by Colm Rooney, Michael Maguire and Raymond Fitzpatrick. We were piining United in and had players pouring forward, and as the clock struck ninety, Maguire turned in space in midfield, and lifted a pass over the head of Johnny McAdam and found Sinton. The winger got into the box on the corner of the area, put the ball through McAdam's legs as he left his feet to make a tackle, and then curled a shot inside the near post to beat Mitchell. It was a fabulous bit of skill, and the Knockramer faithful were almost as delighted as I was. We had left it late, but we had notched out first three pointer of the campaign!

Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Niall Lavery (7), David Sinton (90)
Annagh United (0) 1 - Ryan Lyness (47)
Stephen Havern; Conon McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Paul Burns, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 83), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, Greg Hall (Michael Maguire 83), David Sinton; Ally Wilson (Raymond Fitzpatrick 83).
Unused Substitutes :- Michael Hall, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- Michael Downey 69.
Possession :- 48% - 52%. Man of the Match :- David Sinton (Lurgan Celtic).

The Board were delighted with the win, and felt that the exciting match could well help boost future attendances. The number was boosted by the presence of Grays Athletic's boss, Gary Phillips. The Manager of the Blue Square Premier outfit was apparently there to run the rule over Conor McAnallen, as his side consider making a move for the defender.

[neilhoskins77]

Saturday 23rd August 2008.
Our Under-18 side make their first home appearance of the season as they face Dergview in the League. They run out 3-1 winners, with left winger Kieran Jardine awarded man of the match, after scoring one, and setting up another.

Sunday 24th August.
There is just one week left until the Summer Transfer Window closes. I still need to trim the wage budget, and offer Barry McKeever and Ciaran McEvoy out on Free Tansfers once again. Once more, there are no takers, so I offer both mutual termination of their contracts. Neither takes it well, with McKeever refusing and declaring himself extremely disappointed. McEvoy is even more upset, quite possibly as I delivered the offer on his birthday. He retorts that he is a loyal servant to the club, and will not be pushed out by someone who has been here five minutes. So he gets pushed into the Reserves instead. Happy Birthday sunshine. Unfortunately both players are contracted for the next two seasons, so releasing them is not an option, as it would mean us having to pay each player £3,000.

Monday 25th August.
Three more players are Transfer Listed and offered out on Free Transfers. Central defender Tommy Murphy just doesn't have the quality I'm looking for, while Ryan Murphy and Stephen McArdle are players I would ideally like to keep around, but financial contsraints along with their reducing First Team football prospects mean I'll look to move them on.

There is an almost unbelievable response to Tommy Murphy being made available. No fewer than 57 clubs have made an offer to take him on a Free Transfer. I reject the offers from clubs in the Premier, First and Second Divisions, leaving the 26 year old with options to go non-League, or ply his trade either in England, Scotland, Wales, or the Republic of Ireland.

We spend the rest of our Bank Holiday Monday making preparations for our next League match, a trip to Ballymena where we'll face Wakehurst, and made favourites once more, with a 4/7 price available at the bookies on us scoring a second consecutive win.

Tuesday 26th August.

Northern Irish Second Division
Warden Street, Ballymena
Wakehurst v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 182. Weather :- Showers. 21c.

Rodney Crawford is under pressure to get a result today. The Board at Wakehurst believe the club should be targeting promotion this season, while the pundits believe the Ballymena side are good enough for top five at best. It's our job to ignore all that speculation, and get the job done to take the points back to Lurgan with us this evening. We had an unchanged starting lineup and matchday squad from the side that won at home to Annagh United last time out.

It was clear that today's ref was considerably more strict than the one who took charge of our last match, and it wasn't long before I was hollering at my players to be careful with their tackling from the sidelines. Crawford shouted no such instruction, and forward Paul Borland was booked just four minutes in for a heavy tackle on Marc Fegan. The next name in the book would be David Paul in the 18th minute, as he clattered Tony Creaney just as he got into the penalty box. The ref pointed to the spot, and Michael Downey went for power, his effort finding the net via the inside of the upright. And our hosts would be architects of they're own downfall ten minutes later. Downey sent in a cross from the right that was overhit. As it bounced up, Niall Lavery headed it into the box, but it was heading harmlessly out of play. That was until Chris McCourt inexplicably tried to bring the ball down, his control failing him, and David Sinton swooped in, sidefooting home from a narrow angle, starting a furious debate between McCourt and his keeper Jordan Higgins. The right back had a chance to make amends somewhat in first half injury time, as his overlapping run took him right into the penalty area, but when the ball arrived at his feet, he lost his composure and sent his shot off target.

The second half got underway, and we were playing some lovely stuff at times. It was only Creaney's lack of pace that prevented him from going right in on goal and having a chance to make it three nil. We thought we had another penalty midway through the half, but the ref gave it the other way instead, and booked Ally Wilson for diving, which looked pretty harsh to me. I made my three changes all at once in the 74th minute, taking off Creaney, Greg Hall and the excellent Sinton, with Colm Rooney, Michael Maguire and Michael Hall coming on, the latter going to right back, Conor McAnallen moving to left back, and Gareth Murphy moving up the park to play on the left wing. It didn't produce anymore goals, though we did nearly concede one with an horrific bit of miscommunication at the back, Stephen Havern throwing the ball out to Fegan, but the defender wasn't expecting it, and the ball hit his heel and sat up beautifully for Connor Warren, who was about to head back down the field after coming up for a corner. That in itself was pretty fortunate, as Warren went for an early shot, and fired it right at Havern who pushed it away to safety. Apart from that little hiccup, it had been another pleasing performance from the players.

Wakehurst (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (2) 2 - Michael Downey (19 pen), David Sinton (29)
Stephen Havern; Conon McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Paul Burns, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 74), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, Greg Hall (Michael Maguire 74), David Sinton (Michael Hall 74); Ally Wilson.
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Raymond Fitzpatrick.
Booked :- Ally Wilson 63.
Possession :- 52% - 48%. Man of the Match :- David Sinton (Lurgan Celtic).

With two successive man of the match outings, David Sinton is well on the way to becoming the new darling of Knockramer Park. Someone who would be looking to be a darling elsewhere was Tommy Murphy. The centre back texted to say his farewells as we were on the way back from Ballymena. He had selected his next destination, and had signed on the dotted line for Forfar Athletic of the Scottish Third Division. He was taking a very slight pay cut, but you would think that would be a higher level of football.

Wednesday 27th August.
I'd identified Tommy Murphy's replacement, and made an offer to him in an attempt to secure his signature before the Transfer Window slammed closed at the end of the coming weekend.

Thursday 28th August.
Unfortunately, League of Ireland First Division club Waterford United were also keen to get the signature of 32 year old centre back, Ross Hegan, and not surprisingly, he agreed to make the move south of the border instead. I made a move for the next defender on my hit list.

Friday 29th August.
That didn't go so well either. John Devine is a former Glentoran and Coleraine stalwart, who also earned one cap for the National side. He is now playing in Wellington, New Zealand, and despite being 39 years old, is still a player who could more than do a job at this level of football. It turned out to be a popular opinion, as once more we faced stiff competition, this time from Annan Athletic and East Stirling in Scotland, and Finn Harps in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Once more the object of our interest chose to play in the Republic instead.

Sunday 31st August.
It's Transfer Deadline Day, and I may have lost my mind. Anymore stunts like today, and I may lose my job. The club's Chairman called me at lunchtime, and made it very clear that he didn't want his football club turned into a circus, and that I should be realistic and attract headlines at the club for good reasons, and preferably for on the field reasons.

The reason for the rebuke was for my slightly overly ambitious plans to enhance our front line by attempting to persuade 44 year old Jean-Pierre Papin to sign for us for the rest of the season. The man who scored 30 goals for France, and played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe is still actively playing, and scoring goals, in the French Regional Divisions. He had the good grace to talk to us as well, but told us he had only just signed for his current club, and was happy to be playing for them, so it was a no. He's not on a contract, and he is still in very good physical condition. Maybe the door isn't totally closed on this one, despite Maurice McEvoy's stern warning. Every circus needs a ringmaster, right?

I wasn't quite done with aiming high either. Darren Barnard is a 36 year old left back who was capped 22 times by Wales, and has played in the Premier League for Chelsea during his career. He is currently plying his trade as a Player/Youth Coach for Camberley Town, and I attempted to persuade him to move across the Irish Sea and perform the same role for us. He would be a great signing for us, and would bring much to the table, not least his lethal skills from dead ball plays. But that one stalled, we couldn't come up with a package attractive enough to convince him to make the move.

It wasn't quite a total washout on the day, as we did bring one new face into the squad. Darren Spence is a 29 year old centre back who has started the season with Civil Service in the lower leagues. He was told he would be very much a squad player, but he was happy to have the chance to step up to a higher level, and signed a deal to play for us for the rest of the season for £20 per week.

[neilhoskins77]

Monday 1st September 2008.
The Board are satisfied, particularly with the form of Gareth Murphy and the signing of David Sinton. On the negative side, they are disappointed with the form of Michael Maguire, though they are not taking into account that I'm often playing him out of position as an auxilary attacking midfielder. Worse still is the finance. Despite the fact that the club has made a profit of over £6,500 since I arrived, there was a loss of around £4,700 last month, and the finances are not projected to get any better.

The wage budget is over spent by £175 a week, which is £50 a week worse than it was when I arrived. It's a day later than I would have liked, but that will be addressed in January slightly, as Stephen McArdle will be leaving us. Three clubs came in for him, and he chose to go to the Republic of Ireland, where he will sign for Wexford Youths on New Years Day.

Wednesday 3rd September.
The Northern Ireland Intermediate League Cup is exclusively for clubs in our Division, and we were one of four clubs that drew a bye in the First Round. The eight remaining clubs were paired up, and the four winners progressed into the Quarter-Finals, where we would join the competition. The Board expect us to reach the last four, so we need to beat whoever we are drawn against to match the Boards expectations. That draw would send us on an away tie against Oxford United Stars, with the match to be played a fortnight on Saturday, which is the 20th of September. As a result, our scheduled League match for that weekend away to Dundela, has been pushed back to the following Wednesday, which is the 24th of the month.

Saturday 6th September.
Our Under-18's play another League fixture, this time they are beaten though, losing 3-1 at Hagan Park against Coagh United. Right back Dennis Simpson scored the Celtic goal to give the youngsters a half time lead, but they conceded three unanswered goals in the second half, including two in the last ten minutes.

Thursday 11th September.
Maybe it's just as well that none of the interested parties made a bid on Deadline Day for our out of favour striker, Ryan Murphy. The 22 year old is going to find himself back in contention as new striker Ally Wilson has sprained his ankle in training, and will now miss up to two months of football. This wouldn't have been an issue if Jean-Pierre Papin had signed for us. Just saying.

Friday 12th September.
We are home again tomorrow against Queen's University Belfast, our first match for over a fortnight. In the press conference, I suggest that I don't expect that to cause too many issues, and that it may even be of benefit to the players. Asked if I was planning to adopt an attacking outlook against opposition sat fifth in the League and considered a 'weaker opponent', I replied that we had been performing pretty well so far, so why would I go and make a change right now. The headline in the evening paper preview was 'Celtic looking for points, not entertainment value'. Gazette reporter Andy Hamilton is starting to get on my nerves.

Saturday 13th September.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Queens University Belfast
Attendance :- 194. Weather :- Dry, 7c.

Ally Wilson's injury meant a change was required to our lineup, with Raymond Fitzpatrick recalled to start the match, and Ryan Murphy brought onto the bench. Once again, we're huge favourites for this match at 1/6, and it's our first match for 17 days, and our first of three matches in the space of eleven days.

We nearly shipped an early goal, Kevin Briggs creating chaos in our penalty box, and we had two failed attempts to clear our lines. When Briggs did pull the trigger, we were thankful for Stephen Havern, who turned the shot around the post. In the 10th minute we tried to create something from a corner. Gareth Murphy swung it in, and Greg Hall connected with a downward header that was blocked. The ball went back to Hall, and this time he tee'ed it up for Paul Burns, but the centre back blazed his shot over the bar. In the 27th minute, a corner from the other side of the park nearly created the opening goal, Michael Downey sending this one over, and Raymond Fitzpatrick just missed the target with his header. Havern was called into action again on the half hour, Briggs and David Tumily combining to play in Conor Wilkinson, but Havern spread himself well and blocked his shot. Just over five minutes later, Wilkinson fired in another shot, Havern again pushed it away, but not clear this time. Tumilty raced Marc Fegan for the loose ball, and our skipper brought him down, the ref pointing to the spot. Michael McCready stepped up, and drove his penalty just off centre, but high enough and powerful enough that even though he got something on it, Havern had no chance of keeping it out.

It hadn't been a particularly good half, and I had cause to raise my voice to the players for the first time during the interval, demanding a much better showing in the second half. It didn't look like I was going to get it in the early stages, Conor Mulholland being allowed the space and time to weigh up his options, before sending a curling effort at goal that Havern caught easily. Our fortunes would turn though in the 57th minute, and it would be a set piece that would provide the opportunity. Downey sent in a corner that Hall and Mark Prenter both went for. The ball cannonned off the pair, and bounced loose. Centre half Paul Burns was quickly on the scene, and he swept a low shot into the net to level the scores. We were the team in the asendency now, and Downey tried to drill a shot that was bravely blocked by Kyle McDonald. However, our momentum would crash again in the 62nd minute, when after a fifty/fifty challenge, Conor McAnallen stayed down. The full back couldn't continue, and was replaced by Michael Hall. With the match now hurtling towards stalemate, I attempted to give Queens something else to think about, and in the 78th minute, made a change by bringing off Greg Hall and introducing Ryan Murphy to the match, switching us to a 4-4-2 at the same time. It looked like it would pay off, Tony Creaney curling a pass out wide to David Sinton, and winger stepped off his wing, continuing to move infield slaloming past tackles with the ball on his favoured right foot, but his shot back across goal flew past the upright. We would carve out one more chance late on, a Gareth Murphy corner eventually arrived at the feet of Fitzpatrick, who produced an outrageous Cryuff turn to solve the issue of having two defenders around him, and then sent his low shot arrowing towards the bottom corner, but McCready had stayed on his post, and he kicked it off the goal line. The points would be shared on this day.

Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Paul Burns (57)
Queens University Belfast (1) 1 - Michael McCready (37 pen)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen (inj - Michael Hall 62), Marc Fegan (capt), Paul Burns, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney, Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, Greg Hall (Ryan Murphy 78), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick.
Unused Substitutes :- Michael McGuigan (GK), Colm Rooney, Michael Maguire.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 42% - 58%. Man of the Match :- Paul Burns (Lurgan Celtic).

Conor McAnallen suffered a gashed leg in that match, and our full back will now be out for around three weeks. We have a ready made replacement in Michael Hall, though from what I've seen so far, I'm unconvinced that Hall can perform at the same level week in and week out as McAnallen. As soon as our match finished, the Under-18's took to the park, and played host to Armagh City's age group side. Our youngsters won 2-0, moving to second in their League in the process. Gary Fay was named man of the match, the midfielder scoring the first, and providing the pass that put Kieran Jardine into the box, where he won a penalty that Nigel Hagan netted to put the game out of Armagh's reach.

We would be in action again on the following weekend, with our first Cup tie of the season. A League match would follow in midweek after that, before another gap in the fixture list, that may be filled with Cup matches.

[neilhoskins77]

Thursday 18th September 2008.
Our next League match is on next Wednesday evening, away to Dundela, who it's predicted will be in the promotion picture. They have declared the match to be a fan day, as they look to boost their own home attendances.

Friday 19th September.
We'll travel to face Oxford United Stars tomorrow in the Quarter-Final tie for the Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup. I'm starting to think that maybe these match previews are building us up too much. The Stars haven't lost since their opening day defeat at Queens University Belfast. I'm under now illusions that this will be a tough match. The bookies disagree, pricing us at 2/5.

Saturday 20th September.

Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup, Quarter-Final
Templemore Complex, Derry
Oxford United Stars v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 212. Weather :- Gusty, 17c.

I switched the side around a bit for this match, not least, operating a new tactic that I had been working on. We would have three centre backs, and two wing backs in front of them. Those wing backs would be relied upon to provide the width, as it was pretty narrow further up the park, with two centre midfielders, and two attacking midfielders supporting one striker. Martin McGuigan would get his first start for the club, Stephen Havern rested. Michael Hall was in at right wing back to replace the injured Conor McAnallen, while Marc Fegan and Paul Burns would be joined by new signing Darren Spence in the new back three. Tony Creaney would be rested today, with Colm Rooney paired with Niall Lavery in midfield, while Michael Maguire was utilised in an attacking midfield role with Greg Hall and Raymond Fitzpatrick would play as striker. Ciaran O'Kane came into the squad as a substitute, while David Sinton was rested entirely today.

I was pleased for the fans that it wasn't cold, especially the ones who had travelled from Lurgan, as our start was pretty frosty. Stars dominated the opening stages of the match, and could have been two or three up in the opening ten minutes, Rory McDaid going closest with a free kick that took a layer of paint off the goal frame on it's way past the post. When we did get going, it was inevitable that set pieces would play a large part. A string of corner kicks caused Stars some problems at the back, and Raymond Fitzpatrick fired a shot across the face of goal that just missed the target. We looked a little better going forward, Fitzpatrick in particular was thriving with more support around him, and causing Stars defenders some headaches. However, at the other end, we were wasting possession, and Sammy McCollum was almost the beneficiary, hitting a low shot past Martin McGuigan that bounced back off the upright.

I urged my players to give a little more at the break, but we were not coping particularly well at the back, and when Gerald Downey sent in a free kick, no one picked up McDaid, and McGuigan was required again, springing across his goal well to keep the ball out. Our keeper was scrambling across his goalmouth midway through the half to deal with Stephen Whoriskey's long range shot. It took a deflection, and went to David Harkin. With most of the goal to aim at, and McGuigan out of position, it was a relief to see Harkin only hit the side netting. I made a change in the 73rd minute, withdrawing Michael Maguire, and bringing on Michael Downey, the winger set to play out of position in an attacking midfielder role. Stars used their final change with just four minutes to go, and with the ninety minutes up, McDaid raced after a through ball and fired at goal, his shot hitting the top of the bar on it's way over. We would breathe a sigh of relief, but not for long. With seconds of the alloted injury time remaining, Colm Campbell tried a long range curler. As he did so, sub Eamon Carlin was heading into the goalmouth to collect any rebound that may come about. Campbell's shot was well off target, but Carlin collided with Michael Hall, and the ref awarded a penalty! I was furious on the touchline, as were my players. But Mr Carville of Belfast had made his mind up. Paul Doran went for power, but he also went right down the middle, and McGuigan made the save. The ball came right back out to Carlin, and he squeezed his shot past the prone keeper, but that hit the post, before Gareth Murphy thumped the ball away. We were still in the game, and there would now be another half hour to find a winner.

As extra time was about to start, I changed things up again. Michael Hall had been pretty poor at right wing back, and he was taken off, Ryan Murphy came on to replace him and he would go up front with Fitzpatrick. We would now operate a 3-2-3-2, with the back three remaining intact, Tony Creaney replacing Colm Rooney in midfield, and Michael Downey going to right wing, and Gareth Murphy on the left with Greg Hall playing behind the front two. With no full backs or wing backs, Stars were looking to exploit the room down our wings, with Carlin not only pulling Darren Spence out of position, but twisting and turning to get to the byline, but then pulling the ball back into the path of Gerald Downey, who's low shot forced another save out of McGuigan.

With neither side looking to risk too much as extra time wore on, penalties looked inevitable. Then, with four minutes of the extra session left, Michael Downey came across to the left to send in a free kick. He sent it right to the far post, where debutant Darren Spence rose to power his header home from six yards out. Apart from a small pocket of Celtic fans, you could hear a pin drop around Templemore! For about ninety seconds anyway. Brendan Elliott won a fifty/fifty tackle with Ryan Murphy, and sent a long ball to McDaid. The striker played a quick one-two with Carlin, and he was in on goal. He rounded a helpless McGuigan, and slotted the ball home. Stars had levelled the match almost immediately, and now this match was going to a spot kick lottery.

We won the toss, and would take the first penalty, and Michael Downey made no mistake. Paul Doran would step up next, and he would banish the deamons of that missed injury time spot kick, as he fired home to level it up. Gareth Murphy reinstated our advantage, but Eamon Carlin brought it level again. All of the first four penalties had gone into almost identical spots. Veteran midfielder Tony Creaney stepped up next, and stuck with what was working, also placing his penalty in the same spot. With a 3-2 lead, it would be Kevin Doherty up next, but the change in plan would not work out for him. He went for the other side, McGuigan dived to his right, and pushed it away pretty easily. Now we had the advantage, and centre back Paul Burns was looking to maximise it. And it would be a case of all of nothing with his kick, as he took the risk of going for a high section of the net, but it found a home just underneath the cross bar, and Mark Irwin would step up to take a do or die penalty for the Stars. The nerves would get the better of the home defender, as he skied his kick over the top of the goal frame, and by the the skin of our teeth, we were into the last four.

Oxford United Stars (0) 1 - Rory McDaid (118)
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Darren Spence (116)
(after extra time - Lurgan Celtic win 4-2 on penalties)
Martin McGuigan; Michael Hall (Ryan Murphy 90), Gareth Murphy; Darren Spence, Marc Fegan, Paul Burns; Niall Lavery, Colm Rooney (Tony Creaney 90); Greg Hall, Michael Maguire (Michael Downey 73); Raymond Fitzpatrick.
Unused Substitutes :- Ciaran O'Kane, Stephen Havern (GK).
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 49% - 51%. Man of the Match :- Darren Spence (Lurgan Celtic).

We were very fortunate to get through that tie, and I have no doubt that while Darren Spence had a very good debut, the man of the match award should have gone to Martin McGuigan. The keeper made several good stops throughout the match, including two vital penalty saves, one right at the end of the ninety minute period. In the press conference, the questions were mostly about Darren Spence and his debut performance. Then reporter Andy Hamilton decided to throw in a curveball, asking if I was now regretting my decision to put Ryan Murphy on the transfer list, and if I would do anything about him feeling under valued at Knockramer Park. I replied angrily that this was neither the time or the place to discuss that matter, and I left the interview.

The change in tactics hadn't been a roaring success, and for now at least, that option would be shelved. We need to find better ways to control the game for sure, but we looked far better with the width of David Sinton and Michael Downey in the lineup than we did without it for the large part of that match. I did learn something though, and that is that Michael Hall is not a player we can rely upon to start games, which was what I suspected when Conor McAnallen was injured. However, for now, I don't have any other options.

[gibbo11]

Love this. I have written a retrospective story about my 'epic' save from FM14 (did have one in FM08 but lost anything related to that save before documenting it) but never posted about it. The whole 'request' thing is something I might jump in on as the story progresses

[neilhoskins77]

4 hours ago, gibbo11 said:

Love this. I have written a retrospective story about my 'epic' save from FM14 (did have one in FM08 but lost anything related to that save before documenting it) but never posted about it. The whole 'request' thing is something I might jump in on as the story progresses

Good to have you along Gibbo. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 21st September 2008.
The draw was made this afternoon for the Semi-Finals of the Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup. We were picked out of the velvet bag first, which meant a home tie. We would face Queens University Belfast, with the match scheduled to take place at Knockramer Park on Saturday 8th November. In the other last four tie, H&W Welders would entertain Dundela, who we would face next in the League.

Monday 22nd September.
Another of our young talents, Nigel Rees, signs a two year pre contract agreement, which will come into effect in August of next year. At just sixteen years old, the centre back is already 6'3 and over fourteen stone. He is raw, and still has plenty of room to develop, but the ceiling looks pretty high, and he has been consistently getting average ratings in the high sixes when turning out for the Under-18's this season.

Tuesday 23rd September.
We are back in League action tomorrow evening, with a trip to Belfast, where we would play Dundela at Wilgar Park. The hosts are priced as odds on favourites (4/5) for this match, despite going into the match in seventh place, while we sit in third. The bookies are doing one of two things. Either they are pricing the matches based on their pre season predictions, and ignoring the League Table at this point. Or, they firmly believe that Dundela's early season form in the League has been hindered by their hectic Cup schedule, as the Belfast club have already played four Cup ties up to this point.

Wednesday 24th September.

Northern Irish Second Division
Wilgar Park, Belfast
Dundela v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 221. Weather :- Breezy, 1c.

As you can see, summer is very much over, and it was bitterly cold for late September for this match in Belfast. We were back to ur 4-2-3-1 formation, and back to what at the moment is considered our full strength lineup, minus the injured Conor McAnallen, as Michael Hall continued to deputise for him at right back, and Darren Spence selected to partner Marc Fegan at centre back, with Paul Burns on the bench Ryan Murphy is selected as the starting striker for today's match. It hasn't escaped my attention that this is our final match of September, and as yet, we have not had a goal out of any of our strikers. That is very worrying to me.

Tony Creaney foiled a counter attack in the 13th minute with a tackle that should really have seen him awarded a yellow card. Steven McIlroy delivered a free kick that Tommy Parker got his head to, but his effort was well off target. He was much more successful in the 19th minute, Chris Guiney found Johnny Roy with a short throw in, and Roy cut our defence open with a low diagonal pass that arrived right into Parker's stride, and the attacking wide man sidefooted it past Stephen Havern. We had not played very well at all in the first half, but the players saved themselves from a stern half time warning by levelling the match in the latter moments of the half. Michael Hall won possession just inside the Dundela half, and sent the ball forward to Greg Hall. He held the ball up well, allowing team mates to get into position around him, and he picked out Creaney. He hit his shot early, which caught out Paul Hughes, and shot skidded by him and into the net.

Marc Fegan had taken a knock late in the first half, and he wasn't fit enough to continue, with Paul Burns coming on to take his place. I told the players that the win was there for them this evening, if they upped their efforts. But it was Dundela who looked more dangerous in the early stages of the second half, Creaney was booked for after another poor tackle and when Jackie Kerr's deep cross towards Parker saw Gareth Murphy use his body strength to get in front of their player, the home side thought they had a legitimate case for a penalty. Kerr would supply another cross just five minutes later, Darren McKay heading that one against the cross bar. Moments later, McKay was involved again, though not in a good was as far as Dundela were concerned. Gareth Murphy swung in a corner, and Greg Hall was wrestled to the floor by McKay in the opinion of the ref. He pointed to the penalty spot, a decision that incenssed the home players. Michael Downey had to wait an age before the ref blew the whistle. And it may have had an impact on our winger, who struck a weak spot kick right down the middle, and Hughes easily pushed it away. Scott Murray let fly from range, but missed the target, Parker did the same with a near post header from a corner. I switched us to two strikers, Raymond Fitzpatrick replacing Greg Hall, and then later I took off Creaney, to stop him getting sent off primarily. We were quite lucky to take a point, but we had missed a golden chance to take all three.

Dundela (1) 1 - Tommy Parker (19)
Lurgan Celtic (1) 1 - Tony Creaney (43)
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall, Marc Fegan (capt - inj - Paul Burns 45), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Mark Rooney 80), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, Greg Hall (Raymond Fitzpatrick 68), David Sinton; Ryan Murphy.
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Ciaran McGurgan.
Booked :- Tony Creaney 50.
Possession :- 53% - 47%. Man of the Match :- Tommy Parker (Dundela).

Tommy Parker collected the plaudits after that match, and I had to admit in the press conference that he had caused us quite a few issues in that match. I made a note of his name for the future. We now had another prolonged period without a fixture, with our next match not scheduled until Saturday 11th October, at home to bottom of the table side Brantwood. As it stood, that would be our only fixture in October as well. This fixture scheduling was tough to get my head around.

Saturday 27th September.
Our Under-18's got a 4-2 victory in the League at the Billy Neill Complex in Dundonald today against Ards Under-18's today, with Nigel Hagan scoring from the penalty spot to open the scoring. Graeme Adair and Johnny Maguire were also amongst the scorers.

Tuesday 30th September.
Conor McAnallen returns to training today. Hopefully with a few good training sessions, we'll be able to select him for the match at home to Brantwood next month.

2008/09 Northern Irish Second Division League Table. Up To & Including Tuesday 30th September 2008

| Pos   | Inf   | Team              |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   |
 
| 1st   |       | Wakehurst         |       | 5     | 4     | 0     | 1     | 7     | 3     | +4    | 12    |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2nd   |       | Oxford Utd Stars  |       | 5     | 3     | 1     | 1     | 8     | 3     | +5    | 10    |
| 3rd   |       | Portstewart       |       | 5     | 3     | 1     | 1     | 10    | 7     | +3    | 10    |
| 4th   |       | Annagh Utd        |       | 5     | 3     | 1     | 1     | 7     | 5     | +2    | 10    |
| 5th   |       | Lurgan Celtic     |       | 5     | 2     | 3     | 0     | 6     | 3     | +3    | 9     |
| 6th   |       | Queens University |       | 5     | 2     | 2     | 1     | 6     | 4     | +2    | 8     |
| 7th   |       | Dundela           |       | 5     | 2     | 1     | 2     | 7     | 7     | 0     | 7     |
| 8th   |       | H & W Welders     |       | 5     | 2     | 1     | 2     | 6     | 6     | 0     | 7     |
| 9th   |       | P.S.N.I.          |       | 5     | 1     | 2     | 2     | 3     | 4     | -1    | 5     |
| 10th  |       | Chimney Corner    |       | 5     | 0     | 2     | 3     | 4     | 7     | -3    | 2     |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 11th  |       | Moyola Park       |       | 5     | 0     | 1     | 4     | 3     | 10    | -7    | 1     |
| 12th  |       | Brantwood         |       | 5     | 0     | 1     | 4     | 1     | 9     | -8    | 1     | 

[neilhoskins77]

Wednesday 1st October 2008.
I can't lie, I was a little surprised when my end of month appraisal told me that I should be doing better. Aside from the financial aim, I was hitting every other target I had been given. We were in the top half of the table, and still in contention to hit all of the Cup targets for the various competitions we would become involved in over the coming months. I could only assume that the Board were taking notice of the bookies predictions that we would be involved in the promotion race. But even then, as you can see from the League Table, we're only one win away from the summit.

Saturday 4th October.
Our Under-18's were in action once more, drawing 0-0 with Oxford United Stars at Knockramer Park in the League. Right winger Frank Shannon was man of the match, while centre midfielder Jimmy Stewart was also picked out after showing off his passing skills. The result sees our age group side remain in second place in their League.

Later that day, the draw was made for the next Cup competition that we would embark upon, the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup. We would enter this one in the First Round, and were given a reasonably kind draw, away at non-League side Drumaness Mills. The match would be played at their Meadowvale ground on Saturday 1st November, which meant that our League game against Moyola Park, which had been scheduled for that day, was pushed back to Wednesday 5th November.

Friday 10th October.
Red hot favourites doesn't even begin to describe our status for Saturday afternoon's match against Brantwood at Knockramer Park. Our visitors have scored just one League goal in five games so far this season, and taken the same total in points. You could get an almost unbelievable 20/1 on them winning tomorrow. We were priced at a frankly ridiculous 1/14.

Saturday 11th October.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Brantwood
Attendance :- 182. Weather :- Strong Wind, 22c.

This would be our only match in the month of October, and Brantwood were always likely to come here and try to park the bus. Conor McAnallen is back to replace Michael Hall at right back, while Raymond Fitzpatrick is selected up front ahead of Ryan Murphy.

Considering this was suppposed to be a walk in the park, our start could be considered fairly tepid. By the quarter of an hour mark, we started to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and Michael Downey stole the ball off the toes of their left back, and then surprised the keeper by driving a rising shot at goal instead of crossing, James Haugh pushed that one over. That put us in our favourite situation, the set piece. Teams must be starting to have nightmares about defending set pieces against us, and Downey's corner picked out Raymond Fitzpatrick, who headed it against the post. In the 27th minute, we won another corner, and Downey sent this one to the far post, where skipper Marc Fegan found himself unmarked, and he planted a downward header out of Haugh's reach and into the net.

In the early part of the second half, Brantwood tried to replicate our success from set pieces with their own corner, Stuart Long sent in an outswinger. Niall Lavery challenged Samuel Mason, and the visitors appealed for a penalty, an appeal that was waved away by the ref. They wanted one in the 58th minute too, when Fegan and Darren Munster collided in our penalty box, an incident that meant the Brantwood winger was unable to continue. I made a change of my own in the 73rd minute, when Greg Hall was replaced by Ryan Murphy, a change that meant a switch to a modified version of a 4-4-2, with the two wide players remaining further ahead of the centre midfielders in attacking roles. That would pay off with a couple of minutes remaining, albeit with a huge assist from the Brantwood players. Ryan Speers headed the ball back to his keeper, and Haugh tried to launch a quick counter with a throw out to centre back James Braniff. The keepers throw was wayward though, and Ryan Murphy reacted quickly, taking the ball back into the box, and then guiding it under Haugh and inside the far post, netting the first goal by a striker in Lurgan Celtic colours since I arrived here.

Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Marc Fegan (27), Ryan Murphy (88)
Brantwood (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney, Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, Greg Hall (Ryan Murphy 73), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick.
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan, Colm Rooney, Ciaran McGurgan.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 53% - 47%. Man of the Match :- Marc Fegan (Lurgan Celtic).

We made that fairly routine, without managing to blow Brantwood away. They didn't manage a shot on target throughout the entire match though. It was an absolute relief when Ryan Murphy slid the ball home in the 88th minute, not only to secure the win, but to get our strikers off the mark for this season. Hopefully, that will open the floodgates, as it is the only thing that has been missing from our impressive unbeaten start to the season. Other results would go our way as well, and after our only match of October, we were now top of the League.

Wednesday 15th October.
Our Under-18's would start their Northern Irish Under-18's Cup campaign at home to Donegal Celtic. Andy Morrow scored a second half equaliser which would send the match into extra time. No one was able to find a winner during that extra half hour, and it would go to a penalty shoot out. After nine successful spot kicks, our centre back Glenn Walsh would see his effort saved, and the age group sides Cup was over for this season. That match would also see the side lose one of their best players to injury, with Gary Fay suffering a torn groin muscle that would likely keep him out until into the New Year.

Saturday 18th October.
The youngsters would be right back into League action on Saturday afternoon at Knockramer Park. They would suffer a 1-0 defeat against Ballymoney United, a result that dropped them down to fourth in the table.

Tuesday 21st October.
Striker Ally Wilson is back in training. He is ahead of schedule after spraining his ankle around six weeks ago. He is expected to be fit enough to return to playing when the club is next in action on 1st November, should he be selected.

Saturday 25th October.
It had not been a good ten days or so for the youngsters, as they suffered another League defeat today, this time a 1-0 reverse away to Moyola Park, who are the next opponents for the Senior side in a weeks time. This latest defeat means that our age group side have now dropped down to sixth in the League table.

Later that evening, Lurgan Celtic and Moyola Park are thrown together once more, this time in the draw for Round Three of the Northern Irish Cup. The match will be played at Bridge Street on the evening of Wednesday 12th November, exactly a week after the clubs meet in the rearranged League match at Bridge Street. Our opponents are one time Northern Irish Cup winners, though it's not exactly something that can be used as a form guide, as that happened in 1881.

Monday 27th October.
The club are dealing with an outbreak of flu, with Under-18's striker Johnny Maguire, and Senior side left winger Ciaran McGurgan both sent home from training to minimise the chances of other squad members catching it.

Friday 31st October.
After three weeks without a match, we would be back in action tomorrow, and November would certainly be a much busier month than October's single game schedule had been. Depending on Cup progression, we could play as many as eight matches in the coming month. The first would be in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, where we would play away to non-League side, Drumaness Mills. As you can imagine, we were once again billed as very heavy favourites for the match.

[neilhoskins77]

Saturday 1st November 2008.

Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, First Round
Meadowvale, Drumaness
Drumaness Mills v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 180. Weather :- Dry, 7c.

The modified 4-4-2 that we finished the match against Brantwood with, seemed to be the perfect fit for us going forward. A solid two in midfield, and two strikers to benefit from the skills and crossing of our two wide players. Plus of course, we also had our set pieces, which were seemingly getting stronger and stronger. That meant Greg Hall dropping out of the squad, Ryan Murphy coming into the starting eleven, and Ally Wilson back in the squad and on the bench.

Drumaness came out looking for an early goal, and Mark Johnstone his a shot from range that bounced back off the cross bar with less than a minute on the clock. That poor start continued when Darren Spence thought he had a lot more time than he actually did have, but he trod on the ball, and Johnstone squared it for Conor Toye, who's shot from the edge of the box flashed past the post. After that couple of scares, we really started to assert ourselves into the match, and could have had two goals of our own by the 15th minute, Ryan Murphy curling the first one just over the bar, and hitting the second across the face of goal, but beyond the far post. It took us until five minutes before the break to finally break the deadlock, Ryan Murphy taking advantage of some poor defending by Glenn Junkin, and outmuscling the defender, He then showed some lovely skill to cut between Junkin and one of his colleagues, and sent a cross over. It was far too deep, but Gareth Murphy retrieved it, and sent it back to the near post area. David Sinton's arrival caused distraction for Johnny Duffin, and he dropped the ball, allowing Sinton to bundle it in from close range and give us a deserved lead.

I encouraged my players to push on in the second half, and put this match to bed as early as possible, but as he had in the first half, Johnstone came close for our hosts early in the half, climbing to meet Aidan Walsh's corner to the far post, but his header hit the side netting. Still, eight minutes into the half, we had the buffer that I wanted, Tony Creaney and Niall Lavery doing some good work in midfield, and the latter picking a pass through the defence for Raymond Fitzpatrick, and the striker didn't disappoint, placing a low shot beyond Duffin and inside the post to make it 2-0, his first goal for the club. Drumaness were not about to throw in the towel, and midway through the half, Chris McVarnock produced a mazy dribble that took him past both Spence and Gareth Murphy, and into the box, but his finish wasn't as impressive as his dribbling, and he failed to hit the target. I made my three changes with fifteen minutes remaining in the match, Michael Downey, Tony Creaney and Ryan Murphy all substituted, replaced by Michael Maguire, Colm Rooney and Ally Wilson. And one of the three would produce the final goal of the match a short while later, and it was the best goal of the tie too. Fitzpatrick held up the ball in midfield, and then laid it off to Lavery. He lifted a diagonal pass into the right channel of the box, and Maguire took advantage of Drumaness' having a very short left back. Maguire easily beat him in the air, and headed the ball down to Ally Wilson, who's quick shot on the turn found the bottom corner, and he had also opened his account for the club. A very satisfactory afternoon's work.

Drumaness Mills (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (1) 3 - David Sinton (40), Raymond Fitzpatrick (53), Ally Wilson (80)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 75), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey (Michael Maguire 75), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (Ally Wilson 75).
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 45% - 55%. Man of the Match :- David Sinton (Lurgan Celtic).

David Sinton took the plaudits, but we had done only what was expected from us. We'll face tougher challenges in the future, that much is absolutely certain. The draw is made for the Second Round, and once more, we will face non-League opposition, again away from home. It will be Dromara Village who will line up against us in the next round, the match scheduled for three weeks today, pushing the League match at home to Oxford United Stars back to a midweek date.

The Board are now satisfied with the job that is being done at the club, which is an improvement on last months review. They are delighted with the arrival of David Sinton, though less enthusiastic about Greg Hall. I would imagine they are also less enthusiastic about the financial situation, which continues to go downhill, the club losing in excess of £5,000 in October.

Tuesday 4th November.
No rest for the wicked, and we're back into League action, with a Bonfire Night match away to bottom but one side, Moyola Park, the first of two matches against them in a week, as we'll return to Bridge Street in a week for our Northern Irish Cup Third Round match. It's possible the bookies think that the packed schedule is going to catch up with us, as they have our hosts as 6/4 slight favourites, though we're not far behind at 13/8. In the pre match press conference, I repeat my claim that we can win the Title this season. I'm less inclined to answer when Andy Hamilton pushes me for my views on the fans poor opinion of Ryan Murphy so far this season. The conference is called to a rather abrupt halt.

Wednesday 5th November.

Northern Irish Second Division
Bridge Street, Castledawson
Moyola Park v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 156. Weather :- Dry, 12c.

With player fitness still at a good level, I decided not to rotate the side at all for this League match, and left the matchday squad unchanged from last weekends match. The lads showed me that I had made the right decision too. Our first attack of note came in the 11th minute, and won us a corner. From that set piece, Michael Downey floated the ball into the box, and Marc Fegan stooped to connect with a header that he directed between the keeper and defender on the post to put us ahead. Moyola Park attempted to find a quick equaliser, and Mark Gallagher found Conleith Gilligan, who struck a fierce shot that Stephen Havern was happy to push aside. Their hopes were dealt a blow midway through the half however, when we won a corner on the other side. Gareth Murphy sent this one in, and Raymond Fitzpatrick arrived on the scene with precision timing, powering his header high into the net to double our advantage. It was becoming a little one sided, with both Fitzpatrick and David Sinton wasting chances to increase that lead. But then, ten minutes before half time, Fegan's attempt to clear the ball skewed off his shin, and Kevin McHugh fed the ball right back into the box, where Gilligan picked it up, and then slid his shot past Havern and into the far corner. It was game on again.

I spent most of the half time break warning my players of the dangers of being complacent in the upcoming second half. We needed to dampen their spirits. Marck McNicholl missed a glorious chance to bring Moyola Park back on level terms, staying onside in the right channel of our box, but then scuffing his shot off target. He would pay for that just moments later. Gareth Murphy's throw in found Fitzpatrick, but his effort at a cross wasn't a good one. It would be turned into an assist though, as Tony Creaney retrieved the ball twenty five yards out, and after sizing up his options, curled a shot into the far corner with the precision of a surgeon. Three minutes later, the points were very safe. Conor McAnallen sent the ball down the right and Downey gave chase despite looking second best. James Birch failed to make a decisive decision and Downey pounced, taking it from him, and then centering, Fitzpatrick sliding between the centre backs to apply the finish at the far post. He is certainly starting to hit his stride now. Ryan Murphy hadn't really hit his stride again though, and he came off ten minutes later, replaced by Ally Wilson. Ten minutes after that, Creaney and Sinton departed to make way for Colm Rooney and Michael Maguire, but the match was long since over as a contest.

Moyola Park (1) 1 - Conleith Gilligan (35)
Lurgan Celtic (2) 4 - Marc Fegan (12), Raymond Fitzpatrick (23,55), Tony Creaney (52)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 74), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, David Sinton (Michael Maguire 74); Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (Ally Wilson 64).
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 41% - 59%. Man of the Match :- Raymond Fitzpatrick (Lurgan Celtic).

With the exception of a ten minute spell in the first half, that was a pretty comprehensive win, led by the finishing of Raymond Fitzpatrick, who had words such as 'classy' and 'resplendent' used to describe his performance. Obviously, that's nice to hear, though maybe a little over the top, as this time last week he didn't have a goal to his name. It's certainly good that our strikers are starting to find the net though. And with seven League matches played, around a third of the schedule, we're top of the table, to the surprise of many pundits, who predicted we would be mid table makeweights, though not to the surpise of the bookies.

[neilhoskins77]

Friday 7th November 2008.
We're right back into Cup action tomorrow afternoon, as we host the Semi-Final tie of the Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup, where Queens University Belfast will make the journey to play us. Once more, there is no value on us whatsoever at the bookies, as we're priced at 1/8 to claim a place in the Final. It would be a major statement to get into a Final at this early stage of my career in Lurgan, as the club have only played in a Final on two ocassions in their history, bridesmaids back in 2001/02 in the Mid-Ulster Cup Final, a tournament that produced their only ever piece of sliverware, over 95 years ago now.

Andy Hamilton of the Gazette must be getting as fed up of these press conferences as I am. After refusing to tell him whether I would rotate my squad or change my tactics, I told him I thought we could win as long as we performed on the day, and that I have no plans to sell Conor McAnallen. He might struggle to make a great article out of that. Instead he had to lead with a line from QUB's manager, Neil Evans, who suggested himself that his side would be in for a difficult afternoon at Knockramer if they couldn't find a way to shackle Raymond Fitzpatrick. He doesn't appear to have the mindset of a man who is confident of a win this weekend.

Saturday 8th November.

Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup, Semi-Final
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Queens University Belfast
Attendance :- 433. Weather :- Strong Wind, 7c.

Even as the beneficiary, I'm not sure that anyone should ever get home advantage in the Semi-Final of a Cup. It attracted a bumper crowd to Knockramer this afternooon though, and I was certainly hoping the players would respond to that by booking us a place in the Final. Our opppnents had of course already visited us once this season, earning a 1-1 draw here in mid September. Since then we had of course found some goalscoring form, and Ally Wilson has ousted Ryan Murphy from the starting lineup today in the only change from our win in midweek.

Neil Evans decided not to park the bus, though he might have wished he'd had one with two and a half minutes on the clock. His defensive wall was rendered almost useless, as Michael Downey curled a free kick around the blue shirted blockade and was desperately unlucky to see his effort come down off the underside of the cross bar. The ball was headed behind, and from the corner, Eddie Baird was called into action, as Raymond Fitzpatrick brought the ball down and fired a low shot that the keeper blocked well. He could do nothing in the 9th minute though when Gareth Murphy floated in a free kick to the far post, and Ally Wilson headed it back into the centre to the feet of Fitzpatrick. Our striker showed great composure to lift the ball over Baird's dive to find the net from five yards out. We were playing the ball around nicely now, and David Sinton went on a mazy run that saw his beat three defenders before letting a shot go, Baird beating that one away, Tony Creaney missing the gaping target when he was first to the loose ball. When Queens did manage to get down our end, Conor Mulholland hit a shot on the turn from the edge of the box that hit the top off the cross bar on it's way over. Baird was quickly back in action at the other end, making a sprawling save from Darren Spence, who connected with a Murphy cross from close range. The keeper would want another go at Fitzpatrick's 25 minute effort that finally saw our second goal go on the board though. Murphy curled the ball down the touchline, allowing Sinton plenty of room to move into. The winger cruised past a challenge and into the box, where he reached the byline and cut the ball back to Fitzpatrick. His shot had plenty of power, but was pretty close to Baird. The keeper managed to only push the ball high into the top corner though. That had put Fitzpatrick on five goals for the campaign, and our first half of almost complete domination was completed with a few minutes left in the half, Murphy changed tactic with his corner delivery, this one not going as deep into the goalmouth, and Michael Downey met it with a glancing header that flew into the net. 3-0 at the break, and all was well with the world.

More of the same please was my simple request for the second half. I nearly got just that as well, when Murphy advanced down the left wing. His run allowed Sinton to move slightly more infield, and Murphy slipped the pass to him. Sinton drifted further off his wing, and let fly with a thunderbolt of a shot that cracked off the cross bar before being cleared. Murphy undid a little of his good work just a few minutes later. Baird hoisted a long and wind assisted clearance down the park, and Darren Spence let it bounce. Murphy tried to head it back towards Stephen Havern, but there wasn't anything like enough on that header, and Mulholland nipped in front of our keeper to head home the loose ball and bring Queens back into the match. Their cause would be assisted in the 69th minute, when I had to replace two defenders at the same time, as Marc Fegan and Conor McAnallen collided with each other trying to head a corner away. Both sustained knocks, and both had to be replaced. Paul Burns and Colm Rooney came on, with the latter having to slot into an emergency right back position. I was now a bit concerned that we were leaving ourselves open to Queens coming back at us, but that never really materialised, with a weak effort from range by Mark Sterling as close as Queens got to reducing the arrears, while Paul Burns forced another save out of Baird with a header from a corner. That first half performance had done the job, and we were into the Final!

Lurgan Celtic (3) 3 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (9,25), Michael Downey (44)
Queens University Belfast (0) 1 - Conor Mulholland (62)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen (inj - Colm Rooney 69), Marc Fegan (capt - inj - Paul Burns 69), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney, Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Ryan Murphy 82).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Michael Maguire.
Booked :- Marc Fegan 66.
Possession :- 51% - 49%. Man of the Match :- Raymond Fitzpatrick (Lurgan Celtic).

That was a fine first half in particular, and we would take part in the Final, which would be held in early December at Windsor Park in Belfast, the National Stadium in Northern Ireland. Our opponents would be Harland & Wolff Welders, who had beaten Dundela 1-0 on the same day in the other Semi-Final. We had yet to face them this season, but assuming that there were no changes to the fixture list, we would now face them twice in five days, as we would travel to face them in the League right after that Intermediate League Cup Final.

Our Under-18's have lost once again, this time at home to Ballyclare in a match that was played several hours before our match against Queens at Knockramer Park. The 1-0 defeat means our age group side have now dropped down to 8th in their League, and have lost Andy Morrow to injury for anything up to two months, as he sprained his ankle in the match.

Saturday would be completed by not just one, but two Cup draws. The draws would be made for firstly the Fourth Round of the Northern Irish Cup, followed by the First Round of the Mid-Ulster Cup. We had yet to play our Third Round tie in the Cup, so we were in the Fourth Round draw by default. Should we get past Moyola Park on Wednesday night, we would play First Division leaders Portadown in the Fourth Round at Knockramer Park at the end of the month. And wouldn't you know that we would then be paired with one of Ulster football's historial heavyweights in that draw as well, which would also take place at Knockramer just five days later. So now we have a pair of potential double header matches, the first, assuming we win on Wednesday, will be against four time National Champions and three times Cup winners Portadown, who have also lifted the Mid-Ulster Cup on no fewer than twenty one occasions. The second would then be against a H&W Welders side that would be looking to deny us a first piece of silverware in 95 years in the Intermediate League Cup Final, and then a League battle between two clubs who looked as though they would both be involved in the promotion race.

[neilhoskins77]

Tuesday 11th November 2008.
Last time we faced Moyola Park at Bridge Street, just one week ago, they were pegged as the slight favourites for the match, and we spanked them 4-1 in our League encouter. So imagine my surprise when the bookies replicated exactly the same odds for our Northern Irish Cup Third Round clash. Believe me, if I thought I could get away with it, I'd have had a few quid on the match myself!

Wednesday 12th November.

Northern Irish Cup, Third Round
Bridge Street, Castledawson
Moyola Park v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 324. Weather :- Dry, 11c.

Despite their knocks in the last match, Marc Fegan and Conor McAnallen were both declared fit for this match, and so an unchanged side took to the park for the match for ourselves. Raymond Fitzpatrick spurned the first opportunity to put us in front in the 8th minute, good work on the left from Gareth Murphy, David Sinton and Niall Lavery created the chance for the in form striker, but he sent his shot across goal and the wrong side of the far post, as far as we were concerned at least. Sinton in particular was having a bright start to the match, and he set up Ally Wilson moments later, but the striker missed the target with his effort too. A pattern was starting to form, even from golden chances. In the 18th minute, Michael Downey crossed to the far post, and Sinton sent it back into the centre for Fitzpatrick. The striker was wrestled to the floor by Kris Watson, and the referee gave us a penalty kick. Michael Downey opted for a low and precise spot kick to beat Jonathan Yorke. He got half of it right at least. As the keeper dived the wrong way, Downey's low effort troubled only advertising hoardings as he skewed it past the post. The winger looked crestfallen as the Bridge Street faithful jeered him. He was nearly made to pay within seconds, as Kevin McHugh fired into the side netting at the other end. Sinton was certainly proving to be the catalyst for most of the good work we were doing, and Sean Stewart was having a torrid time trying to deal with him. He forced a save out of Yorke himself, set up Wilson, who's shot didn't have the required power to beat the keeper, and then could have had a penalty after appearing to be tripped by Stewart after dribbling into the box. At the other end, Aaron Heaney missed a good chance for Moyola Park, and when the ball was put in the net near the end of the first half, Fitzpatrick was deemed to be offside from Tony Creaney's through ball.

I was satisfied enough at half time that I didn't feel the need to dig my players out too much, and they would continue to create chances in the early stages of the second half. Murphy sent in an inswinging corner that nearly found it's way into the net before being kicked away from right underneath the cross bar. Then Creaney let fly from distance, his effort bouncing back off the upright. It was starting to look like it just might not be our day when Yorke pushed away Downey's curling effort from range, and Fitzpatrick was on the stretch more than he would have liked when he poked the loose ball just over the bar. Sinton was always likely to be the man who would be invloved in anything good we did today, and so it proved when we finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute. The fact that Stewart had been booked by now was a factor when Sinton tricked past him and then setup Fitzpatrick. The strikers effort took a deflection off a defender, and then rose up and hit the underside of the bar. As it bounced back up, Downey headed it across the goalmouth, and Wilson got in between Yorke and a defender, getting just enough on his header to divert the ball into the bottom corner of the net. I had my subs warming up by this point, and decided to make the changes despite us getting in front. Downey, Creaney and Wilson were replaced by Michael Maguire, Colm Rooney and Ryan Murphy. The former of that trio worked hard when he came on, setting up Colm Rooney, who stung Yorke's hands with a driven shot, and then had a go himself with a shot on the turn that cleared the bar. It had not been the clinical performance from a week ago, but we could travel home with a win, and we had set up a big home match with Portadown as a result.

Moyola Park (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Ally Wilson (72)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 76), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey (Michael Maguire 76), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Ryan Murphy 76).
Ununsed Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- Raymond Fitzpatrick 85.
Possession :- 35% - 65%. Man of the Match :- David Sinton (Lurgan Celtic).

So the win cemented our double header with Portadown, three times Irish Cup winners, with the Fourth Round clash scheduled for the day after my 31st birthday on the final weekend of the month. We would still have three more fixtures to play before that double header, but it was sure to be a great ocassion for everyone at the club, and a first chance to test ourselves in competitive action against a side higher up the pyramid than ourselves. At the time of the fixtures being confirmed, Portadown are in pole position in the First Division, and looking for a return back to the top tier for next season.

Grays Athletic boss Gary Phillips continued to compile his dossier on Conor McAnallen, once more making the trip across the Irish Sea to watch our right back in action. As yet, no offer has been received for the 22 year old, who is contracted to us until the end of next season, and as yet has ignored the speculation regarding his future. I would be surprised if David Sinton failed to impress Phillips in that match, his man of the match award was the least he deserved for a performance that showed Sinton is probably too good to be playing football at this level. He was simply outstanding this evening.

Thursday 13th November.
Our prowess from corners has been well documented, but we're nothing like as effective from free kicks, particularly when shooting directly at goal. Michael Downey is currently our go to guy for free kicks, but when he does get them on target, he often doesn't get the required power to cause a keeper any trouble. I call Michael into the office, and ask him to start hitting his free kicks with more power. He is more than just a little bit reluctant, stating that he see's no real benefit in adopting that approach. For me, that means he has a couple of games to try and improve that side of his game, or the duties will be handed to someone else. While I'm in the office, I also call in form striker Raymond Fitzpatrick in to see me, and tell him I'd like to see him try and place his shots into the corner of the net. He is much more agreeable to my suggestion.

Friday 14th November.
We're back in League action this weekend, with a home match against 10th placed side, Police Service of Northern Ireland. We're ridiculously short odd favourites once more, with odds of 1/14. This game is going to be so easy apparently, that a pre match press conference was not even deemed necessary. Either that, or I've finally p***** off Andy Hamilton to the point where he no longer considers it worthwhile asking me questions.

Saturday 15th November.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Police Service of Northern Ireland
Attendance :- 242. Weather :- Gale, 7c.

It's an unchanged side once more, and PSNI talked about parking the bus, and lined up in a manner to do so. They were bluffing, big time. They kicked off and sent the ball out wide, while the rest of their players poured forwards. Stephen McDowell sent in a cross from the left, and Graeme Arthur nodded it home at the far post, with just 32 seconds on the clock. I was furious to say the least. My players had been guilty of sleeping on the job. PSNI knew where their advantage was, and it was McDowell's pace against Gareth Murphy down our left. Everytime he got the ball, he turned our full back towards his own goal, and got his cross in, and if PSNI had been more clinical, we could have been three down by the time we got midway through the half. As it was, it was just the two, as another McDowell cross saw Marc Fegan handle the ball, and our visitors were awarded a penalty. Philip May dispatched it left footed into the bottom corner past Stephen Havern's dive, and we were in real trouble. Every 50/50 ball was being made to look like a 75/25 ball against us, nothing we tried was working, and we looked a shell of the side that had been so good up to this point of the campaign.

I wasn't afraid to raise my voice at the break, and I left the players in no doubt as to how angry I was with their lethargic first half showing. I made no changes, telling them that they had got us into this mess, so they could damn well get us out of it as well. There was very little sign of that happening though, apart from a pretty legitamate penalty shout ten minutes after the restart, where Ally Wilson appeared to be hauled to the floor by his jersey, courtesy of Taylor Kirk. The referee wasn't even slightly interested. May had already netted one himself, and he nearly created one when he whipped in a cross that McDowell headed right at Havern. I'd seen enough, and made changes, having to substitute Fegan, who had been pretty shocking at centre back today. Tony Creaney and Wilson joined him, with Paul Burns, Colm Rooney and Ryan Murphy all coming on. It made not the slightest bit of difference. My players had checked out on me. This scowl was going to take some shifting from my face.

Lurgan Celtic (0) 0
Police Service of Northern Ireland (2) 2 - Graeme Arthur (1), Philip May (25 pen)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt - Paul Burns 71), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 71), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Ryan Murphy 71).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Michael Maguire.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 54% - 46%. Man of the Match :- Stephen McDowell (PSNI).

So it was inevitable that our unbeaten record would go at some time, and I would have been fine with it, if we had at least put up a bit of a fight. We hadn't though, and the riot act was read after the match. That may come across as harsh after just one defeat that hadn't arrived until mid November, but there is a minimum line that I expect, and that performance didn't even come close. And the Under-18's were getting themselves in a right old slump as well, losing once again, a 1-0 defeat at Lakeview Park against Loughgall.

At least we now had a week off, so the players could reset and hopefully bounce right back next weekend.

[neilhoskins77]

Friday 21st November 2008.
As opportunities to bounce back came, then a trip to face Dromara Village in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Second Round is about as good as it gets I think. We're much better value after last weeks defeat, though still odds on favourites at 1/3 for the match ahead. Andy Hamilton asked if I believed that Graham McDonagh was Dromara's biggest threat, and I agreed. The 32 year old centre midfielder has been playing at a very high level so far this season.

Saturday 22nd November.

Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, Second Round
Bell's Bridge, Dromara
Dromara Village v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 173. Weather :- Wet, 9c.

With a weeks rest behind them, I name an unchanged side for this afternoons match. The village side were very much up for this match, and Declan O'Connor was certainly in the mood for a giant killing, as he used a combination of footwork and strength to get into the penalty box before being thwarted by Gareth Murphy and Darren Spence. Our skipper Marc Fegan had already been booked by this point while trying to get to grips with Dromara's striker. Kevin Johnston was next to try his luck for the plucky non Leaguers, as he accessed the penalty box from the left corner, and struck a low driven shot that Stephen Havern pushed away. John McKay needed lengthy treatment after being tackled by Conor McAnallen, who escaped punishment for the misdemeanour. By the time Graham McDonagh curled a free kick just off the target, we had been defending for most of the opening twenty minutes. When we got ourselves into an attcking postion, it led to the opening goal. There was an element of fortune about it, for us at least, Tony Creaney's through ball was intercepted by Peter Hanna. But when he tried to clear the ball, he blasted it right against a team mate, and it bounced into the path of a grateful Raymond Fitzpatrick, who sidefooted home to put us ahead. That goal didn't deter Dromara from continuing their attacking intent, as McKay hit a shot on the turn that Havern pushed over the bar.

We should have had a second goal early in the second half. Gareth Murphy sent a long diagonal ball across the park from his left back position, and Michael Downey beat a defender for pace. He sent the ball to the near post, and found Niall Lavery, the midfielder had to take a touch to move the ball away from a defender, and that led to him being dispossessed without getting a shot in. We were starting to get on top in the match now, and the frequency of Dromara's attacks was reduced drastically. I made my three changes all together in the 75th minute, with Downey, Creaney and Ally Wilson all taken off, and replaced by Michael Maguire, Colm Rooney and Ryan Murphy. Moments later, we put the game safe. David Sinton weaved his way infield, and his shot was pushed over the bar. Maguire's corner was headed to the edge of the box, and Darren Spence hit it on the half volley, his effort going through the crowd of players that no doubt impacted on Liam Beattie's vision, and the keeper got nowhere near it. With our hosts having no option but to go for broke, we were soon three to the good. Colm Rooney placed a through ball in to the feet of Fitzpatrick, and both of the Dromara centre backs went right towards him, leaving him with an easy square pass to Ryan Murphy, and the sub striker scored with a placed low shot.

Dromara Village (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (1) 3 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (23), Darren Spence (78), Ryan Murphy (82)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 75), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey (Michael Maguire 75), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Ryan Murphy 75).
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- Marc Fegan 5.
Possession :- 43% - 57%. Man of the Match :- Darren Spence (Lurgan Celtic).

It was certainly nice to get back to winning ways after last weekends poor performance, but it must be said that Dromara Village gave us more problems than we were probably expecting. Still, it's further Cup progress, and we move into the Third Round, with the draw to be made later in the evening. It hadn't been a perfect afternoon, Conor McAnallen took a knock late in the match. He would finish the game, but he has suffered a bruised thigh, and will miss up to two weeks of football, which means he will likely miss next weekends big game against Portadown in the Northern Irish Cup.

Round Three of the Intermediate Cup is drawn on Saturday evening, and we get a home tie against Brantwood, who were the 1991 winners, and are in our Division, where they are struggling near the foot of the table right now. The match will now be our final match of 2008, as it will take place on 27th December.

Tuesday 25th November.
Before that big match against Portadown, we still have another League match to negotiate, with Oxford United Stars coming to Knockramer and looking to improve on their current fourth place. We met them just over two months ago in the Intermediate League Cup Quarter-Final, where we defeated them on penalties. The odds are back to their normal level as well, 1/6 this week.

Wednesday 26th November.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Oxford United Stars
Attendance :- 174. Weather :- Wet, 2c.

One change to the lineup is required for this match, with Michael Hall brought in at right back to replace the injured Conor McAnallen. I've been surprised by the fitness levels of the squad, I thought we would have to heavily rotate the squad at busy periods of the fixture list, but that really hasn't been the case at all.

The Stars were certainly keen to get an early goal, and also keen to allow Ryan Coyle plenty of ball to have a go at Michael Hall. Our stand in right back did well in the early moments, but he had moved more centre to help out when a ball over the top found Coyle, and his cross was headed against the post by Stephen Whoriskey. Both sides were struggling to create chances, but when they did arrive, Coyle blasted an effort right at Stephen Havern after muscling his way past Hall, and then heading the ball across goal only to see Brian Rainey head it over the bar. And our efforts were exasperated by Ally Wilson turning down two chances to shoot, passing on both occasions instead. Wilson did put the ball in the net two minutes before half time when Michael Hall played him in with a quickly taken free kick, but the striker was offside. However, right on half time, he did stay onside when Raymond Fitzpatrick sent a pass in front of him. He held off a defender, and then blasted his shot high into the net to hand us a half time lead.

Whoriskey tried to get the Stars level right at the start of the second half, his free kick effort just missing the target. The foul led to what was fast becoming a tradional Marc Fegan yellow card. The visitors had a much better chance in the 53rd minute, Coyle had by now moved into a more central position, and he threaded a through ball into the box for Eamon Carlin. He looked a mile offside, but the flag stayed down, however he blew the chance by skewing his shot wide of the target. Wilson was having one of his better games for us at the other end, holding the ball up, and making a nuisance of himself. He should have got a second goal when he turned his defender, and got himself in on goal, but Eamonn Gallagher managed to save the low shot with his legs. Ryan Browne got himself into all kinds of bother in the 74th minute, and ended up sending in a back pass that had the weight of a menacing shot. Unable to catch it, Gallagher had to head it off the line, and David Sinton recovered it to cross for Michael Downey, but his header just missed the target. I made two changes when the game stopped, Niall Lavery and Tony Creaney replaced in midfield by Colm Rooney and Michael Maguire. And with five minutes left, Oxford went looking for an equaliser, and commited too many players up the park. Colm Rooney intercepted a poor pass, and played it straight through the middle of their defence, Wilson wandered onto it, rounded the keeper, and slotted in his second to put the points beyond Stars reach today.

Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Ally Wilson (45,85)
Oxford United Stars (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 74), Niall Lavery (Michael Maguire 74); Michael Downey, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick (Ryan Murphy 89), Ally Wilson.
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- David Sinton 23, Marc Fegan 47
Possession :- 58% - 42%. Man of the Match :- Ally Wilson (Lurgan Celtic).

22 year old striker Ally Wilson has had a pretty slow start to his Lurgan Celtic career, partly down to an injury. His Wednesday evening brace of goals at Knockramer Park takes him to four for the season now, and he is starting to form a good partnership with Raymond Fitzgerald. His second goal in particular showed great composure. That would be something we would need on the weekend, as we faced the toughest test to date. We would not be able to afford to waste chances when Portadown come to town on Saturday!

[neilhoskins77]

Friday 28th November 2008.
My 31st birthday, and I spent part of the morning in a press conference for our eagerly awaited tie in the Northern Irish Cup, as we would face the current First Division leaders, Portadown. The shoe was very much on the other foot in comparison to the expectations on us so far this season, and this time, we're the 20/1 shots.

Despite it being a much bigger match than your average week, there was still just one journalist at the press conference, Andy Hamilton of the Gazette. He asked if Conor McAnallen would be available, and I told him it was unlikely. He said there were whispers from some pundits that we may have it about us to provide a giant killing, and if I truly believed that my players could achieve that. I answered that they absolutely could do it, and that I actually quite liked our chances.

Saturday 29th November.

Northern Irish Cup, Fourth Round
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Portadown
Attendance :- 501. Weather :- Drizzle, 7c.

I think a lot of people at Portadown thought the Conor McAnallen injury was a bluff. They would be wrong, it was Michael Hall who would lineup at right back in an unchanged team selection from the midweek League win against Oxford United Stars. There would be a new record attendance at Knockramer Park today, which would almost certainly produce record gate reciepts as well.

It was expected that we would be blown away today, but I thought my players were up to this challenge. That said, with 75 seconds on the clock, we were very nearly behind. Michael Downey collected the ball after we cleared a corner, and tried to make a charge down the left wing. He lost the ball though, and our offside trap failed us, as Andy Smith timed his run to latch onto the curling cross, but fortunately for us, he shot wide of the target. Striker Kevin Braniff was next to try his luck, good work on the left from Ross Redman and Tim Mouncey found Braniff on the edge of the box, Stephen Havern pushed away his low shot on the turn. Mouncey would have the next chance, but his first touch was poor, allowing Havern to dive at his feet and claim the ball. Braniff had the opposite problem midway through the half, his first touch moving him into space, but he blasted high over the bar. Havern was soon back in action though, making a double save from a Mouncey header, and then from Smith's effort after he reached the loose ball first. On the half hour, Mouncey would try again with a header from a corner that went into the far post, but he missed the target with that one. There was no doubt that Portadown were the side in control, until Gareth Murphy launched a free kick towards the edge of the box, and the Portadown defence failed to pick up Ally Wilson, who volleyed the ball home to give us a lead that was very much against the run of play. It was unfortunate, or rather frustrating, that the lead lasted barely a few minutes. When Braniff stormed forward over halfway on the counter attack for Portadown after Michael Hall's cross was cleared, it appeared that Marc Fegan had done the hard part. He had shown him wide and then marshalled him away from goal. Braniff was fast running out of room and options when Fegan inexplicably lunged in for a tackle, Braniff went over, and the ref pointed to the spot. Braniff picked himself up, and drove his penalty low and into the corner, out of Havern's reach. While it was arguably the least that Portadown deserved, it was still annoying. Wilson so nearly put us right back in front when Raymond Fitzpatrick cut the visitors defence open with a through ball, but Wilson steered his shot wide.

'You've earned their respect, now go and earn a place in the next round' I told my players at the half time break. It was true as well, Portadown were now a lot more cautious about throwing players forward after we caught them out with that free kick. In fact, they were now trying to drop balls over the top of our back four. That included from long throws, and just after the hour, one made it into the box that found Braniff, and Fegan faced a battle to try and get himself goal side. He tried to short cut that by holding the strikers shirt, and he gave away a second penalty kick. Braniff went the other side this time, and Havern went the right way, but he couldn't keep it out, and we were behind for the first time this afternoon. That was his 15th goal of the season. Over the next ten minutes, we had three free kicks, which Gareth Murphy took. The first was the closest, scraping the top of the bar on it's way over. When Fegan was easily turned by Smith, I'd lost patience with my centre back, and replaced him with Paul Burns, also bringing on Colm Rooney for Tony Creaney at the same time. The subs didn't really have any involvement, but we went right up the other end, David Sinton winning the ball in midfield, and picking out Wilson. Instead of holding up the ball, he played it into the right channel and picked out Michael Downey, who tried to move outside Redman, but was tripped. For the third time this afternoon, the ref pointed to the spot. The protests were long and loud, but the ref wasn't up for changing his mind. Downey had grabbed the ball, and was being made to wait to take the kick, but he held his nerve, counting on Neil Armstrong picking a side, which he did, as Downey went right down the middle. With fifteen minutes to go, it was game on once more! With ten minutes to go, Gary McCutcheon flicked a long ball on into the box, and found an unmarked David McCullough in the right channel. With plenty of time, he declined to square the ball, opting to shoot himself, but he fired past the far post. With four minutes to go, another long ball was aimed towards McCutcheon, but Michael Hall got in front of him. It was a primitive clearance, as he just put his foot through the ball, but it sailed over the high line of Portadown defenders, and broke for Fitzpatrick. As he collected the ball, he certainly glanced across to check the flag wasn't up. It had stayed down. He ran in on Armstrong, drew him out, then slid the ball past him. It was a lot of noise from the majority of a five hundred strong crowd. Now we just needed to hold on. Portadown threw everyone forward, and Redman ran the ball down the left. He crossed deep, and McCutcheon seemed to hang in the air for an age, climbing above Darren Spence and connecting with a header. It looped over Havern, who would have breathed a sigh of relief when he head the clunk of leather and air hit metal and paint as the ball bounced off the bar. We were in full on defence mode, but we hung on. This was a big, big day for this little club!

Lurgan Celtic (1) 3 - Ally Wilson (36), Michael Downey (75 pen), Raymond Fitzpatrick (86)
Portadown (1) 2 - Kevin Braniff (41 pen, 62 pen)
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall, Marc Fegan (capt - Paul Burns 73), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 73), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson.
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Michael Maguire, Ryan Murphy.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 51% - 49%. Man of the Match :- Kevin Braniff (Portadown).

It was a little mean spirited of the sports pages and websites to call us lucky. Portadown were not happy, their manager Ronnie McFall, who has been at the club over 20 years, is now under pressure, and he came out swinging. He told the press that we should not have been awarded a penalty, and that Raymond Fitzpatrick was offside for the winning goal. I wasn't biting, this was one of the clubs most memorable victories in it's history, and our reward was a place in Round Five, plus £3,000 worth of gate reciepts. It makes a bit of a dent in our continually spiraling debt.

For the first time this season, there was more than one journalist at my press conference, with Paul Andrews of the Portadown Football Times joining my stalker, Andy Hamilton of the Lurgan Gazzette. I told them that I was delighted with the win, and that it didn't wish to discuss what kind of impact there would be for Marc Fegan after his fairly horrific outing. I refused to discuss Kevin Braniff's man of the match performance, or the clubs prospects of winning the Northern Irish Cup.

There was certainly some ill feeling around on the part of Portadown, and their manager McFall. He has to come back here in just a few days as well, and he really can't afford for his club to be knocked out of the Mid-Ulster Cup by us as well on Wednesday evening. In the meantime, our name goes into the draw for Round Five, where we're drawn against another First Division club. This time, our opponents will be Donegal Celtic. The 'two Celtic's' will meet on Saturday 10th January at Donegal Celtic Park. The draw is also made for the Quarter-Final of the Mid-Ulster Cup, and should we manage a repeat win over Portadown in midweek, we'll get a home tie with either non-League side Markethill Swifts, or First Division strugglers, Coagh United.

The long day ended with us making a bid for Letterkenny Rovers forward, Gareth Mullan. The 31 year old dead ball specialist already has eight goals and three assists for the non-League club from sixteen matches. We're likely to face stiff competition for the signature of the former Derry City and Ballymena United player.

[oche balboa]

Always a cracking read

[neilhoskins77]

23 hours ago, oche balboa said:

Always a cracking read

Cheers Oche

[neilhoskins77]

Monday 1st December 2008.
December will be a quieter month than November, but no less important. It starts with two Cup games, which includes Saturday's Cup Final, our trip to Windsor Park to face Harland & Wolff Welders. We then have a pair of League matches, including the vital League game with the Welders, and a Cup match to finish the year against Brantwood.

Almost unbelievably, the Board say they are delighted with the 1-0 League win at Moyola Park, but disappointed with the 2-0 defeat against Police Service of Northern Ireland. There is no mention at all of the win against Portadown, though the club has made a profit of just over £2,000 in November. Overall, they declare themselves satisfied with the job being done.

Tuesday 2nd December.
I'm hoping that a second win in five days over Portadown will put the Board in a better mindset regarding our progress. Neither the bookies or the media believe we have enough about us to repeat Saturday's win, as the the bookies price us at 20/1 again, while the headline writers state that we face an impossible task to defeat a Portadown side who will be out for revenge, and maybe to save their manager's job.

Wednesday 3rd December.

Mid-Ulster Cup, First Round
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Portadown
Attendance :- 172. Weather :- Breezy, 2c.

It's an unchanged starting eleven for us as Portadown come to visit once more. Conor McAnallen is fit enough to take a place on the bench, but in this competition, only three substitutes are named, so there is no back goalkeeper for us in this one. Marc Fegan keeps his place, despite his struggle against these same opponents on Saturday.

The first real attack of the match would also produce the first goal. It wasn't exactly horror viewing for us, but it wasn't great. Wesley Boyle and David McCullough did the build up work, and then Kevn Braniff played the ball into the feet of Andy Smith, who had dropped a little deeper to escape Darren Spence. The striker turned and hit a low skidding shot, that crept by Stephen Havern, and just made it inside the post. A poor goal to concede all around. There was little else going on in the remainder of the first half, as both sides appeared pretty underwhelmed by the occasion. With five minutes left in the half, Ally Wilson beautifully controled a Havern clearance, and then held up the ball. His lay off attempt to Michael Hall was awful though, and ended up as a perfect through ball for Braniff. His shot was well stopped by Havern, the loose ball was picked up by Andy Sproule, but he buried it into the side netting.

The second half wasn't much better, at least as far as we were concerned. We created the square root of zero until the 72nd minute, when Gareth Murphy waved everyone into the penalty box for a free kick delivery, and then played it square to Tony Creaney, who shot well over the bar from a long way out. Moments later, and my players were surrounding the referee. Gareth Murphy squared a pass into the box, and Raymond Fitzpatrick turned past Johnny Topley, before going over. This was not the same referee as we had on Saturday, and he was clearly much less inclined to hand our penalties. It looked pretty nailed on from where I was standing, which admitedly, was quite far away. Michael Hall and Tony Creaney were taken off, and replaced by Conor McAnallen and Michael Maguire. Four minutes later, I needed to make another change as Ally Wilson was unable to continue, and Ryan Murphy took his place. The best chance we created all evening wouldn't fall to one of our strikers though, a Gareth Murphy free kick floated to the far post, and Marc Fegan rose above the Portadown defence, his header rose above the cross bar. Lightning would not strike twice.

Lurgan Celtic (0) 0
Portadown (1) 1 - Andy Smith (15)
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall (Conor McAnallen 75), Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Michael Maguire 75), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (inj - Ryan Murphy 79).
Unused Substitutes :- None.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 50% - 50%. Man of the Match :- Gareth Murphy (Lurgan Celtic).

Ronnie McFall's smugness after the match was almost unbearable. To make matters worse, I earned myself a rebuke from the Northern Irish FA after criticising the referee in the after match press conference for not giving us that penalty. Other than that outburst, I told Paul Andrews of the Portadown Football Times that I thought we had done well once more against Portadown, and also that I thought Gareth Murphy had done well at left back today, particularly when the had the chance to go forward.

Ally Wilson has strained his calf while jumping for a header, and the striker will miss around a month of football. Or maybe a bit more, but not right away. He have a Cup Final to play on Saturday, and Wilson will have a painkilling injection to get him through that match, and will then miss around five to six weeks, assuming he doesn't aggravate it too much more.

Thursday 4th December.
Unfortunately, but quite predictably, we miss out on Gareth Mullan. The dead ball specialist who has been playing for Letterkenny Rovers, has decided instead to sign for Annan Athletic of the Scottish Third Division. I move onto my next target, which is Irish 35 year old, Marc Kenny, who has played the last season with Phoenix FC south of the Irish border. He immediately gets offers from two Welsh sides, Barry Town and Denbigh Town. We're unlikely to be able to compete on a financial basis with Barry in particular.

Friday 5th December.
The build up to Cup Final weekend begins in earnest. We're heavy 1/3 favourites for our big day out at Windsor Park, as we face Harland & Wolff Welders in the Final of the Intermediate League Cup. Whatever happens on Saturday afternoon, there will be a new name on the trophy, as both sides appear in the Final of this competition for the first time. In the pre match press conference, I admit to some nerves before my first ever Cup Final as a Manager, and agree that it could be one of the biggest days in the clubs history. I also admit to having for respect for opposition manager, Colin Stanex.

Saturday 6th December.

Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup Final
Windsor Park, Belfast
Harland & Wolff Welders v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 1,323. Weather :- Breezy, 11c.

Conor McAnallen returns to the starting eleven following his injury, with Michael Hall dropping out of the matchday squad. At the other end of the park, Ally Wilson starts after a pain killing injection in his injured calf. Even with that, he's unlikely to make it through the full match, and Ryan Murphy is on the bench. While Windsor Park was only around 10% full, this would be the largest crowd that many of these players will have played in front of, getting on for nearly three times as many as the number that turned up at Knockramer last weekend.

The Welders made the better start to the match, and Stephen Havern was called into action within the opening two minutes, Darren Spence and Gareth Murphy failing to get the ball clear, and Johnny Montgomery stinging the keepers hand with a shot that he tried to get inside the near post. My players looked nervous, with poor decision making, and even worse passing. Montgomery would have another try just before the half hour, this one sent across the face of goal and beyond the far post that he was trying to curl the ball inside. The only chance of real note we created, had the build up work done for us, and one of their defenders slipped while trying to play a pass across his own box, and Ally Wilson took control, but his shot wasn't causing too much trouble for Paul Miskelly, who pushed it away pretty easily.

I tried to encourage my players at the break, telling them that Welders had created all the chances in the first half, now we needed to do the same in the second half. For now at least, Wilson was ok to continue as well. It certainly looked like the players had taken on board my team talk, as they started the second half with more pace, and won a corner. Gareth Murphy swung it in to the far post, and Glenn Bowers just got his head to it before Raymond Fitzpatrick, but only narrowly avoided putting it into his own net. Bowers was involved at the other end, taking a short throw that he got right back, and then sending it to the edge of the area for recently introduced sub, Stevie Livingstone, who fired it high and wide. I'd made a change of my own, taking off Tony Creaney, and bringing Michael Maguire on to play in the middle. In the 73rd minute, our sub drifted out wide, and collected a pass from Michael Downey. The sub reached the byline, and then cut the ball back towards the edge of the area. Niall Lavery arrived, and sent a firm side footed shot through the crowd of players, and into the net. One of the most unlikely of Cup Final heroes maybe, but the twenty year old midfielder had netted for the second time this season, and it could be one of the biggest goals in the clubs history. The Welders tried to come right back at us, and moments after he goal, Reece Murray sent in a corner, and Livingstone found himself unmarked, but his header flashed just over the cross bar. They were pouring forward now, and we were being pushed deeper and deeper into our own half. Jonathan Adair had the next effort, firing a dipping shot from outside the box that Havern produced a highlight save on to tip over. With five minutes to go, Downey rattled the cross bar as we counter attacked with a long ball forward that Wilson headed down. That would be his last contribution, as both he and the goalscorer came off, and we went to five at the back to try and protect our lead, with Paul Burns coming on along with Colm Rooney. The change in shape helped us to prevent crosses from coming in, and when one or two did make their way through, Havern claimed them easily. For the first time in over ninety five years, Lurgan Celtic had their hands on a trophy!

Harland & Wolff Welders (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Niall Lavery (73)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Michael Maguire 62), Niall Lavery (Colm Rooney 85); Michael Downey, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Paul Burns 85).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Ryan Murphy.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 43% - 57%. Man of the Match :- Niall Lavery (Lurgan Celtic).

It was a proud moment to collect my first medal as a Manager, but even prouder to watch Marc Fegan lift a Cup skywards, the first Captain to do so in Lurgan Celtic colours for several generations. There is going to be a party tonight, whether I like it or not. We've got another match against the same opposition on Wednesday night, but I don't fancy my chances of keeping the players off the drink tonight. A lot of them have a few extra quid in their pockets too. The club are paid £1,000 in prize money, which goes straight to the squad on a pro rata basis as per the agreement at the start of the season.

The fans are jubilant, while the Board are very happy and grateful that the club has some silverware. Imagine what they would be like if we could push on this season and win the League? We'll need to get through the next few matches without Ally Wilson, and club physio Dwyer Henderson thinks it will be three or four weeks at least before we can select him again. On a pretty good day all around at Lurgan Celtic, the Under-18's managed to break their recent poor form, as they beat Chimney Corner 3-1 at Knockramer in an earlier than normal kick off that allowed all who needed to be there plenty of time to get into Belfast for the Cup Final should they want to attend. The age group side are now in 9th place.

[neilhoskins77]

Tuesday 9th December 2008.
For the second week in a row, the side we defeated on the weekend would have an immediate chance to gain revenge. Last week, it was Portadown, and this week, it would be Harland & Wolff Welders, who were smarting from their defeat at Windsor Park on the weekend. Saturday's close game had at least closed the pre match odds up, as we were priced at 4/7 this time around.

Wednesday 10th December.

Northern Irish Second Division
Tillysburn Park, Belfast
Harland & Wolff Welders v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 193. Weather :- Gusty, Downpour, 1c.

I needed to make a few changes to the side for this one, starting with Ryan Murphy coming into the side in place of the injured Ally Wilson up front, a move which meant that Greg Hall would be recalled to the matchday squad as our substitute striker. My centre midfield pairing of Niall Lavery and Tony Creaney were both rested, with Michael Maguire brought in to join Mark Rooney, who makes a rare appearance. Tony Creany joins Colm Rooney on the bench. The final change came in defence, where Marc Fegan was rested, and Paul Burns joined Darren Spence in the middle of our back four. Michael Downey would Captain the side in his absence.

Our need for someone who could be more effective from free kicks was given reinforcment when Gareth Murphy got nowhere close with his fifth minute set piece effort. It was a fairly quiet first half, just as it had been on Saturday, with defences very much on top here. The Welders best chance fell to Ryan Brown, who's effort was blocked by Stephen Havern. The ball bounced loose to Richard Carville, but his ball across the face of goal evaded everyone in yellow and black.

The hosts had certainly had a kick up the backside at half time judging by the way they started the second half. They poured forward, and had us pinned inside our own end for quite some time. Stevie Livingstone had the best chance to open the scoring during that spell, but after receiving a pass from Chris Towell, he failed to test Havern by missing the target. Shotly after that, Towell would become the first player to be booked in this match, but he would be much less concerned about that in the 52nd minute, when we became the architects of our own downfall. Gareth Murphy and Colm Rooney, who had come on at half time to replace his hobbling sibling Mark, were playing passes between themselves when Murphy took a horrible first touch. Carville took the ball away from him, and made it to the edge of the box. He slipped a low diagonal pass into the feet of Jonathan Adair, who just about managed to hold off Paul Burns, and slide his shot underneath Havern and into the net. It was a sloppy way to go behind, and I wasn't happy in the slightest. My annoyance was quelled before the hour, David Sinton played a quick one-two with Gareth Murphy, and then got the ball across to Michael Maguire on the edge of the box. He managed to create himself enough room to rifle a shot, which deflected off a defender just enough to take it out of reach of Paul Miskelly, and spin into the bottom corner of the net.

My players had shown determination and spirit to get themselves level. Just over two minutes later, they showed naivety and stupidity to fall right back behind again, as Burns clearing header only found Livingstone, and he moved the ball to Adair. From thirty yards out, he struck it, and the ball curled away from Havern and into the top corner. It was a sublime strike, but he really shouldn't have been afforded the space to hit it. Johnnie Montgomery hit a shot from distance that Havern held easily, and I'd seen enough to make a change. Gareth Murphy came off, and Greg Hall came on to play just behind the front two, with Conor McAnallen pinching into the middle to create a back three. Maguire curled a free kick off target, but our best chance to level would come with two minutes left, Greg Hall making a good run and then laying the ball off to Ryan Murphy. He managed to get it to Raymond Fitzpatrick, who tried to beat Miskelly at his near post, but put the ball the wrong side of the upright, and for a second successive week, the team we had beaten on the weekend, would gain immediate revenge on us.

Harland & Wolff Welders (0) 2 - Jonathan Adair (52,63)
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Michael Maguire (60)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen (inj - Marc Fegan 90+3), Paul Burns, Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy (Greg Hall 75); Mark Rooney (inj - Colm Rooney 45), Michael Maguire; Michael Downey (capt), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy.
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Tony Creaney.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 38% - 62%. Man of the Match :- Jonathan Adair (H&W Welders).

It had been a risky move to change the squad around for this game against a promotion rival, rather than wait until Saturday and change everything around for the home League match against Portstewart. We'll never know if I was right or wrong, but I really don't think we'd have done any better with a tiring full strength side against the Welders.

Jonathan Adair is a class striker, and he now has ten goals in ten starts in the League this season. I resolved to keep an eye on him as well, though like most of the players I would like to bring to Knockramer Park, it seemed there was a list of admirers. The list of admirers of Conor McAnallen might be noticing his achilles heel, or slightly higher up his leg, his thigh to be exact. For the second time this season, our resident right back has suffered with bruising of that thigh, and had to come off in injury time at Tillysburn Park. Once again, he could miss up to two weeks with that knock.

Friday 12th December.
It might not even be halfway through the month, but tomorrow will be our final League match of this month, and calendar year. Our opponents will be Portstewart, who are just about clinging onto a spot in the top half. We're very heavy favourites to win this one, and I hope the bookies have it right. After a very promising start, we have now lost two of our last three matches in away games against Police Service of Northern Ireland and Harland & Wolff Welders. We need to get back on track today, in a match that marks the halfway stage of the League schedule.

Another player has decided not to sign on the dotted line at Knockramer Park and on this occasion, remain south of the border in Ireland. This time it's 35 year old forward Marc Kenny, another I was chasing for his dead ball skills. He has elected to remain in the Republic instead, and signs for Fanad United of the Ulster Senior League.

Saturday 13th December.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Portstewart
Attendance :- 185. Weather :- Breezy, Showers, 7c.

Changes were made once more for this match, starting with Michael Hall again deputising at right back for the injured Conor McAnallen. The skipper, Marc Fegan, is restored to the side at centre back in place of Paul Burns, who drops back onto the bench. The first choice centre midfield pairing of Tony Creaney and Niall Lavery are also back for this one, Mark Rooney dropping out of the squad, with Michael Maguire on the bench again. The last change is made up front, where Greg Hall starts alongside Raymond Fitzpatrick, with Ryan Murphy dropped to the bench.

The match didn't start very well for us, as I was forced to make a change with just eight minutes on the clock, Tony Creaney the injured player, Colm Rooney coming on to replace him. Portstewart, in their sky blue shirts, then had a great chance to take the lead on the quarter of an hour mark, Joe McAlea beating Gareth Murphy and sending in a cross, Ryan McAllister connecting with a downward header, Stephen Havern saving with his legs. When we got our first chance five minutes later, Greg Hall was way off target with his effort. Darren Spence collected a booking in the 26th minute, David Moffatt struck the resulting free kick over the bar. On half hour, our substitute needed to be substituted, as Colm Rooney went down with a knock, and he couldn't continue, so Michael Maguire came on in his place. Portstewart appear to have the same problems as us with free kicks, as Moffatt misfired with another before the break.

With two changes already used, I had little in the way of options to change things up. And it was just as well that I didn't, as eleven minutes into the second half, we lost a third player to injury. This time it was Michael Downey who needed to be replaced. I was running out of forward subs, so Ryan Murphy would come on in his place, with Greg Hall dropping back into centre midfield to allow Murphy to play up front, and Maguire would move to right wing to take Downey's spot. Moffatt got a lot closer with a header from a corner than he had with his free kicks, Havern having to make a diving catch. Moments later, Greg Hall had the ball in the back of the net from David Sinton's through ball, but that was chalked off for offside. While protesting to the ref, Hall then got into a shoving match with Kieran Lynch, and earned himself a booking. Portstewart came close as the hour approached, Greg Hall losing a fifty/fifty, and Andrzej Kluczkowski sending a through ball in for McAllister, but once more, Havern made the stop. We were guilty of trying to force our passes, and we were losing the ball as a result. When we did create chances, Sinton and Ryan Murphy both wasted them. At the other end, Moffatt got closer with yet another free kick, before being given one final chance in the dying minutes, which was hopelessly off target. It was a very frustrating winter afternoon for us.

Lurgan Celtic (0) 0
Portstewart (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (inj - Colm Rooney 8 (inj- Michael Maguire 30)), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey (inj - Ryan Murphy 56), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Greg Hall.
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- Darren Spence 26, Greg Hall 57.
Possession :- 49% - 51%. Man of the Match :- Chris Duggan (Portstewart).

Not managing a win in that match was a blow, though it was cushioned by neither H&W Welders or Wakehurst managing a win either. That's now just one win in the last four League games though, and we're not showing promotion form in a crucial part of the season. Of the three players who went off injured, only Michael Downey had sustained any lasting damage. The winger had injured his elbow while falling awkwardly early in the second half, and he would be out for around two or three weeks. He would likely only miss the match against Brantwood over the Christmas period.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 14th December 2008.
With a two week break now, and no more League matches until into the New Year, I decided to start looking at the playing staff and searching for both ways we can improve what we have, and also ways we can reduce our wage bill. The first target would be 39 year old Glenn Ferguson, a man who has been absolutely prolific in the Premier Division for many years, and is Linfield's record goalscorer with 163 goals. But he hasn't got a game all season, and wants to play in his twilight years. We couldn't even get close to agreeing terms with the veteran though, and he will likely move, but not to us.

Monday 15th December.
The next target was contentious, and had a motive if I'm honest. Harland & Wolff Welders were the best side in this League probably, and Jonathan Adair was their best striker. A lot of clubs are interested in him. Every time I've tried to bring in a player, other clubs have also waded right in. I knew if I made an offer to Adair, so would other clubs. Even if he then didn't join us, the Welders would be weakened. It was very much a chess move. It was checkmate too. Three Scottish clubs went right in for him after us. He clearly wouldn't be coming to Knockramer, but he likely wouldn't be staying at Tillysburn either. Naughty.

I also moved for two midfielders at the same time today. Graham McDonagh was the standout player for Dromara Village when we faced them in a Cup match a while ago. I made an offer for him, and once again, a trio of Scottish clubs also made offers. Under the radar, I went in for someone else, Newington YC's former Glentoran midfielder, Aidan Sweeney. The 21 year old is a little bit raw, but is a decent set piece player, better than anyone we have right now certainly. We appeared to be the only interested party as well. I was more confident for this one.

Wednesday 17th December.
I was right to be confident, Aidan Sweeney couldn't wait to join us, and test himself at a higher level. He'll join us on New Years Day, and will turn 22 a couple of days later. He'll get £20 a week and signs an eighteen month deal. I think we might have ourselves a little diamond in the rough, but time will tell.

Thursday 18th December.
As suspected, Glenn Ferguson was solely looking for First Team football, which makes me wonder why we struggled so much to get anywhere when discussing personal terms with him. He will remain with Linfield for the rest of the season, and next summer will play non-League for Kilmore Rec. One of the other players I was interested in has decided his future too, Graham McDonagh has decided to move to Scotland, and he will sign for East Stirlingshire on New Years Day.

Saturday 20th December.
Gary Fay is our Under-18's side gifted, but injury prone, right winger. The 16 year old's latest injury is a groin strain, which he suffered while attempting a sprint in the 2-1 defeat against Dergview at Darragh Park.

The news is in on Jonathan Adair. The leading goalscorer in our League will leave Northern Ireland on New Years Day, and he is headed to Scotland to sign for Albion Rovers. He's actually taking a pay cut to go there, we offered him a pay rise to switch to Knockramer Park. It remains to be seen what impact it will have on the Welders. It was a tactical move to instigate the bidding war, and it has paid off, for us at least anyway.

Friday 26th December.
Usually the festive period is awash with football fixtures. Not for us though, as we have been without a match for two weeks, and tomorrow we'll play our final match of 2008. We'll host Brantwood in the Third Round of the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, one of two Cups we're still involved in. The Belfast club are bottom of the Second Division at the moment, and we are heavy favourites once more for this one.

Speaking of favourites, for the first time in my career, it appears I'm being head hunted. Welsh Premier League club Carmarthen Town have sacked their Player/Manager this week, former Wrexham full back, Deryn Brace. The Richmond Park club are predicted to finish in 6th, but are currently outside of the top half in 10th, and Jeff Thomas has decided to make a change. I'm immediately installed as the favourite, but decide to take the option of keeping my mouth shut and ignoring all speculation. There's still plenty of work to do at Lurgan Celtic, and I'm excited about the second half of the season.

Saturday 27th December.
The Under-18's have a chance to change their fortunes with a home League game against Coagh United. It's a morning kick off as the Senior's will play at Knockramer Park later in the day. Our youngsters went in front midway through the second half, thanks to an own goal. They couldn't hold on though, coughing up the lead ten minutes later, settling for a 1-1 draw. They remain in 9th place in their League.

Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, Third Round
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Brantwood
Attendance :- 185. Weather :- Showers, 5c.

Conor McAnallen is back at right again in place of Michael Hall, while on the right wing, Michael Maguire gets a rare opportunity to play in his natural habitat, as Michael Downey is only fit enough for a place on the bench. Up front, Greg Hall returns to the bench, and Ryan Murphy is selected to start. There is speculation that this could be Murphy's swansong in Lurgan Celtic colours, as there is an expectation from many that he'll leave the club in the upcoming January transfer window.

There was certainly an expectation that we would be too good for Brantwood, and the early part of the match suggested that might be the case. David Sinton was exploiting the room he was afforded on the left wing as early as the 11th minute, gliding into the box past two defenders, and striking a fiercly hit effort that James Haugh managed to get behind, Niall Lavery picking up the loose ball, but curling his effort wide. Five minutes later, we were ahead. Marc Fegan sent a long pass from centre back to the right wing, where Michael Maguire was far too quick for his marker. He sent a low cross into the centre, and Ryan Murphy took a touch to move the ball away from a defender, and then a second to slam the ball past Haugh and high into the roof of the net. If he is indeed signing off for Celtic, that isn't a bad way to say goodbye. Both Maguire and Murphy were involved five minutes further into the match when we extended the lead. This time it was Gareth Murphy from left back who played the ball forward, and his namesake Ryan held the ball up, before sending it out wide to Maguire. The winger skinned his opponent easily, and then lofted a cross towards the back post. Raymond Fitzpatrick was beaten to the ball by Gareth Green, but the defender could do nothing with it other than nudge it past his own keeper and into the net. At this point, it looked like the score could be absolutely anything, but we didn't manage to create much more in the first half, with Gareth Murphy's free kick that was curled into the box picking out Maguire, but he was offside.

Brantwood won themselves a couple of early second half corners, Michael McCartney getting the best opportunity from those, but he headed wide from Nathan Campbell's delivery. At the other end, as the hour approached, a hashed clearance allowed Maguire another chance to improve our lead, but he was maybe guilty of rushing his shot, and he narrowly missed the target. I made a pair of changes in the 73rd minute, Tony Creaney was replaced by Colm Rooney, and Ryan Murphy was given a great reception by the fans as he left the park, replaced by Greg Hall. As the game entered it's latter stages, Sinton was booked by the ref after he deemed that our winger had dived to try and win a penalty. Maguire crashed a shot from the edge of the box against the cross bar with ten minutes to go, but we wouldn't be denied a third goal. It came deep into injury time, Fitzpatrick picked up a loose ball outside the box, and he sent it into the penalty area for Colm Rooney. The midfielder rounded Haugh, and slotted home his first goal for the club. This was one of our more straightforward wins.

Lurgan Celtic (2) 3 - Ryan Murphy (16), Gareth Green (20 og), Colm Rooney (90+2)
Brantwood (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 73), Niall Lavery; Michael Maguire, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (Greg Hall 73).
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK), Michael Downey.
Booked :- David Sinton 76.
Possession :- 61% - 39%. Man of the Match :- Ryan Murphy (Lurgan Celtic).

More Cup progression is always a good thing, though I hope it doesn't start to cause a pile up a League fixtures later in the season. The bottom line is that promotion from the Second Division is our absolute priority. The draw for Round Four of the Intermediate Cup is made right after the game, where we are presented with yet another double header, as we draw Donegal Celtic again! It's away from home again, at least this time there is a gap in between the fixtures. The Irish Cup match is on January 10th, while the Intermediate Cup tie is now scheduled for January 31st.

Ryan Murphy is named man of the match, and also earns some praise some Paul Hegarty, who is the current manager of Republic of Ireland side, Finn Harps. I'm led to believe there are as many as twenty clubs interested in the services of the striker. The only questions seems to be when he when he leaves, and where he'll be headed. There is considerably less interested in the services of Ciaran Fox, Ciaran McEvoy and Barry McKeever.

Sunday 28th December.
By refusing to make any comment on the speculation linking me with the Carmarthen Town job, the Board of my current employers are more than happy to take that as a sign that I'll be staying at Knockramer Park for the forseeable future. I still have four and a half years left on my contract here. I think refusing to comment might be my default in the future, unless of course a job that I really want crops up.

Michael Downey and Ally Wilson have both returned to full training today, which is great news, though Downey might have a job on his hands claiming his place back from Michael Maguire after his outing on Saturday afternoon.

Tuesday 30th December.
A large percentage of our players have six months left on their contracts as of today. I'm hoping a few of them will leave next month. There's quite a few who I'm hoping will stay a lot longer, and contract offers are being prepared to be sent to some squad members in the early part of the New Year.

2008/09 Northern Irish Second Division League Table. Up To & Including 31st December 2008.

| Pos   | Inf   | Team              |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   |
 
| 1st   |       | H & W Welders     |       | 11    | 7     | 2     | 2     | 18    | 8     | +10   | 23    |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2nd   |       | Wakehurst         |       | 11    | 7     | 2     | 2     | 16    | 8     | +8    | 23    |
| 3rd   |       | Lurgan Celtic     |       | 11    | 5     | 4     | 2     | 15    | 8     | +7    | 19    |
| 4th   |       | Annagh Utd        |       | 11    | 4     | 5     | 2     | 15    | 14    | +1    | 17    |
| 5th   |       | Oxford Utd Stars  |       | 11    | 4     | 3     | 4     | 13    | 10    | +3    | 15    |
| 6th   |       | Portstewart       |       | 11    | 3     | 6     | 2     | 15    | 14    | +1    | 15    |
| 7th   |       | Dundela           |       | 11    | 4     | 3     | 4     | 13    | 17    | -4    | 15    |
| 8th   |       | Queens University |       | 11    | 3     | 5     | 3     | 11    | 9     | +2    | 14    |
| 9th   |       | P.S.N.I.          |       | 11    | 3     | 4     | 4     | 12    | 12    | 0     | 13    |
| 10th  |       | Chimney Corner    |       | 11    | 3     | 3     | 5     | 9     | 13    | -4    | 12    |
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| 11th  |       | Moyola Park       |       | 11    | 1     | 3     | 7     | 7     | 19    | -12   | 6     |
| 12th  |       | Brantwood         |       | 11    | 1     | 2     | 8     | 4     | 16    | -12   | 5     | 

[neilhoskins77]

Thursday 1st January 2009.
New Years Day arrives, and we being the final year of the noughties. Stephen McArdle leaves the club, heading South for Wexford, while Aidan Sweeney arrives. The midfielder isn't available to us right away, as he is serving a two match suspension. We'll open the New Year on the day of his 22nd birthday with a League match against Chimney Corner. We'll certainly be hoping, and expected, to start 2009 with a win. The fans are delighted with Sweeney's arrival, they believe the club has landed a bargain. Let's hope they're right.

Friday 2nd January.
The build up begins for the home match with tenth placed Chimney Corner. We're huge favourites once again, and we really need a win to put some pressure on the two sides above us in the table. I spend most of the day trying to move on some players, but there is still no interest in the out of favour players that have spent the season with the Reserves.

Saturday 3rd January.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Chimney Corner
Attendance :- 196. Weather :- Dry, 3c.

No change to our lineup for this match from the victory over Brantwood last time out. That means that Ryan Murphy hasn't yet said goodbye to the Knockramer Park faithful, and that Michael Downey has been unable to claim his right wing berth back from Michael Maguire.

We were on the front foot right out of the blocks, and were passing the ball around beautifully, pulling the Chimney Corner defence around. Michael Maguire stepped off his wing and into the centre to create problems for the visitors defence, and he took a shot from the edge of the box that was too hot for Neil Smith to handle, while never really looking like beating him. It looked a matter of time, and that would be the case with just over ten minutes gone. Marc Fegan is not a noted passer of the ball, but he has become very adept at picking out the right wingers, and he did so again here, sending a searching long pass into Maguire's stride. The winger took it down expertly, and then sent in a cross, which Raymond Fitzpatrick turned home at the far post to notch his first goal since the winner against Portadown at the end of November. We were in total control, and Gareth Murphy had a cheeky try at scoring direct from a corner in the 20th minute, waving everyone into the far post area, and then trying to curl the inswinger just inside the near post, only finding the side netting with that try though. He would be involved in the 26th minute again, starting the move from the back that eventually saw Niall Lavery pick out Ryan Murphy. The striker made ammends for his booking moments earlier for diving, playing a one-two with Fitzpatrick, then striding into the box, and slipping his shot under Smith and doubling our lead. There seemed to be a race between the two strikers to get their second goal, Ryan Murphy connecting with Maguire's free kick with a vicious volley that was bravely blocked, while Fitzpatrick ran between the two centre backs to get in on goal, but pushed his shot just beyond the far post. Fitzpatrick would win the race in the 39th minute, Maguire again showing a clean pair of heels to his marker and going right to the byline, then lifting a cross towards the far stick, Fitzpatrick finishing easily with a downward header to make it 3-0.

There wasn't too much that needed to be said or done at the break, my players were very comfortable, and there was no inclination that Chimney Corner had enough about them to get back into this match. Gareth Murphy knows time is running out to impress from free kicks, and he nearly broke his duck with a left footed effort that curled around the wall, but whistled past the post. Simon Moffatt earned a yellow card for a poorly timed tackle, and then blasted a shot right over the top. Ryan Murphy and Michael Maguire both missed the target with shots for us, while at the other end, Paul Storey sent in an effort that Stephen Havern wasn't too sure about, and pushed over the bar just to make sure. Storey then gave away a free kick in our box with a foul on Conor McAnallen during a goal mouth scramble. With the match done as a contest, I made my three changes in the 76th minute, replacing Tony Creaney, Michael Maguire and Ryan Murphy with Colm Rooney, Michael Downey and Ally Wilson. Those three changes meant that when the talking point of the match occurred, I didn't have a substitution to bring on. When the ball broke between Fegan and Storey, it was probably 60/40 in our centre backs favour. Both went in full blooded, and Storey got right back to his feet. Fegan however, clutched his leg immediately, in obvious distress. Referee, James Carson stopped the match immediately, and there was quite a delay as Fegan was given pain relief and delicately lifted onto a stretcher, and whisked right off to hospital. The remaining few moments of the match passed with a fairly sombre atmosphere, particularly from Fegan's team mates. Three points were not celebrated today.

Lurgan Celtic (3) 3 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (11,39), Ryan Murphy (26)
Chimney Corner (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Marc Fegan (capt - inj, 87), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Colm Rooney 76), Niall Lavery; Michael Maguire (Michael Downey 76), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (Ally Wilson 76).
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- Ryan Murphy 24.
Possession :- 51% - 49%. Man of the Match :- Raymond Fitzpatrick (Lurgan Celtic).

I was surprised to read that the possession statistics were that close, as I felt we were comfortably in control throughout that match and never unduly troubled by Chimney Corner. I also had cause to disagree with the man of the match award. It was great to see Raymond Fitzpatrick back amongst the goals of course, but his goals were both virtual tap in's. Michael Maguire was the guy who set up both his goals, and caused chaos every time he was on the ball, and should have won it this week for me.

But all that was pushed aside pretty quickly. Word would not take too long to come through from the hospital, and the skipper has a broken right femur, or thigh bone to you or I. He will be operated on, and then require specialist treatment. Early estimates suggest he would be doing well to be fit for the start of next season with a seven month recovery predicted. It was a hammer blow for the 23 year old who was lifting a trophy above his head less than one month ago. He has been a central pillar of our defence this season, a defence that was now the most stingy in this League after today's matches, and he did so while suffering just a handful of poor games.

Harland & Wolff Welders and Wakehurst were both held away from home today, against Police Service of Northern Ireland and Dundela respectively. That meant that we have now closed the gap between those two sides to two points, with four points the gap to the side behind us in fourth place, which was now Oxford United Stars after they won and Annagh United were held to a draw.

It looks like another of our out of favour players will be moving on, with right winger Kieran McKerr attracting twenty four bids from clubs, though all of the offers are for him to move in the summer, when he could move now for nothing as we are not seeking a transfer fee for the 22 year old.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 4th January 2009.
Another of the players who I haven't offered a contract to, Mark Rooney, has almost a dozen different contract offers to mull over and make the move in the summer. I won't block that, as we have no intention of offering a deal to him.

Monday 5th January.
New contracts have been sent out to some of the squad, and they start to come back signed. Raymond Fitzpatrick is first. Our top goalscorer can be a bit streaky with his scoring, but he has earned a new deal, and the 25 year old signs a one year extension with an increase in pay up to £40 a week. Next up is our now injured centre back and skipper, Marc Fegan. Despite the fact that he'll miss the remainder of the season, I've little doubt that he could play at the higher level should we manage to earn promotion in his absence. He has also signed a one year extension, with his wages nudged up to £30 per week. Michael Maguire completes a trio of players with new contracts, the Player/Coach has been really impressive over the last few weeks, and he has even taken a small pay cut as well!

Wednesday 7th January.
Stephen Havern is the latest to extend his stay at Knockramer Park. He's been almost faultless this campaign so far, and has signed a one year extension, becoming a top earner as well at £50 a week. As far as I'm concerned, having a safe pair of hands at this level is worth the money. He'll be in line for more money again if we get promoted.

Thursday 8th January.
He might be a little injury prone, and gaining attention from clubs in England, but neither myself or Conor McAnallen have any qualms about the dependable full back getting a contract extension, and at £60 a week, he is now the top earner for Lurgan Celtic. He has extended his stay until the summer of 2011 now, so anyone wanting to prise him away from Knockramer will need to stump up some cash.

Two players have sign pre contracts elsewhere, and will be leaving us in the summer. Kieran McKerr will be heading across to Wales, making the move that I didn't pursue a few weeks ago, as he signs a deal to play for Carmarthen Town in the Welsh Premier League next season. Also leaving on the 1st July will be Mark Rooney, who will make a surprise move to Scotland to play for Berwick Rangers. Their fans will not be able to sing 'There's Only One Mark Rooney' though, as they already have a player named Mark Rooney. Awkward.

With Fegan out for the season, I decided it would be sensible to try and get another defender in, and we have had an offer to bring in a centre back on loan accepted. Ballymena United of the Premier Division have agreed to allow 6'4 centre back Chris Getty join us on loan for the rest of the season, but the decision is now in the hands of the 22 year old. He would be a pretty useful signing for us if he does agree to make the move.

Friday 9th January.
Tomorrow we return to Cup action, with the first of two trips to face Donegal Celtic. For us, it presents another opportunity to upset a First Division club, and try and reach the last sixteen of the Northern Irish Cup. As we were for the clash with Portadown, we're very much the underdogs, though the bookies think we're worthy of only 10/1 this time, rather than the 20/1 we were at home to Portadown.

Saturday 10th January.
The day begins with our Under-18's playing their game with a much earlier kick off again. They play away to Armagh City at Holm Park, where they are beaten by the only goal of the match, which came fairly early on. 17 year old centre back Glenn Walsh was our player of the day, but the star of the show I'm told was 16 year old Armagh midfielder, Scott Hammond. Not only did he score the only goal of the match, he pretty much ran the game from the middle of the park. Hammond has been touted of one of Northern Ireland's potential future stars, and rather optimisticly, I've decided to keep an eye on the youngster to see how he develops.

Northern Irish Cup, Fifth Round
Donegal Celtic Park, Belfast
Donegal Celtic v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 325. Weather :- Dry, 1c.

With Marc Fegan out, Paul Burns steps into his spot at centre back, while Conor McAnallen takes over the Captain's armband. The other decisions to be made are at right wing and striker, where Michael Maguire and Ally Wilson are selected respectively, ahead of Michael Downey and Ryan Murphy, who are both on the bench. Michael Hall is also on the bench to cover the place left by Paul Burns promotion up to the starting eleven.

Celtic created the first chance. Maybe I should clarify which one, it was Donegal in this case. Ciaran Gargin cut in from the left wing, and then found Colm Kearney on the edge of the box. With his back to goal, he played an outrageous backheel into the path of Paul McDonald, who fired at goal, Stephen Havern flinging himself to his left to push that effort away. Ten minutes later, and a fine save was required at the other end, as Conor McAnallen and Michael Maguire combined on the right to get Ally Wilson into a shooting position, that one was palmed clear by Declan Brown. There was less desire to pull the trigger by Stephen McAlorum when he was played through our defence, which was surprising as he was in a perfect position. He elected to push it sideways to Kevin Duff, who missed the target.  Duff's effort ten minutes before the break from much further out, seemed to be heading into the net, before Havern intervened and tipped it over the top. Donegal would lose centre back Darren Munster just before the half hour mark to injury. Tony Creaney took inspiration from Duff, and let one fly himself, Brown had to work a lot harder than Havern did to keep that one out of the net. There would be one more chance in first half, McDonald played in Kearney, who lifted his shot over the top of Havern, but it bounced back down off the underside of the cross bar.

'Keep the pressure on, we're doing fine right now' was my message to the players at the break. Stephen McAlorum had the first chance of the second half, climbing above Darren Spence to connect with Ciaran Gargin's cross from the left, he headed back across the goal, but missed the target. They would pay for that miss within minutes when we went down their left. Gareth Murphy lifted the ball to Niall Lavery, and he found Raymond Fitzpatrick, who had spun into the left channel of the box to try and escape his marker. Two came towards him, and his shot was blocked, but fell right to David Sinton. The winger cut it back, and found Creaney, who sent his low shot into the bottom corner from fifteen yards out. Now we had something to hold onto. On the hour, as Donegal pushed on, we counter attacked at pace. Michael Maguire was far too quick for a flat footed full back, but his cross lacked quality, and Brown reached high to pluck it out of the air before Fitzpatrick could do anymore damage to the wounded home side. And by wounded, I almost meant literally too, as they had a couple of players that were struggling with knocks by this point, and both McDonald and Billy Waide took their leave from the game at this point. With around twenty minutes to go, and the defensive mentality creeping into my players mind without my intervention, we were losing our width, and that allowed Gerrard McCabe as much room as he could possibly need as he ran forward from left back. His cross was deep, maybe even over hit. Andrew Bonner was on hand to send it back from where it came, right back to McCabe as it happened. The left back wasn't prepared to risk another poor cross, so hit a shot instead. It flew into the near top corner, Havern had no chance. And just like that, the game was level. With ten minutes remaining, Danny Lyons sent in a cross from the right that caused panic, but was eventually cleared. Nine minutes later, Lyons, only introduced as a 65th minute sub, was being helped from the park with an injury. This match was going into extra time, and Donegal would face the extra half hour a player down.

A man down, Donegal had no choice but to defend for their lives. They didn't do such a good job of that just two minutes into the first extra time session, a ball into their box was headed only as far as Sinton, who then threaded it back into the box, where Fitzpatrick managed to just stay onside, and time his run perfectly, before ruining that work by screwing his shot wide of the post after sliding it under Brown. At this point, it would be very fair to say we were all over Donegal, and their situation was about to get a whole lot worse, when ten minutes into extra time, McCabe picked up an injury that would force him out of the match, and now our hosts were down to nine players. With seconds to go before half time in this extra session, Niall Lavery let a shot from range go, but that one grazed the angle of the metalwork on it's way over.

As the start of the second extra time period was about to get underway, I used the two subs that I still had remaining, thinking that fresh legs against nine men would be a huge advantage. Lavery and Wilson came off, Colm Rooney and Ryan Murphy made their way on, with Michael Downey having already come on for Creaney with five minutes left of normal time. Surprisingly, it was Donegal who created for the first chance after those changes, Duff made progress down their right, and when the cross was only partially cleared, Bonner went for goal, but he shanked his effort somewhat, and failed to trouble Havern. The next time they got forward, Duff went for goal himself, but he was at least 35 yards out when he hit it, and Havern was comfortably behind it. As the minutes ticked down towards the lottery of a penalty shoot out, we had one more foray up the park, and when the ball was delivered into the box, Fitzpatrick brought it down, and struck a shot on the turn that rattled the bar, before being cleared to the relative safety of the touchline. Time was up, we were going to spot kicks.

We're not blessed with good penalty takers, neither of my strikers are profficient in the 12 yard art, so takers needed to be selected carefully. Michael Downey is our regular spot kick taker, though he has missed on occasion, but not this time, as he blasted the ball high into the top corner in a nerveless fashion. Andrew Bonner went next, and he followed his lead, picking our a similar spot high, and beyond Havern's reach. Gareth Murphy has a CV that states he is excellent from set pieces. His free kicks suggest otherwise, but from 12 yards out, and with no defensive wall, he placed his shot low and accurate, and handed us back our advantage. Kevin Duff could not have been more accurate or precise with his effort, as the ball took a layer of paint from the upright as it scraped by on it's was to finding the net right inside the frame of the goal. Captain for the day, or maybe longer, Conor McAnallen was next to the shooting range. His left footed effort was high, too high, and it clattered off the underside of the bar and failed to break the threshold of the line before Brown clawed it away. Barry Spence was next up, a simple and powerful effort down the middle that relied on Havern picking a side, which he duly did. One of our centre backs was next, as Paul Burns stepped up, but his penalty attempt was weak, and poorly placed, Brown easily turning it aside with a low dive. And so, it would be down to Colm Kearney. If he scored, we would be out. Break our hearts he did as well, with a rifled low shot that Havern went to the right side for, but it evaded his gloved fingertips. Our Cup journey is over.

Donegal Celtic (0) 1 - Gerard McCabe (71)
Lurgan Celtic (0 ) 1 - Tony Creaney (50)
(after extra time - Donegal Celtic win 4-2 on penalties)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen (capt), Paul Burns, Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Niall Lavery (Colm Rooney 106), Tony Creaney (Michael Downey 85); Michael Maguire, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Ryan Murphy 106).
Unused Substitutes :- Michael Hall, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 40% - 60%. Man of the Match :- Stephen McAlorum (Donegal Celtic).

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 11th January 2009.
A night's sleep didn't make me feel any better about what happened yesterday afternoon. We had twenty minutes with a two man advantage, and we could not get the job done. Perhaps what would be our best chance for many years to get into the Sixth Round of the Northern Irish Cup, had passed us by. That didn't sit well with me.

If there was a consolation prize on this day, there was at least the news that Ballymena United centre back, Chris Getty, has accepted to offer to spend the rest of the season at Knockramer Park on loan. We would pay nothing by way of a fee or wages for the 22 year old. He will now fight with Paul Burns for the spot in the side left by Marc Fegan's season ending injury.

Friday 16th January.
We're back into League action tomorrow, and we need to throw ourselves into the challenge that the remainder of the season brings, as we attempt to muster a re-energised promotion charge over the next few months. It won't be a disaster if we don't go up, but it would be very disappointing to say the least. With four clubs due to be relegated from the First Division, next season may be even harder to launch a promotion challenge if we miss out this time around. It's a trip to fifth placed Annagh United that is next on the schedule, a fixture that not only gives us a chance to give our own chances a shot in the arm, but also could push United into a position where they can no longer be considered serious challengers. We're 2/5 favourites to get the win this weekend.

Saturday 17th January.
Our Under-18's again play earlier in the day with our Seniors having a fixture. At Knockramer Park, they have drawn 1-1 with Ards, a result that pushes our youngsters down a notch into 10th place in their League. Left winger Kieran Jardine earns some plaudits for his direct running at the Ards defence.

Northern Irish Second Division
Tandragee Road, Portadown
Annagh United v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 173. Weather :- Drizzle, 5c.

Chris Getty is given his debut today, with Paul Burns back onto the bench. Aidan Sweeney is also available to us for the first time, and the midfielder takes the place of Colm Rooney on the bench. He is joined by Michael Downey and Ryan Murphy, who continue to be kept out of the starting lineup by Michael Maguire and Ally Wilson.

Annagh thought they had a very good case for a penalty with seven minutes on the clock, Niall Lavery making a challenge in the penalty box on Adam Nesbitt, and the striker thought he'd been fouled. The referee didn't agree. The next chance created would fall our way, Tony Creaney and Michael Maguire created it down the right, and the latter played a low ball into the box, Ally Wilson getting front of his marker and turning the ball towards goal, Kyle Nelson pushing it around the post. When the next chance was created, we were suddenly behind in this one. An attempt at a long throw up the touchline from Gareth Murphy inside his own half was headed back into midfield, and Gary Topley took control for Annagh. I have to say, I thought Nesbitt was clearly offside to the naked eye, but the replay showed he had timed his run to perfection through our defence. He slotted the ball past Stpehen Havern with ease, already celebrating before it reached the bottom corner of the net. Raymond Fitzpatrick could have done with a bit more power on his effort midway through the half, he had been picked out by a long ball upfield from Chris Getty. At the other end, Annagh were really picking out that right channel to find a way into our penalty box, and this time it was Nesbitt playing provider, finding Chris Loney, who shot over the top. We seemed to be getting on top towards the end of the first half, Wilson firing another effort that went over the bar, while Maguire's curling shot from range didn't quite have the curl to threaten the goal. From a corner for Annagh right on the break, Getty showed his lack of positional awareness, which made his height useless as Loney got in front of him, but headed wide of the target.

I don't often make changes at half time, but Wilson was having little success up front, and when he did get himself into position, he wasn't producing. Ryan Murphy came on in his place, and had an almost immediate impact, with a lot of help from Maguire. The winger was the grateful recipient of a mis-placed pass from midfield. From there, he worked his skillful magic, twisting his way by three players, before slipping a pass into the box for Muprhy, and the recently introduced striker fired home with a low shot. It nudged his personal total up to five goals for the season. Chris Mackle got a yellow card for a clumsy challenge on the edge of his own box, Gareth Murphy took the free kick, curling it past the wall, but just clearing the framework of the target. So moments later, our new deal ball specialist made his bow from the bench, Creaney coming off, and Aidan Sweeney coming on for a debut. Unfortunately, as the game descended into a midfield slugfest, he would have little opportunity to show off that side of his skill set. In fact, chances were very much at a premium, and the best chance to win the game would arrive ten minutes from time, Cliff Sterritt latching onto a long throw, but his shot hit the bar and bounced clear. In an attempt to catch Annagh off guard, I brought off Niall Lavery with eight minutes left, and moved Michael Maguire into the midfield, and Downey played out wide. It so nearly paid off as well with five minutes remaining, Downey ghosting past a defender and cutting into the box, then sending the ball back towards the penalty spot, where Sweeney connected with a low shot that skidded inches past the far upright. Stalemate.

Annagh United (1) 1 - Adam Nesbitt (19)
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Ryan Murphy (53)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen (capt), Chris Getty, Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney (Aidan Sweeney 62), Niall Lavery (Michael Downey 82); Michael Maguire, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Ryan Murphy 45).
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 50% - 50%. Man of the Match :- Gary Topley (Annagh United).

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 18th January 2009.
Are football managers obliged to get insomnia? This is my first season at the sharp end, and lets face it, this is not particularly sharp at this level. Sleep would routinely evade me, with thoughts of what I could be doing differently, if I'm missing a trick that could give my side an edge, and in the wee small, dark hours, if I'm good enough to be here, even at this level. Is this what pressure feels like? Or am I falling in love with this club, and now care more than the regular manager who picks a side and his pay, and moves on? Is it a coincidence that I'm feeling this way as we head into the biggest week of our season so far, and a huge match with Wakehurst?

Friday 23rd January.
You've heard of the relegation six pointer, well tomorrow see's us participate in a promotion six pointer. We simply cannot afford to get beat against Wakehurst tomorrow afternoon. A defeat would leave us seven points behind them, with eight matches to play, and we'd be relying on them dropping an awful lot of points in the final third of the campaign.

When Andy Hamilton of the Lurgan Gazette asked me a question about Ally Wilson's perceived poor form, I went with no comment. When he repeated the question to push me for an answer, I took an opportunity to make this press conference shorter than a Jose Mourinho interview when Manchester United have been beat.

Saturday 24th January.
One week from today, the Transfer Window slams shut until the summer. This is our final chance to bring in reinforcements, or as is more likely in our case, the final chance to move some money off our weekly wage bill. Right now, the most important thing is this match against Wakehurst.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Wakehurst
Attendance :- 204. Weather :- Drizzle, 3c.

It was an unchanged eleven from last weeks draw against Annagh that lined up to start this match in the green and white hooped shirts of Lurgan Celtic. Aidan Sweeney and Ryan Murphy can perhaps consider themselves the most unlucky of those on the bench not have started this one, a claim that was lent some considerable weight midway through the first half. Tony Creaney nearly cut Conor Gregg in half near the centre circle with a vicious scissor style tackle that earnt the veteran midfielder a straight red card. By that time, Aly Wilson had clipped our best chance wide, while Stephen Havern had to push away a shot from Gregg. With us down to ten men, Wilson was sacrificed to allow Aidan Sweeney to come on in the midfield. Same shape and tactic, but just the one striker to lead the attack now. Sweeney had an opportunity to shoot from a free kick within five minutes of coming on. But he didn't, instead clipping it wide to David Sinton, who charged into the box, but got his shot all wrong. The man disadvantage didn't seem to be adversley affecting us, and in first half injury time, Sinton played a pass down the left channel of the box for Raymond Fitzpatrick. The strikers attempt to clip it into the centre bounced right back to him, but as he prepared to shoot himself, Douglas Stevenson clipped his standing leg, sending our player to the floor. The ref had no doubt it was a penalty. Gareth Murphy, shorn of his free kick duties, was the nominated penalty taker with Michael Downey sat on the bench. His left footed effort was struck low and true, and he opened the scoring, and his account for the club. But would we able to keep that advantage in the second half with the numbers against us?

No was the answer ultimately, though we might have extended the lead when Michael Maguire's low cross from the right found Fitzpatrick, but the striker miskicked when he looked to have a great shout of doubling our lead. Ninety seconds later, and the ball was in our net. Ally Coburn hit it long upfield after an offside, and Gregg headed it down to Colin Finan. The winger sent it back in to Gregg, who earned a yard of room with his first touch, and then fired through the legs of Darren Spence, and across goal, inside Havern's far post. As the match reached the hour point, a corner for Wakehurst led to a goalmouth sramble in our box, and Havern had to make a double save to stop us falling behind. He could do nothing five minutes later though, when Rodney Paul dribbled his way from centre field and into the right channel, crossing from the byline, and Ally McIlroy's downward header gave Havern no chance. I'll admit that I thought that would be that for us today. But my team are certainly not quitters, and in the 71st minute, a long ball was cleared out to the centre circle, and Fitzpatrick battled away, even chasing back almost into his own third of the park. He laid the ball off to Sweeney, who in turn found Niall Lavery. The midfielder waited just long enough to allow Fitzpatrick to position himself perfectly between centre back and left back, and latch onto the ball. With no support, he had no choice but to go alone, and with three defenders attempting to crowd him out. But he twisted and turned, and got his shot away, a low one that went under Coburn's dive and into the net. We were level, against the odds. That was Fitzpatrick's tenth goal of the campaign. Now we had to hold on at least, and Pat Watson should have put us behind again with ten minutes left, Gregg holding up the ball and then playing it into his feet, but Watson sent it wide. In his last act before being substituted, Lavery sent a dipping shot just over the top, then replaced along with Chris Getty by Michael Downey and Paul Burns. Neither side was able to create anything worthy of a chance in the dying minutes though, and a point on a day we could easily have been beaten is gratefully received today.

Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Gareth Murphy (45+4 pen), Raymond Fitzpatrick (71)
Wakehurst (0) 2 - Conor Gregg (55), Ally McIlroy (66)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen (capt), Chris Getty (Paul Burns 83), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Tony Creaney, Niall Lavery (Michael Downey 83); Michael Maguire, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Aidan Sweeney 22).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Ryan Murphy.
Booked :- None. Sent Off :- Tony Creaney 22.
Possession :- 50% - 50%. Man of the Match :- Raymond Fitzpatrick (Lurgan Celtic).

Tony Creaney's straight red card means he will miss at least one match, though that it's possible that may be extended when the Northern Irish FA disciplinary committee sit down to take a look at the incident. He will also be missing a weeks wages, the fine being the punishment I settle for levying on the veteran midfielder. He might also find himself missing quite a bit of football over the remainder of the season, as he has now gifted Aidan Sweeney an opportunity to take that starting spot from him on a more permanent basis.

From the team's point of view, we missed out on a genuine chance to reel in Wakehurst and close the gap at the top of the table. But for the industry and finishing of our top scorer, Raymond Fitzpatrick, we could have been looking at being almost out of the race altogether. As it is, we are four points behind the leaders in third place, with H&W Welders in between us, hanging onto the Wakehurst coat tails just a point behind after their home win.

[neilhoskins77]

Tuesday 27th January 2009.
In entirely unexpected news, the Northern Irish FA have this afternoon announced that Tony Creaney has been given an extra two match suspension following his red card for violent conduct on Saturday against Wakehurst. That means that Creaney will now be missing for a total of three matches.

Wednesday 28th January.
It's a sad day, for Barry McKeever, Ciaran McEvoy and Ciaran Fox at least. With no interest in any of the trio from clubs elsewhere, and a real need to get the weekly wage bill down, at least towards a level that is near it was when I got here, I have given all three a pass out of the club, and Free Transfers. It costs the club £2,000.....each. An expensive day, but a hit that needed to be taken to move on three players who it's difficult to see playing any role at the club, even in the most exceptional of circumstances. We're now more than £15,000 in the hole. You should see the face on the Club Secretary. Who I blame for our financial issues by the way, his tie looks very expensive, and don't even get me started on his shoes!

Friday 30th January.
It's another trip to Belfast tomorrow, as for the second time this month, we face Donegal Celtic, this time in the only Cup that we're left in, the Intermediate Cup. The hosts are once again massive favourites to beat us, and knock us out of another competition.

Saturday 31st January.
It's the final day of the Transfer Window, and unless we find a way to get past Donegal Celtic, also the final day of Cup football we're going to be participating in this season. Our Under-18's kick off early once more, but they have lost again, this time at home to Moyola Park. They twice levelled the match after falling behind, but Sam Black won the match for the visitors with seventeen minutes remaining. They have now dropped down to 11th in the League, just one spot from the bottom.

Northern Irish Intermediate Cup, Fourth Round
Donegal Celtic Park, Belfast
Donegal Celtic v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 179. Weather :- Breezy, Drizzle, 9c.

Aidan Sweeney and Chris Getty are both unavailable for today's match, as they are both cup-tied. That is combined with Tony Creaney's suspension, so some changes need to be made today. Paul Burns comes into the side to partner Darren Spence at the back, with Michael Hall drafted into a place on the bench. Michael Maguire moves from the right wing into centre midfield, where he will partner Niall Lavery, allowing Michael Downey to come into the side, and he will take over as Captain today as well.

Stephen Havern had to make three saves in the first ten minutes, an effort from Billy Waide was sandwiched by a long range shot and a header from Stephen McAlorum. This didn't look like it was going to be the closer match we had a few weeks ago. David Sinton worked his way to the corner of the box a short while later, but his short ball to Niall Lavery saw the midfielder fire way over the bar. As the half hour approached, Niall Lavery took a knock while unsuccessfully trying to take the ball from John Annesley, a move which led to Kevin Duff curling a shot that Havern easily caught. Lavery was ok to continue, but was limping a little. Sinton's pace down the left was looking like our only access into Donegal's penalty box. Twice in a three minute spell he set up Raymond Fitzpatrick, and twice in succession Declan Brown prevented our top scorer from adding to his tally, the second a fine stop to send his low shot around the post. Duff would fail to make Havern work hard in the final chance of the first half, a half of football that ended without a goal, and this game looked much closer than the opening ten minutes led anyone to believe it would be.

Lavery insisted he was okay to continue, so there were no changes from me at the break. There was no change to the resistance of Havern in our goal either, and he pushed aside another pop at goal from Duff. All our best work going forward was coming from Sinton, and he tore Donegal's defence apart with a mazy run that took him from his left wing, to a central area just outside the penalty box. Unfortunately, he hesitated just a moment too long before slipping his pass into Michael Downey's pass, and the offside trap had sprung the opposite winger. At the other end, McAlorum was tempted enough to try an ambitious effort from 25 yards out, Havern didn't move, the shot only just missed the target. In the 72nd minute, Lavery had reached the point where he was no longer able to be effective, and Colm Rooney replaced him. Ally Wilson was switched for Ryan Murphy at the same time. Colm Kearney had the ball in the net just moments later for Donegal, a rising shot that found the roof of the net, but our defensive line had all stepped up together, and a raised flag saw a premature end to his celebrations. With just over ten minutes to go, a long ball upfield caused Paul Bradley a problem, and when he let the ball bounce, Ryan Murphy was onto it in a flash, and he strode into the box. I rose from my seat in the dugout, waiting for the net to bulge, but Brown saved his shot with his legs, and our big chance was gone. Or not. In injury time, Sinton made another run, eventually squaring it to Michael Maguire. He sent a through ball to Ryan Murphy, and the striker was in once again. His composure eluded him however, and this one was sent high and wide. We were heading for extra time once more at this ground.

It was exactly 45 seconds into injury time when Colm Rooney's first touch was too heavy, and the ball was stolen by Andrew Bonner. The full back got the ball to Conor McGourty, and he found fellow sub Paul McDonald as he ran into the box. He drew Havern out, and then lifted the ball over him to hand Donegal the lead. It felt cruel, but we'd had our chance to win it late in normal time, and we hadn't taken them. When the score remained the same at half time in the extra time, I used my one remaining change, bringing on Greg Hall in place of Michael Downey, and throwing him up front to join the two strikers already on the park for us. Sinton would stay on his wing, Maguire would move to the right, and Gareth Murphy would go into midfield with Rooney as we went to three at the back, and asked them to switch to moving the ball upfield quickly, aiming either for the wingers, or directly to the strikers. It wouldn't have the desired impact though, and the closest we got was a curling effort from the corner of the box by Gareth Murphy. We'd been beaten for the second time this month by DC, but we had at least pushed them close both times.

Donegal Celtic (0) 1 - Paul McDonald (91)
Lurgan Celtic (0) 0
(after extra time)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Paul Burns, Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Michael Maguire, Niall Lavery (inj - Colm Rooney 72); Michael Downey (Greg Hall 106), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ally Wilson (Ryan Murphy 72).
Unused Substitutes :- Michael Hall, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 44% - 56%. Man of the Match :- Declan Brown (Donegal Celtic).

So our Cup involvement this season is now over. One of the four we were involved in is safely locked away in our trophy room, which has had a much needed dusting. We matched the Board's expectations in two others, including the most prestigous, the Irish Cup. The only one we failed to meet our target in was the Mid Ulster Cup, though the Board are understanding of the fact that we were unlucky to be drawn against Portadown in the First Round.

We now just have League football to concentrate on for the remainder of the campaign, and the business of reigniting our attempt to earn promotion. In the press conference after the match, I was asked if I was disappointed with the result and performance against Donegal. I replied that I'll never be satisfied with what is ultimately a defeat, but I couldn't possibly claim to be disappointed with my players performance or effort. I suggested that the press should think about their questions more carefully, as they considered us 'cannon fodder' for the game, but then suggest we might be disappointed with the performance when we take our hosts into extra time, and had chances to win the match ourselves. With that, I left.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 1st February 2009.
There are eight League matches remaining, and three of them will be played in the month of February, one of them at home to start the month, and followed by two on the road. With the Transfer Deadline passed, and no player movement either to or from Knockramer Park, there is nothing more to occupy our minds outside of the remaining League matches.

The Board are satisfied with my management of the club, and are particularly happy with the signing of David Sinton, but less enamoured with Greg Hall's career so far at Lurgan Celtic. The club made a loss of just over £5,250 in the month of January. If we hadn't paid to release the three players from their contracts last week, we would have made a small profit.

Monday 2nd February.
There is certainly an exuberance about the players in training, maybe a little too much. Michael Hall has suffered a gashed arm after a robust tackle, and the backup defender will be out of action for up to a week.

Friday 6th February.
From memory, it's been quite some time since we were made underdogs for a League game, and especially for a home game too. Add into the mix that the match is against ninth placed strugglers Dundela, and a price of 13/8 would, I imagine, make us pretty popular on a lot of Saturday afternoon accumulators. Far be it from me to suggest the bookies have it wrong, but I don't think our recent performances have slackened off to the degree that we should be underdogs for this match.

Saturday 7th February.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Dundela
Attendance :- 206. Weather :- Showers, 7c.

Michael Downey didn't do enough against Donegal last weekend to keep his place in the starting lineup, and Michael Maguire moves back out to the right wing, with Aidan Sweeney selected to start in the midfield. Ally Wilson has lost his starting place as well up front, with Ryan Murphy summoned from the bench to replace him, and he also takes the Captain's armband today as well.

A quiet start wasn't what I expected, but when David Sinton fed the ball to Ryan Murphy in the 20th minute, it looked like the door was opening. The striker held the ball up, then rolled his marker, and slipped a pass to Raymond Fitzpatrick. He was goal side of his marker, and I was waiting for us to go a goal in front, but Fitzpatrick fluffed his lines, and steered his shot past the far post. A 27th minute inswinging corner from Michael Maguire arrived at the feet of Sinton. His shot was blocked by a piece of brave defending, but it rebounded right to Gareth Murphy, who's goal bound effort was pushed away by Paul Hughes. It hadn't been the first half I had been hoping for.

As the hour mark approached, we were under some serious pressure for the first time in the match. Johnny Roy played in Colin White, but he hadn't timed his run well, and was flagged offside. The roles were reversed when White sent a cross field ball to Roy and the left winger let fly from the edge of the box, his shot looping over Stephen Havern, but bouncing back off the cross bar. Changes needed to be made, and with 25 minutes to go, I made three of them. Paul Burns, Aidan Sweeney and a surprisingly ineffective Fitzpatrick were all brought off, with Chris Getty, Michael Downey and Ally Wilson replacing them, meaning a move into centre midfield for Maguire. The changes looked like they were about to have an immediate impact, when two minutes later, Conor McAnallen sent the ball back to the corner of the box, and Maguire let fly, his shot rattling the underside of the bar and bouncing clear. Dundela were back pedalling, and in the 69th minute, Gareth Murphy sent over a corner that picked out his namesake Ryan, and he headed home from close range, to the relief of those who had Celtic interests at Knockramer Park. As far as I was concerned, it would be a matter of how many we would win by now, and not if we win. It was nearly two in the 77th minute when Ryan Murphy raced onto a through ball from Maguire, but Hughes managed to get enough on that one to turn it away. I was encouraging our players to push on and send a message to the rest of the League here, and we should have had a spot kick with just over ten minutes to go, Downey appeared to be sent to the floor by a strong arm tackle from Gary Walker, but the ref said no, and booked Downey for complaining to loud and long. When the ref did give us a decision with the award of a free kick in a promising position moments later, Gareth Murphy just missed the target, but Ryan would drive into the penalty box in the 83rd minute, holding off a defender, and shooting low inside the near post to make the points safe. There was still time for some icing on the cake too, Maguire finding Wilson twenty yards out, and he shot on the turn, keeping his effort low and picking out the very same spot that Murphy had found a few minutes before. That was a much better second half showing. I wanted to see some more of that between now and the end of the season.

Lurgan Celtic (0) 3 - Ryan Murphy (69,83), Ally Wilson (88)
Dundela (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Paul Burns (Chris Getty 65), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Niall Lavery, Aidan Sweeney (Michael Downey 65); Michael Maguire, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick (Ally Wilson 65), Ryan Murphy (capt).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Colm Rooney.
Booked :- Michael Downey 79.
Possession :- 54% - 46%. Man of the Match :- Ryan Murphy (Lurgan Celtic).

Darren Spence played the final quarter of an hour of that match with injured ribs following a collision. He has suffered some bruising, and is now a doubt for next weekends match away to bottom of the table Brantwood. Meanwhile, that second half performance from Ryan Murphy has got me thinking about the strikers future, and within hours of the game finishing, I remove the striker from the transfer list, and offer him a new contract to remain at Knockramer Park. I just hoped that he would continue his new found form and find the goals that would help fire us into the First Division.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 8th February 2009.
Yesterday's win against Dundela means we're now unbeaten in five League matches. That stat doesn't tell the full story though, as three of those matches ended in draws. We'll need to do better than that if we're going to keep up our presence in the promotion race as we enter the sharp end of the season.

Ryan Murphy wastes no time in making his decision regarding his football future. The striker, who will turn 23 in the next few weeks, has quickly accepted the extended deal on offer to remain at Knockramer Park until June 2010. His deal means that he will remain on £30 per week, so no pay rise for the player who's scoring has been in bursts so far this season.

Friday 13th February.
Tomorrow, we're away from home against bottom of the table side, Brantwood. Should you wish to have a bet on the home side, Sky Bet will rather generously give you odds of 15/1! They might not be having a very good season, but I know Brantwood are not that bad a side, and to price us at 1/10 for an away match shows a distinct lack of respect from the bookies, one that I won't let my team display on Saturday afternoon. In the press conference, it's suggested we'll win easily. I replied that I don't anticipate it being 'easy', but if we play to our capabilities, we're certainly capable of returning home with three points.

Saturday 14th February.
It's Valentines Day, and the love is being shown by Welsh Premier League side, Welshpool Town. Not for their Manager though, as they have sacked Huw Griffiths, and have become the second side from the top tier in the Principality to court my services. They're sat in 13th place at the moment, and as far as I can see, they only have one player of any real quality, 30 year old striker Steve Rogers, who in his sixth season at the club is approaching 80 goals for Town. He should be finding the net too, as they're paying him £375 a week. The bookies quote me as odds on favourite for the job at Maesydre, but I have no interest in making the move across the Irish Sea at this point.

Northern Irish Second Division
Skegoniel Avenue, Belfast
Brantwood v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 187. Weather :- Gusty, Wet, 1c.

Ideally, I wouldn't have had to make any changes for this match, but Darren Spence wasn't healthy enough to play after suffering bruised ribs last weekend, and so it's a partnership of Chris Getty and Paul Burns in the middle of our back four. It was an awful afternoon in the capital city, with a strong wind sweeping in the rain. I was hoping the conditions wouldn't be a leveller.

Brantwood showed us early that we should not expect an easy afternoon, as Chris Patterson drove a free kick just over the bar with only two minutes on the clock. The ref showed that he wasn't as lenient as some of the other officials have been at this level, as he booked David Sinton with seven minutes on the clock after a foul. It wasn't too long before we started to settle into our stride though, and Paul Burns sent a great long ball right into the stride of Michael Maguire. The winger toasted his marker, but James Haugh came off his line to take his cross off the head of Sinton. As the half wore on, we were winning plenty of corners, the closest we got from them though, was when Maguire's inswinging delivery beat everyone and clattered off the outside of the far post. As half time approached, Burns connected with a header from Gareth Murphy's free kick, but he couldn't keep it down, and Aidan Sweeney found Sinton unmarked near the penalty spot, but Haugh pushed his shot over the top.

I told the players to keep the pressure on Brantwood, and we would find a way through, but it was the home side who nearly took the lead early after the restart, when Gareth Green fired just over the top after running onto a defence splitting through ball. A couple of minutes later, and we broke their resolve, Gareth Murphy sending in a corner, and Raymond Fitzpatrick planting a firm downward header into the net. Brantwood made their changes, but the goal had failed to take the sting out of the game in the way I would have liked, and Sweeney picked up a yellow card for a blatant shirt pull. With 20 minutes to go, Conor McAnallen sent a long ball down the right touchline, and set Maguire free again. His cross into the near post area was perfect for Fitzpatrick, but our striker got too much on his header, and it was an easy catch for Haugh, a glancing header was needed for that one. Their keeper was frustrating our players in their efforts to put this one to bed, and Fitzpatrick picked up a booking for a foul. I decided to make changes with twelve minutes remaining, replacing Niall Lavery, David Sinton and Ryan Murphy with Colm Rooney, Michael Downey and Ally Wilson. Three minutes later though, Brantwood squared the match up, as Glen Johnston sent the ball to the corner of the box for Willie Stewart. As McAnallen elected to keep him down the channel of the box, Stewart decided to try his luck, and he hit the jackpot, his rocket of a shot flying past Havern and into the near top corner. And worse was to follow. My players were convinced that Stewart was offside when he took the ball, and half a dozen of them surrounded the assistant. The ref blew his whistle several times in an attempt to get them to return into their own half for the restart, but they ignored him to continue their protests. The ref picked out Fitzpatrick as the main offender, and showed him a second yellow card, and subsequently, he was given his marching orders. As he disappeared to the changing rooms, so did our chances of taking three points home from Belfast.

Brantwood (0) 1 - Willie Stewart (82)
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (57)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Chris Getty, Paul Burns, Gareth Murphy; Niall Lavery (Colm Rooney 78), Aidan Sweeney; Michael Maguire, David Sinton (Michael Downey 78); Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (capt - Ally Wilson 78).
Unused Substitutes :- Michael Hall, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- David Sinton 7, Aidan Sweeney 64, Raymond Fitzpatrick 76. Sent Off :- Raymond Fitzpatrick 82.
Possession :- 37% - 63%. Man of the Match :- Willie Stewart (Brantwood).

There were no flowers and gift cards in our changing room after the match, and if I hadn't clearly been the overwhelming suspect, there might have been a modern day version of Chicago's eighty year ago Valentine's Day Massacre! The players were locked in the room for about 40 minutes, and told how I really felt about that performance. I didn't take it easy, telling them how they were clearly starting to believe the hype that was being written about their promotion credentials, and that they had taken their eye off the ball today.

On the bus home, I was informed that a Saturday evening sports paper ran a quote credited to Raymond Fitzpatrick, stating that I'd given the players both barrels after the match. Once we were back in Lurgan, I called the striker right to the office, and reminded him that what is said in the changing rooms should remain between those present. I also told him that he was fined a weeks wages for his show of poor discipline leading to the red card. He retorted that he thought the punishment was unfair, and I suggested he leave the office before he talked himself into losing a second weeks worth of wages.

As it turns out, the damage to our promotion campaign was fairly minimal, as H&W Welders travelled to face Wakehurst, and the sides drew 1-1. So we haven't lost any ground, but it is of course one less match that we now have to use to try and reduce the arrears to those two clubs. At least we still have our unbeaten run I suppose, which is now half a dozen matches, though we have now drawn two thirds of those games. It would be a fortnight before we would have a chance to extend that run, when we would take another trip into Belfast, this time to face Queen's University.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 15th February 2009.
The Lurgan Celtic Board have declared themselves delighted that I have rejected the advances of Welshpool Town. They have issued a press release stating that my rebuke of their advances has reinforced my commitment to the Knockramer Park club, and that they look forward to our partnership continuing.

Saturday 21st February.
After a very quiet week, or Under-18's travel to Templemore Complex for a League match against their counterparts from Oxford United Stars. They return with a 1-1 draw, with centre midfielder Ashley McKeown picked out as our star performer. The side remain in 11th place after that result.

Friday 27th February.
Make that a very quiet two weeks. But things spring back into action on the penultimate day of the month, as we prepare for another trip into Belfast, this time to face 5th placed Queens University. We'll be heavy 1/3 favourites going into the match. In the pre match press conference, I tell the press that a fortnight without a match may do the players some good, and that there is a positive atmosphere at the club right now.

Once more the press conference brings up the name of striker Ally Wilson and his perceived lack of form. It looks unlikely that I'll need to answer questions about the target man for much longer however. His contract is up in the summer, and he has yet to be offered a new deal to remain with us. He has had an offer from elsewhere now though, as what looks likely to be Champions in waiting in the Blue Square North, in the form of Gateshead, have offered him a deal to move to North East England at the end of the season.

Saturday 28th September.

Northern Irish Second Division
Newforge Lane, Belfast
Queens University Belfast v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 203. Weather :- Breezy, Wet, 1c.

After his sending off last week, Raymond Fitzpatrick has to miss out today due to suspension. That means Ally Wilson is brought into the side, with Greg Hall brought onto the bench. Darren Spence is available again though, and he is recalled to the back four, where he replaces Paul Burns, who is on the bench today, meaning that Michael Hall drops out of the matchday squad.

After an even opening ten minutes, we started knocking at the door, with Ryan McConville forced into a smart instinctive stop after Michael Maguire smashed in a shot from a tight angle. A Conor McAnallen cross from deep was aimed towards Ally Wilson, but a defender managed to hold him off and head the ball behind. Gareth Murphy swung the corner right against the near post. By the time we got to the 20th minute, we had lost Wilson to injury, and he was replaced by Greg Hall. The hands of McConville were stung once more, this time by Niall Lavery, that coming shortly after Conor Mulholland had headed just wide with Queens best chance so far. McAnallen was on hand to clear a loose ball ten minutes before the break after Stephen Havern had to get across goal to keep out Lorcan Fairmichael's driven effort from the edge of the box. Michael McCready tried to get back to help out his defence as the clock ticked down towards the final five minutes of the half, but fouled David Sinton as the winger came infield off his left wing. From twenty yards out, Aidan Sweeney struck a curling free kick that bent around the wall, past McConville, and into the net via the inside of the upright. It's the first goal we have scored all season direct from a free kick, and Sweeney's first for the club. Thirty seconds later, we almost had another, Sinton robbing the ball and sending a cross to the edge of the box that found Greg Hall, who stepped inside a defender, and hit a shot that McConville had to push over the bar. Queens nearly got their equaliser before the break though, Mark Prenter's corner was sent towards the far post, and David Tumilty sent a powerful header goalwards, Havern producing a highlight reel save to turn it over from almost right under his own cross bar.

I told my players that we were doing well, but we needed to make sure our concentration levels stayed high. But they didn't manage that. Just over three minutes after the restart, Prenter made ground down the right, and managed to get in a cross that Fairmichael chested down to move the ball away from our defenders, and then shot low and back across the goal, beyond the dive of Havern and into the far corner to square the match up. Now we were looking very vulnerable all of the a sudden, and Fairmichael struck a left footed effort five minutes later that flew across the goalmouth. We were second best, and would have to make another change as well, Chris Getty picking up a knock as Queens created another chance, Fairmichael sending this one over the bar from range. Paul Burns came on to replace our centre back, and he wasn't enjoying the task of trying to help shackle Fairmichael, who was running the show, making a mazy run from the left touchline on halfway all the way into our box, but his curling effort towards the far corner was pushed away by Havern. There was an effort by Sinton to try and replicate that run from our left, but he lost the ball, and Queens counter attacked, Prenter sending in another great cross, Tumilty heading this one just over the top. Something had to be changed, and Michael Downey was summoned from the bench to replace Lavery as we searched for more creativity, with Maguire moving from the wing into centre midfield. All it seemed to do though was tilt the midfield battle more in Queens favour, and Kyle McDonald chased a long diagonal ball down the left, and Mark Sterling met his cross with a downward header that was only just the wrong side of the post as far as we were concerned. Not playing very well, and riding our luck to get out of Belfast with a precious point, our fortune finally disappeared with three minutes remaining. Paul Burns ventured too far upfield and out of position to try and force the play. He lost out to Michael Titterington, who rode a challenge, and got the ball to Tumilty. The Queens skipper turned, and then struck a shot from 25 yards out that Havern wouldn't get near. That might just be a fatal blow to our promotion ambitions.

Queens University Belfast (0) 2 - Lorcan Fairmichael (49), David Tumilty (87)
Lurgan Celtic (1) 1 - Aidan Sweeney (39)
Stephen Havern; Conor McAnallen, Chris Getty (inj - Paul Burns 64), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Aidan Sweeney, Niall Lavery (Michael Downey 82); Michael Maguire, David Sinton; Ally Wilson (inj - Greg Hall 19), Ryan Murphy (capt).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Colm Rooney.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 54% - 46%. Man of the Match :- David Tumilty (Queens University Belfast).

After six League matches unbeaten, we have suffered a loss at a crucial point of the season. H&W Welders and Oxford United Stars were both held to draws, but Wakehurst won at home, and we were now looking like long shots to finish the season on top of the pile and in the lone promotion spot. We would also be without Chris Getty for an as yet undetermined period of time as well, the on loan defender damaging a foot in that match. As he isn't our player, there is no option to administer a pain killing injection to get him through the next game either.

With another season at this level looking the most likley outcome of the campaign, I started to look at clearing the decks to improve our position to strengthen the playing staff. Ciaran McGurgan, Ronan O'Hara and Gerard Kerr were all given Free Transfers by the time Saturday was done. I then tabled a contract offer to try and bring home a Lurgan Celtic favourite.

2008/09 Northern Irish Second Division League Table. Up To & Including Saturday 28th February 2009.

| Pos   | Inf   | Team              |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
 
| 1st   |       | Wakehurst         |       | 17    | 9     | 6     | 2     | 28    | 17    | +11   | 33    | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| 2nd   |       | H & W Welders     |       | 17    | 8     | 5     | 4     | 22    | 13    | +9    | 29    | 
| 3rd   |       | Oxford Utd Stars  |       | 17    | 8     | 5     | 4     | 21    | 14    | +7    | 29    | 
| 4th   |       | Lurgan Celtic     |       | 17    | 7     | 7     | 3     | 26    | 14    | +12   | 28    | 
| 5th   |       | Queens University |       | 17    | 7     | 6     | 4     | 23    | 17    | +6    | 27    | 
| 6th   |       | Annagh Utd        |       | 16    | 5     | 8     | 3     | 20    | 20    | 0     | 23    | 
| 7th   |       | Dundela           |       | 17    | 5     | 6     | 6     | 20    | 26    | -6    | 21    | 
| 8th   |       | P.S.N.I.          |       | 16    | 4     | 7     | 5     | 18    | 17    | +1    | 19    | 
| 9th   |       | Portstewart       |       | 17    | 3     | 10    | 4     | 17    | 18    | -1    | 19    | 
| 10th  |       | Chimney Corner    |       | 17    | 5     | 4     | 8     | 14    | 21    | -7    | 19    | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| 11th  |       | Moyola Park       |       | 17    | 2     | 5     | 10    | 14    | 30    | -16   | 11    | 
| 12th  |       | Brantwood         |       | 17    | 1     | 5     | 11    | 10    | 26    | -16   | 8     | 

 

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 1st March 2009.
March will not be a busy month for us. Just two matches are scheduled, as Cup and International matches come to the fore. We have a crucial trip to play Oxford United Stars next weekend, followed by a home match against lowly Moyola Park a fortnight later, our penultimate home League match, and what may well be a big opportunity to try and close that gap back up a bit.

The Board have reduced their positive appraisal of my services so far, reducing the terminology from 'pleased' down to 'satisfied'. As we go into the month in fourth place, there is now no mention of the League performance, with only the achievement of winning the Intermediate League Cup singled out for praise. There is still some discontent regarding the rather unsuccessful contribution of Greg Hall, a charge I'm in no position to deny right now. The club lost over £9,000 last month, with the majority of that due to the cost of buying players deemed surplus to requirements out of their contracts to get them off the wage bill.

Tuesday 3rd March.
Ally Wilson's hit and miss spell at Knockramer Park will come to an end this summer, as the 23 year old target man has agreed to join Gateshead next season. The move will likely see him play in the Blue Square Premier League, as his new employers are very much odds on favourites to secure their promotion from the the sixth tier in the not too distant future. I take a look at the Gateshead squad, and can see no reason whatsoever why they would want Wilson if I'm brutally honest. I'm sure former Newcastle United youngster, and current Gateshead manager, Ian Bogie, knows better than me though.

Thursday 5th March.
There's little more satisfying in football than keeping a big signing quiet, and then being able to announce it and bask in the glory of it. Obviously that description is very much in relative terms of course in this particular case. Stephen Magennis was a late comer to football, and didn't join Lurgan Celtic until the age of twenty. The diminutive striker would spend five and a half years at the club, without ever making a First Team appearance. Yet his turn of pace, and fantastic aerial prowess, particularly for a player who stands just 5'9 tall, would make him a prolific goalscorer for the Reserve side. It's a mystery why he was never given a chance to show what he could do in the First Team. But if the Lurgan staff weren't taking notice, the staff at Glenavon were, and the Premier Division club signed him up in January 2006. It is this move alone that is credited with creating the ill feeling that exists between the two clubs and their fans. Magennis had achieved cult status at Knockramer, despite his failiure to break the lineup. He would spend 18 months at Glenavon, scoring four goals in twenty outings, before dropping into the First Division to play for Banbridge Town this season. With Banbridge fighting against relegation, I decided to send him a contract offer, and he has jumped at the chance to return 'home', even taking a 30% pay cut to do so. The fans are delighted with the news. He'll arrive at the club on the 1st July.

Friday 6th March.
Yesterday's news has all at the club on a high, and it's hoped that the good feeling can be taken into tomorrow's match against the side sat directly above us in the League, as we travel to face Oxford Stars United. A defeat tomorrow would surely see us too far behind to be able to recover and earn promotion. A draw would only really be acceptable if other results go our way. The press conference is as mundane as usual, and I give Andy Hamilton of the Lurgan Gazette very little of any use, until the final question, when he asks if I think Ryan Murphy will remain at the club. I tell him that I think it's pretty likely.

Saturday 7th March.

Northern Irish Second Division
Templemore Complex, Derry
Oxford United Stars v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 207. Weather :- Dry, 3c.

We're starting to run short at the back, and it with Marc Fegan sidelined for the season, and now Chris Getty out as well, it's particularly noticeable at centre back. I've lost faith in Paul Burns to the point that I opt for a reshuffle in the back four instead. Michael Hall is drafted into the side at right back, and Conor McAnallen is pushed into the centre to partner Darren Spence. In the other change to the starting lineup, Raymond Fitzpatrick is recalled after serving his suspension, and takes the place of Ally Wilson up front, who in turn replaces Greg Hall on the subs bench. Tony Creaney is also back in the matchday squad today, the veteran playmaker takes a place on the bench in place of Colm Rooney.

A rather dreary opening ten minutes was brought to life when Aidan Sweeney swung a superb long pass into the path of Michael Maguire, and the winger did it justice with a superb cross on the run, but no one would quite get near enough to apply the finish. A minute later, Raymond Fitzpatrick believed he had a genuine claim for a penalty, but the decision went against him. At the other end, Brian Devine connected with Brian Rainey's corner, but his header failed to work Stephen Havern as it flew over the goal frame. Fitzpatrick would be next to try his luck, but he really scuffed his shot after collecting the ball on the edge of the box. Meanwhile, another Maguire cross was delivered, but this time it was behind all the green and white hooped shirted players who had attacked the goalmouth expecting it to go into the six yard box. The last chance of the first half would fall to the Stars, and Ryan Coyle, who managed to get goal side of Darren Spence to put himself on the end of a cross, but glanced his header past the near post.

Just like the first half, it would take ten minutes of the second half to see a chance of getting a shot at goal, and it would be Gareth Murphy from a free kick. It was perfectly postioned for a left footer, and he curled it over the wall, but also just cleared the angle of upright and cross bar. Ten minutes after that, and the best chance of the match for either side would fall to Brian Rainey, as he found himself on the edge of the six yard box, and with Colm Campbell's cross heading right to him. Rainey got too much on his header, and planted it in just about the only place that Havern would be able to stop it, namely right at him. He pushed it away, and the ball fell for Rory McDaid, who should have tucked the ball into a largely unguarded net, but instead, clattered his shot off the post. With just over ten minutes remaining, centre back Darren Spence was injured, and would be forced off the park. Still unwilling to bring on Paul Burns, I switched formations instead, replacing him with Tony Creaney, and going to three at the back and putting an extra player in midfield. Maguire would also join the midfield trio, as Niall Lavery was replaced by Michael Downey. The two subs combined in the 82nd minute, and got the the ball to Aidan Sweeney. He sent it perfectly to the feet of David Sinton, and with it on his favoured right foot, he was very much the favourite. But David Crawford was having none of that, and he thrust out a leg to prevent our wingers shot going past him. I was trying to get Michael Hall for the final few minutes, attempting to replace him with Ally Wilson to try and pile even more players up the park and pressurise the hosts. But the ball stubbornly refused to go out of play, and there were barely 90 seconds left on the clock by the time we got the change done. As they had done in the first half, Stars created the final chance, Eamon Carlin getting on the end of a cross, but failing to hit the target with his header. It will remain to be seen if this is a good point, or two points dropped.

Oxford United Stars (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall (Ally Wilson 89), Conor McAnallen, Darren Spence (inj - Tony Creaney 79), Gareth Murphy; Aidan Sweeney, Niall Lavery (Michael Downey 79); Michael Maguire, David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (capt).
Unused Substitutes :- Paul Burns, Martin McGuigan (GK).
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 41% - 59%. Man of the Match :- Brian Devine (Oxford United Stars).

Wakehurst and H&W Welders have both won today, which means we are now seven points behind the leaders, with only four matches remaining. The only good news is that Queens University were beaten, which has pretty much eliminated them from contention now. At the other end of the table, Brantwood have beaten Moyola Park to move off the bottom, but with victories for Chimney Corner and the Police Service of Northern Ireland as well, getting above the dotted line is still going to be a huge challenge for the two sides in the most trouble.

Thursday 12th March.
After spending some time honing his skills in training sessions, Raymond Fitzpatrick announces that he is now very comfortable when attempting to place his shots, and is pretty confident that he'll be able to put his shots anywhere he choses more often than not.

Saturday 14th March.
With no Second Division matches this weekend, the attention falls onto our Under-18 side, who travel to the The Showgrounds to face the age group side of Ballymoney United. They return with a point after a 1-1 draw. A first half injury time goal from Graeme Adair had given Celtic the advantage, but United equalised just before the hour, and neither side could find the winning goal.

Friday 20th March.
Moyola Park slipped to the foot of the table on the last matchday after a defeat against Brantwood. Yet they are 6/4 favourites to beat us at Knockramer tomorrow afternoon. At 13/8, I would imagine we will be a popular punt at the bookies this weekend. In the pre match press conference, I tell the media that at this stage of the season, it's tough to tell whether two weeks without a match is an advantage or disadvantage.

Saturday 21st March.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Moyola Park
Attendance :- 186. Weather :- Gusty, Downpour, 3c.

Darren Spence is fit enough to play today, which means that I'm able to name an unchanged starting lineup and matchday squad from last weeks draw in Derry. This match will be played in atrocious conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds making it a challenge for both sides.

Conleith Gilligan tried to use the conditions to his advantage with just 90 seconds on the clock, as he tried a long range effort that swerved and dipped, but flew just wide of the target. With three minutes gone, we launched our first raid, and Aidan Sweeney sent a pass into the box for David Sinton to run onto, the winger beating a defender to the ball, but his low effort bounced back off the base of the post. Park were causing us more problems that I had anticipated, and Ross Elder brought down a corner and got away a shot on the turn that Stephen Havern had to react to smartly to push the ball away. In the 19th minute, we finally cut them open, Michael Hall retrieving a clearance, and picking a threaded pass to Michael Maguire just inside the box. He turned his marker and reached the byline, before standing up a cross into the centre. Ryan Murphy would have an easy finish, but he didn't get the chance, as Kris Watson arrived and tried to head it over his own bar, only finding the roof of his own net instead. That goal would set the tone for the remainder of the first half, we were all over our lowly opponents now. Raymond Fitzpatrick held the ball up nicely, and then squared it to strike partner Murphy. The strikers effort was parried by Martin Rea, and the keeper then produced a stunning second save from Sinton who had reacted quickest to the loose ball. It would be a short lived reprieve however, and on the half hour, Darren Spence hoisted a long ball up the park, and the defence made the mistake of letting it bounce. That allowed Ryan Murphy to challenge the two defenders in attendance, and he beat them both in the air, sending the ball across the box to an unmarked Fitpatrick, who couldn't have missed if he had tried all week. The icing on an exceedingly good first half cake was added in the 37th minute. Maguire did well to beat two players after collecting Gareth Murphy's long diagonal pass, and the winger was supported by Sweeney, who moved wide to give him an option. Maguire duly used that option, and Sweeney swung in a cross that Ryan Murphy met with a close range downward header to give us a three goal advantage. It could have been four as well, Sinton picked up the ball on the corner of the box, and drifted across field, evading several challenges, before spotting a gap and moving into the box, firing a right footed effort that went across the face of the goal.

I told the players that they were playing superbly, and that I'd like to see more of the same from them, but it was obvious that the foot had come off the gas somewhat when the second half started. Fitzpatrick sent an effort from range wide of the target, while sub Ciaran Grant missed a great chance for Park to pull a goal back midway through the half, racing onto a through ball, and lifting it over Havern, but missing the target. With just about twenty minutes left to play, I took off Sweeney and Maguire, and brought on Tony Creaney and Michael Downey. And Creaney would go close to adding to the score with ten minutes left to play, as he struck a shot from the edge of the box that grazed the top of the bar on it's way over. The game would come to an unsatisfactory conclusion as far as we were concerned, when Niall Lavery was forced off with just five minutes left. Paul Burns came on to replace him, with Conor McAnallen pushed up into midfield to accomodate the change. Ryan Murphy didn't quite get enough on an injury time shot, and it was cleared from danger, but the job had already been done.

Lurgan Celtic (3) 3 - Kris Watson (19 og), Raymond Fitzpatrick (30), Ryan Murphy (37)
Moyola Park (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall, Conor McAnallen, Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Aidan Sweeney (Toney Creaney 71), Niall Lavery (inj - Paul Burns 85); Michael Maguire (Michael Downey 71), David Sinton; Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (capt).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Ally Wilson.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 56% - 44%. Man of the Match :- Ryan Murphy (Lurgan Celtic).

We had done our bit, but Wakehurst look unstoppable at the moment, and they win again, beating Chimney Corner 2-1 at home. Queens University Belfast are the only one of the other sides around us to win today though, as H&W Welders lose away to Dundela, while Oxford United Stars are held away to Annagh United. We dont play next weekend, our match against Police Service of Northern Ireland has been rescheduled for the following midweek, due to them playing in the Irish Cup on Friday night. That means that Wakehurst have a chance to secure the Title next weekend when they travel to Annagh United. All we will be able to do is sit and wait for the news.

There were several managers of other clubs at the match, and they were almost all there to cast an eye over Ryan Murphy. He has signed a new deal recently, but that hasn't put off the suitors. We have another body back at centre back, which is good news, as Chris Getty resumes training after his foot injury.

Friday 27th March.
I continue looking for options to improve the playing staff for next season, and I am made aware of two players that I'm interested in. The first is 16 year old forward, Alex Owen. He is a Guinean who also holds a British passport, and is apparently interested in a move to the UK. The youngster looks raw, but has the basic skills to do a job, and I offer him a contract. The other player is considerably closer to home, as I make an offer to current free agent, and former Wales Under-21 midfielder, Stephen Thomas. The 29 year old who spent the bulk of his career at Wrexham, has been out of the game for over two years since being released by York City. He has expressed a desire to return to football, and is a player that could help out in our midfield.

Saturday 28th March.
It's to be a nervous day, as we can do nothing but sit and wait for goal alerts and final scores to come in, and to tell us if our fate has been settled. The answer, is not quite. Wakehurst choke on the day they have the chance to claim the Title, as they lose 2-1 away to Annagh United. And H&W Welders also lose again, this time at home to lowly Brantwood. There are wins for Queens University and Oxford United Stars, against Chimney Corner and Moyola Park respectively. That result means that Moyola Park are now confirmed as relegated, and will drop out of the Northern Ireland League system.

We now have a match on Wednesday evening to keep our season alive. A win against Police Service of Northern Ireland will push us from fourth place, up into second, and will leave us four points behind Wakehurst with two matches remaining. A draw will leave us almost certainly out of it, while a defeat means our season is finished.

Monday 30th March.
Stephen Thomas agrees to sign a deal to play for Lurgan Celtic until next summer, and he will be paid just £20 a week. It's a superb bit of business for us, and the fans are said to be delighted that such an experienced player has been convinced to join the club.

Tuesday 31st March.
After the pretty bizarre odds of ten days ago, we're now made 1/3 favourites to get the victory we require against P.S.N.I to keep our season alive and remain able to dream of playing First Division football next season. Another reasonably short press conference sees me tell the press that the win, and also the performance, against Moyola Park, has lifted the confidence levels of the team, and that Gareth Murphy is playing at a very high level right now, when asked about our left backs recent performances.

The last piece of business for March is a reminder that there are still half a dozen personnel who have contracts that are due to expire in three months time. I'll soon need to make a decision on the futures of Darren Spence, Michael Hall, Tony Creaney, Martin McGuigan and Colm Rooney, as well as one of my Scouts at the club, Chris Butler.

[neilhoskins77]

Wednesday 1st April 2009.
In three and a half weeks time, this tough season will be over, and we'll know if our resiliance has been enough to earn us a place in the second tier next season, or if we have fallen short, and will play another campaign in the Second Division, which is likely to be even tougher next season, with it appearing as though the Division will be expanded. We'll start with the rearranged trip to face Police Service of Northern Ireland later tonight, and ten days later will be our last home match of the season against Harland & Wolff Welders. Two weeks later, we'll finish the season with an away match against Portstewart.

Northern Irish Second Division
Newforge Lane, Belfast
Police Service of Northern Ireland v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 226. Weather :- Showers, 13c.

There are no changes from the starting lineup that won at Knockramer against Moyola Park last time out, but there are some changes on the substitutes bench. Chris Getty is back, but I elect to keep Michael Hall in the side and have Conor McAnallen in the centre, so Getty takes a spot on the bench to replace Paul Burns. In the centre of the park, Niall Lavery is fine to play after being injured late on against Park, and with Stephen Thomas now at the club, and Tony Creaney fit again, I decide to put both on the bench, and not to have a substitute goalkeeper available to us today.

Michael Hall gave the ball away with eight minutes on the clock, and has Stephen Havern to thank for bailing him out. Darren Wallace hit a superb curling shot from twenty yards out, and Havern pushed it clear. Wallace would launch another effort moments later when James Forsythe picked him out near the edge of the box with a cross, but that one was well off the target. We were looking nervous, and that was shown when the usually reliable Gareth Murphy miscontrolled the ball, resulting in Graeme Arthur taking it from him, and then setting up Wallace. With a third effort of the game so far, this one beat Havern, but just cleared the bar too. Still P.S.N.I came forward, and Stephen McDowell sent a cross field pass right into the feet of Kris Hunter, who looked like he had done the job with his shot aimed just inside the near post, but right at the last, Havern got enough on it to turn it around the post. The game entered a quieter spell, and Hunter would be involved again in the 25th minute. Darren Spence sent a long pass into the left wing, and Gareth Murphy refused to give up the chase and just kept the ball in at the byline. He drilled a cross into the centre, aiming for Raymond Fitzpatrick, but Hunter got there in front of him. He never really dealt with the ball, and it really kind of just hit him. Darren Dempster in goal made a grab for it, but then spilt it right into his own net, and with our first attack of note, we had stolen the lead, albeit with a huge slice of luck. Keith Armstrong sent a long shot just over the top, but aside from that, the goal seemed to take the sting out of the home side. With around five minutes to play until half time, David Sinton twisted and turned just outside the box, and created enough room to slide a pass into the penalty area and find Ryan Murphy. The striker brought the ball under control, and looked set to try and double the lead with a shot, when Taylor Kirk caught his standing leg and sent him to the floor. The ref pointed to the spot, and Kirk could perhaps consider himself fortunate to only be given a yellow card. Gareth Murphy would take the penalty left footed, and drilled it low into the side netting out of Dempster's reach, and we were two to the good.

The home side threatened to start the second half just as they had the first, and a corner in the danger zone saw the ball bounce around a little, before Grant Dunlop blasted over the bar. At the other end, a long ball down the middle picked out the run of Ryan Murphy. The striker isn't blessed with great pace, and defenders were quickly around him, forcing him wide and preventing him from getting a chance to shoot. But he did managed to send a chipped cross towards the far post, and Sinton hit a right footed volley that was bravely blocked by a defender. Just after the hour mark, Shane Brennan lifted a corner into our box, Havern charged off his line to claim it, but it drifted over his head, and Graeme Arthur halved the lead with a powerful header. We had let P.S.N.I back into the match, and now I was concerned. But I need not have been, as just over two minutes later, a throw in that went into the box saw the ball knocked down to Sinton, and as he shifted the ball onto his right foot, Gary Brown clattered him, and we were awarded a second penalty kick of the evening. It would be down to Gareth Murphy to hold his nerve once again, and he did just that, this time not quite getting it as far into the corner, but there was more than enough power on it to make sure that Dempster wasn't getting there. I made a pair of changes with just under twenty minutes to play, Conor McAnallen and Niall Lavery replaced by Chris Getty, and Stephen Thomas who would come on for his Celtic debut. Ryan Murphy held a long ball up, and then played a pass to Fitzpatrick, the striker holding off his defender, and driving his shot low past Dempster, but agonisingly just the wrong side of the post. Michael Maguire took a knock in the 77th minute, and was replaced by Michael Downey, but we would then need to finish the match with ten men when Sinton was forced off with five minutes to go. Steven Bainbridge put the ball in the net for the hosts, but was way offside, and Philip May left the park with a knock in injury time to ensure both sides would finish shorthanded. We had got what we came for though, and the Title race was still alive.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (0) 1 - Graeme Arthur (62)
Lurgan Celtic (2) 3 - Darren Dempster (25 og), Gareth Murphy (41 pen, 66 pen)
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall, Conor McAnallen (Chris Getty 71), Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Niall Lavery (Stephen Thomas 71), Aidan Sweeney; Michael Maguire (inj - Michael Downey 77), David Sinton (inj - 85); Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (capt).
Unused Substitutes :- Tony Creaney, Ally Wilson.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 46% - 54%. Man of the Match :- Gareth Murphy (Lurgan Celtic).

We had managed to extend the Title race for at least another ten days. But at what cost? Well, fairly high was the answer to that. David Sinton suffered a groin strain late in the match. It's a season ending injury if we decide not to administer pain killing injections to the winger. If the match had been this weekend, that would have been a feasible option, but as it's next weekend, it doesn't look like a good plan at all, and he is put under the care of the physiotherapist. The news on Michael Maguire is only marginally better. He has damaged his heel after landing awkwardly jumping for a header. He will definitely miss the home match with H&W Welders, and would still then be doubtful for the season ending trip to face Portstewart. It's poor timing all around, though at least we have Michael Downey who can slot right into the postion vacated by Maguire, a replacement for Sinton will be less straightforward.

Only three clubs can now mathematically secure the sole promotion place with two matches remaining. Wakehurst are four points ahead of us, and require one more win to secure the Title, and their place in the First Division next season. For us to overhaul them, we would need to win both of our games, and hope Wakehurst drop points in at least one, as we currently have a better goal difference than the leaders. Oxford United Stars sit third, and are the outsiders. But even if they fail to win promotion for themselves, they have a very important role to play, as they are travelling to face Wakehurst next Saturday. If they can find a way to roll the leaders over, it would be game on for the last day of the season!

2008/09 Northern Irish Second Division. Top of the Table, up to & including Wednesday 1st April 2009.

| Pos   | Inf   | Team              |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
 
| 1st   |       | Wakehurst         |       | 20    | 11    | 6     | 3     | 32    | 20    | +12   | 39    | 
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd   |       | Lurgan Celtic     |       | 20    | 9     | 8     | 3     | 32    | 15    | +17   | 35    | 
| 3rd   |       | Oxford Utd Stars  |       | 20    | 9     | 7     | 4     | 23    | 15    | +8    | 34    | 
| 4th   |       | Queens University |       | 20    | 9     | 6     | 5     | 27    | 18    | +9    | 33    | 
| 5th   |       | H & W Welders     |       | 20    | 9     | 5     | 6     | 24    | 17    | +7    | 32    | 

 

[neilhoskins77]

Thursday 2nd April 2009.
Gareth Murphy gets a huge amount of praise for his performance against P.S.N.I last night, providing an assist and two goals, though both were from the spot admitedly. The soon to be 32 year old left back has had a really good season, and is very much in the frame to be the club's Player of the Year I would have thought.

Match day meant that the monthly appraisal was delayed by a day, not that there was a huge amount of change in there from last month's report. The happiness status has climbed back up from 'satisfied' to the rather more favourable 'pleased'. The Board are now more concerned with the 3-1 defeat we suffered against Queens University Belfast than they are over the success, or lack of, regarding the Greg Hall transfer. There was another big hole in the financial bucket as well, with the club losing £3,750 through the month of March.

Saturday 4th April.
Our Under-18's are moving towards the end of their season as well, and they are doing so in pretty poor form. Today they played Ballyclare at Dixon Park, and led after five minutes through Gary Patterson. By the hour mark though, the match had swung the other way, and Ballyclare were 2-1 ahead. The youngsters would have an injury time opportunity to salvage a point, but 16 year old defender Nigel Hagan saw his penalty kick saved, and the side remain locked at the bottom with Chimney Corner's age group side, ahead of them only on goal difference.

Wednesday 8th April.
Earlier in the season, I was made favourite for the job with Welshpool Town. When I decided to stay in Northern Ireland, the man they brought in was 38 year old Waynne Phillips, a former Wrexham and Stockport County player. But he only signed a short term deal, and with the club safe in mid table, the rumour mill was again starting to wonder what would happen at Maesydre in the summer. This time I wasn't the favourite, that would be Dave Kevan, a Scot who spent his career with Notts County and Stoke City. Amongst the other leading candidates was the name of Tal Banin. He is a 38 year old Israeli who won 78 caps for his country, and played nearly 500 club games for Hapoel Haifa, Brescia and Maccabi Tel-Aviv amongst others. He clearly has a more impressive CV than myself, and less than a year into my management career, it's encouraging to see my name mentioned alongside names like that, even if they have not yet launched their own management careers.

Friday 10th April.
The build up begins to our final home match of the campaign, and the penultimate match of this season. Needless to say, it's a huge match for us, though we are all well aware that even a win today might not be enough to extend our hopes into the final match in a fortnight's time. It says a lot about Harland & Wolff Welders fall in form since they lost their leading striker that we are huge 1/10 favourites for tomorrow's match. They have won just two of their last ten League games, a run that has seen them drop right out of promotion contention and into the middle of the table pack. You can get 15/1 on the Welders ending our season prematurely on Saturday.

Another day, and another link with a club back in the homeland. This time the club in question are Aberystwyth Town, who are still competing for a place in the UEFA Europa League next season. They have yet to convince Scottish manager Brian Coyne to extend his stay at Park Avenue, and as with the Welshpool Town job, Dave Kevan is named as the favourite, with myself and Tal Banin also amongst the contenders.

Saturday 11th April.

Northern Irish Second Division
Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Lurgan Celtic v Harland & Wolff Welders
Attendance :- 203. Weather :- Breezy, 22c.

Spring has very much sprung in this part of the world. Conor McAnallen continues at centre back, so Michael Hall is in the side again, with Chris Getty remaining on the bench. It's out wide I have bigger problems. Michael Downey comes off the bench to start at right wing, and he also takes the skippers armband. The left is more tricky. I had toyed with the idea of pushing Gareth Murphy up the park, and I also have young Kieran Jardine in the Under-18's as well. Instead, I elect to bring in left footed forward misfit Greg Hall on the left for this match. This means that backup keeper Martin McGuigan is restored to the bench for us today as well. As a group, we have decided on an approach of ignoring the fact that Wakehurst are playing Oxford United Stars at the same time, concentrating solely on making sure our part of the job is done, and worrying about what goes on elsewhere after our match.

After defeating them in the Intermediate League Cup Final earlier in the season, and making the bid that became the catalyst for their top scorer Jonathan Adair leaving, it was fair to say that the Welders had no inclination to roll over and play dead here today. Greg Hall had a good opening to the match, and actually did more in the opening ten minutes than he had in the entire season so far. When a Welders corner was cleared to Ryan Murphy, he laid the ball off to Greg Hall, and then set off on his run. Hall sent the ball forward with the outside of his left boot, sending it between the defenders and picking our Murphy's run. The striker got into the box, and ran across the front of the defender so he couldn't get a foot to the ball, and then sent a curling shot inches wide of the far post. It was a gilt edged chance, and he would have another moments later when Michael Downey beat a man and slipped the ball to Raymond Fitzgerald, who then drilled a cross in, Ryan Murphy getting in front of two defenders to slam a volley goalwards, but it was too close to Paul Miskelly, who saved with his legs. And we would possibly live to regret those missed chances, when in the 27th minute, a corner was cleared, and Michael Hall and Aaron Johnston met for a 50/50 ball in the middle of their half. Hall swung his arm in the challenge, and caught Johnston right in the face, and the ref could only shrug his shoulders at a crestfallen Hall, indicating he had no option but to show our full back a straight red card. I didn't do him the courtesy of meeting his gaze as he looked for some reassurance on his way past me and down the tunnel. For the time being, I didn't change our system, simply pulling Gareth Murphy from left back into the middle, to create a back three. That meant that even a man down, we were still very competitive going forward, and on the half hour, Fitzpatrick sent a shot on the turn just over the top. The Welders were not offering too much at the other end, even with the new found width available to them. Their crosses were being dealt with fairly easily, and when Johnny Montgomery struck a shot from range that did find a way through after a deflection, Johnston squared it to Craig Hirthe who tapped it in, but both were well offside. Marc Hanna earned a yellow for his protests, Montgomery joined him after appealing too long and loudly for a penalty after feeling he was toppled by Aidan Sweeney when trying to get on the end of a cross.

At half time I told my players that this match was still very much there for the taking, and made a change to both personnel and system. Greg Hall came off, Chris Getty came on. He would play at centre back, with Conor McAnallen shifted to right back, and Gareth Murphy restored to left back. We would sacrifice the width further up the park, with Michael Downey told to move into centre midfield, as we now adopted a 4-3-2 and tried to play through the middle. Sweeney picked up a booking early in the second half, as we pressed and hurried the Welders players, forcing mistakes to the point where they even conceded a corner from a wild attempt at a backpass from nearly the halfway line. And so our pressure would tell, midway through the half. Gareth Murphy skinned his defender down the left, and lifted the cross into the middle. Ryan Murphy headed it down, and Sweeney swung his foot at it, but Miskelly blocked it superbly. That was all he could do though, and the man who broke the Welders hearts at Windor Park earlier in the season popped up once more, Niall Lavery arriving with perfect timing to drill a low shot inside the near post and spark jubilation amongst the Knockramer faithful. The Welders were furious, and right from kick off, they sent a long ball into the left channel. McAnallen made the decision not to chase, and to get himself into the box to defend instead. Richard Carville chased it down and kept the ball in. He sent the cross towards the back post, where Johnston beat Darren Spence in the air, and sent the header back across goal, but got too much on it, and missed the target. Lavery meanwhile, was doing a great job in midfield, and when he won a 50/50 in their half, he took a touch, and sent the ball to Fitzpatrick. The striker had the chance to put the game out of Welders reach, but his shot cannoned back off the cross bar. As time ticked down, Sweeney was still putting himself about, and I couldn't risk the midfielder picking up another yellow. With five minutes to go, both he and Ryan Murphy came off, replaced by Tony Creaney and Stephen Thomas. With Lavery moving back to a defensive midfield role, we were now in a 4-1-3-1 setup. By the time that Hanna blasted a very ambitious effort almost out of the ground in injury time, the Welders had very much run out of ideas, and we had done what we needed to do. Now, we would just have to wait.

Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Niall Lavery 67
Harland & Wolff Welders (0) 0
Stephen Havern; Michael Hall, Conor McAnallen, Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Aidan Sweeney (Stephen Thomas 85), Niall Lavery; Michael Downey (capt), Greg Hall (Chris Getty 45); Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (Tony Creaney 85).
Unused Substitutes :- Martin McGuigan (GK), Ally Wilson.
Booked :- Aidan Sweeney 50. Sent Off :- Michael Hall 27.
Possession :- 52% - 48%. Man of the Match :- Niall Lavery (Lurgan Celtic).

Knockramer Park is not a loud ground it would be fair to say. There are not too many grounds that are loud when the usual attendance is somewhere about the 200 mark. Yet, there was a noticeably eerie hush that had descended on the ground in the seconds following the final whistle. Maybe it was that quiet that made the crackling sound of the tannoy all the more booming than normal. Yet it was the focus of every person in the stadiums attention at that moment. As the scoreline of 'Wakehurst 4 Oxford United Stars 0' was read out, a quiet mumbling started around the spectators, and slowly it dawned that we had run out of lives, despite our efforts of the afternoon. My players started to sink to the turf, removing their boots, paying close attention to patches of dirt on their jerseys, or anything to stop emotions getting the better of them, at least until they were out of the public's gaze. The fans gave them a warming ovation as they gathered themselves and left the park for the final time at home this season. The dressing room was quiet, and I felt it was beholden to put things into perspective. 'We've had a great season lads, we've won a Cup, and we're going to finish second in the League. But I want you to remember how you feel today, and use that memory to make sure you don't feel this way again this time next year!'

Michael Hall will be banned for one match, with another two matches almost certainly going to be added. The backroom staff review the replays, and tell me there is no point whatsoever in appealing, and describe it as a 'vicious' piece of play. With that in mind, I hand Hall a maximum two week fine. He accepts that while apologising, and promising to improve his temperament on the park.

[neilhoskins77]

Sunday 12th April 2009.
Another Welsh club are apparently eyeing up one of the trio of managers that are currently being linked with every conceivable job in the Principality. The latest club involved are Porthmadog, with Dave Kevan once more named as the favourite, while myself and Tal Banin are named as contenders for the position at Y Traeth should they fail to convince Tomi Morgan to stay at the club beyond this season.

Monday 13th April.
Michael Maguire has returned to training, and will now attempt to get himself fit enough to feature in the final match of the season against Portstewart next weekend.

Tuesday 14th April.
Michael Hall will certainly not be available next weekend. He'll be suspended for the opening two matches of next season as well, as the Northern Irish FA disciplinary committee have agreed, as expected, to increase his ban from one match to three following his straight red card on Saturday afternoon at Knockramer Park.

Wednesday 15th April.
Bangor City are not concerned that they may lose Neville Powell at the end of the season. In fact, they might well be happy about that. After one of the worst seasons in the clubs recent history see's them sat in 8th place with just a couple of matches to go, the Board at Farrar Road are considering their options. Once more Dave Kevan is the favourite, and I'm named as being another potenial option. There is no mention of Tal Banin. I guess I overestimated the Israeli, and when the big clubs come calling, he just isn't quite at that level yet......hhmmmmm.

Thursday 16th April.
Harland & Wolff Welders could have some serious rebuilding to do in the summer. Having lost Jonathan Adair part way through the season, they now look likely to lose Aaron Johnston. The 13 goal striker has received a contract offer from Solihull Moors of the Blue Square North League, with reports that The New Saints are also interested. We've been keeping an eye on him ourselves, but his wage demands of £150 per week swiftly ended that interest.

Monday 20th April.
Have the Managers in the Welsh Premier League been given a higher income tax code or something? Port Talbot Town currently sit in 3rd place, while Newtown sit 5th. Both are still in the hunt for UEFA Europa League football next season, yet their managers, Mark Jones and Darren Ryan respectively, are both stalling on signing new contracts to stay at the GenQuip Stadium and Latham Park. You know who the favourite is, and who is also in the frame by now I'm sure. All joking aside, it's good to know that should I ever want to return to Wales, I could land a job in the Welsh Premier League without too much of a problem by the look of it.

Tuesday 21st April.
Michael Downey is going to miss the last game of the season on Saturday. The winger has injured his chest while lifting weights, and will be our for between three and four weeks. I guess it's just as well that Michael Maguire is likely to be available.

Wednesday 22nd April.
David Sinton has resumed training today following his groin injury sustained in the match against P.S.N.I. It is unlikely he'll be fit enough to be considered for Saturday's match however.

Friday 24th April.
The build up and press conference formalities take place for the final time in the 2008/09 campaign. I have been pretty careful to avoid picking out players for either praise or critisism for the most part this season, but in the press conference I admit that Gareth Murphy has been in superb form in the latter part of the season. We're 1/3 to finish our season with a victory on the North coast of the country tomorrow afternoon against a Portstewart team that will be disappointed to find themselves in 10th, but also a bit relieved that they cannot go down, with Moyola Park and Brantwood already confirmed as relegated. There is nothing on the match tomorrow, as we cannot be moved from second place.

Saturday 25th April.
Our Under-18's play their penultimate match of the season, and their final fixture of the campaign at Knockramer Park. They host Loughall, and twice take the lead through Gary Paterson in the first half, and then Johnny Maguire with just about quarter of an hour remaining. But the visitors net twice in the remainder of the match, a result that makes them Under-18's Group Two Champions, and sends our youngsters to the foot of the table after Chimney Corner grab a win at Armagh.

Northern Irish Second Division
Seahaven, Portstewart
Portstewart v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 204. Weather :- Showers, 17c.

With nothing on the game, I decided to switch things around a little bit. Martin McGuigan would make a start in goal, his first ever League game, Stephen Havern was given the day off. With Michael Hall suspended, I called up 16 year old right back Dennis Simpson from the Youth team, and he would make his Senior football debut, joined by Kieran Jardine, a left winger who would also start the match.

It was the match that nobody really wanted to play in, and our players showed that early on. There were less than 90 seconds on the clock when Graham Vauls managed to get past Gareth Murphy, and then sent a cross to the far post. It will give you some idea of how lax our marking was when I tell you that Adam Campbell had time to bring the ball under control, before lifting his shot over Martin McGuigan and into the far corner. We looked very uninterested, Aidan Sweeney hitting a hopeful looking free kick from a long way out that bounced past the far post, while Campbell had a pop from distance for Portstewart that just cleared the bar. Vauls was certainly causing us problems, as he was far too quick for Gareth Murphy to deal with, skipping away from another challenge, but instead of crossing, he cut it back to the edge of the box to find the ever available Campbell, this time his shot needed to be turned over by McGuigan. We woke up a little as half time approached, a long ball upfield found Raymond Fitzpatrick, who was somewhat isolated. He headed to the right channel, and with no one to aim for in the middle, he sent it back to young debutant Dennis Simpson. The teenager crossed it to the edge of the box, where Sweeney produced a volley that came back off the cross bar.

I told my players they had just 45 minutes left to leave their mark on this season, but they weren't really listening. They were already on holiday as far as football was concerned, their effort last week had taken everything they had left. There was a moment of positivity when Fitzpatrick turned his marker and shot, but it was on his weaker foot and never threatened the target. And in the 54th minute, Gary Ramsey went route one with his goal kick, and it bounced favourably for Andrzej Kluczkowski, who took it down, and then lashed a shot across goal and beyond McGuigan, finding a home in the top corner. To our credit, the players hit right back, Simpson having his own personal dual on the right touchline, which he showed some grit, and not a little skill to come out ahead. He found Michael Maguire in the box, and he twisted away from a tackle and fired a low shot that Ramsey stopped, but couldn't hold. Maguire and a defender both went in for the rebound, and the ball broke to Fitzpatrick, who side footed home from five yards out. For a little while, that goal looked like it was going to galvanise us into a comeback. Maguire took a free kick that was near the corner flag, and Ryan Murphy met it at the near post with a header, which Ramsey blocked well. And on the hour, we would have an ideal chance to bring the match square. Fitzpatrick brought down a throw in that came into the box, and backheeled the ball into Sweeney's path. It looked like he went down without too much persuasion when Campbell leaned on him, but the ref awarded the penalty. Gareth Murphy was superb from the twelve yard mark when we needed him against P.S.N.I a few weeks ago, but this time, he would go for power and right down the middle. Ramsey stayed where he was, and got both hands to it and kept it out. You could almost see the confidence drain right back out of the players, and Portstewart could, and should, have put the match to bed when Ryan McAllister side footed wide when Vauls picked him out midway through the half. I made all three changes with around quarter of an hour to go, with both debutants amongst those coming off, and Ally Wilson came on to have his swangsong in Celtic colours. He wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye with a goal though, it was Fitzpatrick who had the best late chance to bring us level, curling a shot from the edge of the box that just whistled past the post. And in injury time, Portstewart would remove any doubt about the resuly. Ryan McFadden curled a ball down the left and into the channel of the box, and sub James Winters showed Conor McAnallen a clean pair of heels, beating him for pace, and sprinting into the box, before hitting a low driven shot through the legs of McGuigan.

Portstewart (1) 3 - Adam Campbell (2), Andrzej Kluczkowski (54), James Winter (90+2)
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (56)
Martin McGuigan; Dennis Simpson (Chris Getty 76), Conor McAnallen, Darren Spence, Gareth Murphy; Niall Lavery, Aidan Sweeney; Michael Maguire, Kieran Jardine (Greg Hall 76), Raymond Fitzpatrick, Ryan Murphy (capt - Ally Wilson 76).
Unused Substitutes :- Tony Creaney, Stephen Thomas.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 40% - 60%. Man of the Match :- Adam Campbell (Portstewart).

Is it wrong that I was relieved that was over and we could get back on the bus and go home? The two youngsters got plenty of pats on the back, Kieran Jardine was a little hard done by, as this was not a great game to judge the winger on. Dennis Simpson had a pretty good game at right back, having a hand in setting up our goal, though he was caught out of position pretty majorly at one point in the first half.

The club are awarded £1,300 in prize money for finishing in second place, of which £600 is distributed between the squad as agreed at the start of the season. The club are sinking further into the red with every passing week, and I suspect it won't be too much longer before the club start to look at ways of bringing spending down, likely starting with the wage budget, not that there is too much fat to be trimmed from that after I released several players through the course of the season. It does give me cause to worry how competitive we'll be in the summer when it comes to strenghening the playing and backroom staff though.

2008/09 Northern Irish Second Division. Final League Table.

| Pos   | Inf   | Team              |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
 
| 1st   | C     | Wakehurst         |       | 22    | 13    | 6     | 3     | 37    | 20    | +17   | 45    | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| 2nd   |       | Lurgan Celtic     |       | 22    | 10    | 8     | 4     | 34    | 18    | +16   | 38    | 
| 3rd   |       | H & W Welders     |       | 22    | 10    | 5     | 7     | 27    | 20    | +7    | 35    | 
| 4th   |       | Oxford Utd Stars  |       | 22    | 9     | 8     | 5     | 23    | 19    | +4    | 35    | 
| 5th   |       | Queens University |       | 22    | 9     | 7     | 6     | 29    | 21    | +8    | 34    | 
| 6th   |       | Annagh Utd        |       | 22    | 7     | 11    | 4     | 31    | 27    | +4    | 32    | 
| 7th   |       | Chimney Corner    |       | 22    | 8     | 4     | 10    | 21    | 27    | -6    | 28    | 
| 8th   |       | Dundela           |       | 22    | 7     | 6     | 9     | 24    | 34    | -10   | 27    | 
| 9th   |       | P.S.N.I.          |       | 22    | 5     | 11    | 6     | 21    | 21    | 0     | 26    | 
| 10th  |       | Portstewart       |       | 22    | 5     | 10    | 7     | 24    | 25    | -1    | 25    | 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
| 11th  | R     | Brantwood         |       | 22    | 3     | 6     | 13    | 14    | 30    | -16   | 15    | 
| 12th  | R     | Moyola Park       |       | 22    | 2     | 6     | 14    | 16    | 39    | -23   | 12    | 

 

[neilhoskins77]

Lurgan Celtic 2008/09 Sqaud Statistics. All Competions.
*Does not include players who left the club before the season finished.

| Name                | Apps    | Gls  | Ast  | MoM  | Pas  | Tck  | Drb  | Sh T | Yel  | Red  | Av Rat | 

| Martin McGuigan     | 2       | -    | -    | -    | 39%  | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | 6.45   | 
| Stephen Havern      | 31      | -    | -    | -    | 62%  | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | 6.90   | 
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| Dennis Simpson      | 1       | -    | -    | -    | 67%  | 5.92 | -    | -    | -    | -    | 7.20   | 
| Conor McAnallen     | 27 (1)  | -    | -    | -    | 65%  | 4.17 | 0.22 | -    | -    | -    | 6.88   | 
| Chris Getty         | 4 (4)   | -    | -    | -    | 56%  | 3.56 | -    | -    | -    | -    | 6.59   | 
| Darren Spence       | 28      | 2    | -    | 2    | 62%  | 3.08 | 0.03 | -    | 1    | -    | 6.85   | 
| Marc Fegan          | 20 (1)  | 2    | -    | 1    | 58%  | 3.34 | 0.26 | -    | 3    | -    | 6.82   | 
| Paul Burns          | 10 (8)  | 1    | -    | 1    | 61%  | 4.07 | 0.08 | -    | -    | -    | 6.75   | 
| Michael Hall        | 10 (3)  | -    | 2    | -    | 64%  | 3.63 | 0.91 | -    | -    | 1    | 6.77   | 
| Gareth Murphy       | 33      | 3    | 5    | 2    | 62%  | 4.70 | 0.53 | 18%  | -    | -    | 7.03   | 
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| Kieran Jardine      | 1       | -    | -    | -    | -    | 1.18 | -    | -    | -    | -    | 5.80   | 
| Aidan Sweeney       | 8 (2)   | 1    | 1    | -    | 71%  | 4.22 | 0.23 | 25%  | 2    | -    | 6.81   | 
| Colm Rooney         | 1 (18)  | 1    | 1    | -    | 78%  | 2.34 | 0.43 | -    | -    | -    | 6.75   | 
| Mark Rooney         | 1 (1)   | -    | -    | -    | 69%  | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | 6.50   | 
| Niall Lavery        | 32      | 3    | 3    | 2    | 78%  | 4.12 | 0.42 | 29%  | -    | -    | 7.02   | 
| Stephen Thomas      | 0 (2)   | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | -    | 6.60   | 
| Tony Creaney        | 22 (4)  | 3    | 2    | -    | 74%  | 3.18 | 0.49 | 24%  | 2    | 1    | 6.80   | 
| Michael Downey      | 20 (11) | 3    | 5    | -    | 61%  | 0.93 | 4.60 | 40%  | 2    | -    | 6.79   | 
| Michael Maguire     | 15 (11) | 1    | 9    | -    | 66%  | 1.54 | 5.14 | 22%  | -    | -    | 6.81   | 
| Greg Hall           | 8 (5)   | -    | 1    | -    | 69%  | 2.01 | 0.94 | -    | 1    | -    | 6.44   | 
| David Sinton        | 29      | 3    | 4    | 4    | 68%  | 1.61 | 3.95 | 28%  | 3    | -    | 7.02   | 
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| Ally Wilson         | 15 (7)  | 6    | 1    | 1    | 71%  | 0.91 | 0.83 | 50%  | 1    | -    | 6.64   | 
| Raymond Fitzpatrick | 28 (3)  | 13   | 8    | 4    | 74%  | 0.65 | 3.01 | 38%  | 3    | 1    | 6.92   | 
| Ryan Murphy         | 15 (13) | 8    | 4    | 3    | 71%  | 0.97 | 2.36 | 44%  | 1    | -    | 6.76   |

 

[neilhoskins77]

Tuesday 28th April 2009.
It's poor bad news for the Welders of Harland & Wolff, as they are going to lose another striker in the next transfer window. Aaron Johnston will be heading to North West England, after agreeing to sign for Macclesfield Town in the summer. The Moss Rose side will finish this season safely in the mid table pack in Coca-Cola League Two.

Wednesday 29th April.
Deryn Brace is the latest Manager from Wales' top tier to have his employer worried that he might not stay with the club next season. That might be the least of NEWI Cefn Druids problems though. Their shortlist of managers put together as a contingency looks remarkably like the list compiled by about six other clubs in the League.

21 year old utility defender Michael Hall will be staying for another season. After a steady first season at the club, with the exception of that red card in the penultimate League match that didn't prove to be costly, he will have another campaign to prove he can play at this level. He played most of his football this season at right back, and he will be very aware that Dennis Simpson had a good game on the weekend, and that Hall will be suspended for the opening two fixtures of next season. He does not get a pay rise, and remains on £30 a week for his contract extension season.

Thursday 30th April.
The final day of April brings more contract news. Both Darren Spence and Colm Rooney will also extend their stays at the club by another season, and both have taking pay reductions to do so. Spence was a regular after joining us on the final day of last summer's Transfer Window, and had a decent season. He has taken a 20% pay drop down to £20 a week to remain with Celtic. In midfield, Colm Rooney had a lot of competition for playing time, and managed nineteen appearances in total this season, but only one of them saw him start the game. He has chopped a third from his wages to remain here, ignoring interest from Blue Square North side Fleetwood Town. The significance of those two negotiations is that right now, the club is bang on it's weekly wage budget target.

Friday 1st May 2009.
The Board are 'pleased', and we made a profit of £801 in April, largely down to our prize money. That is pretty much where the good news ends. The club is in the red to the tune of just over £27,500 as it stands. And with no gate money for the next few months, the situation isn't likely to improve until around July when we start picking up some sponsorship money and the season tickets go on sale.

Saturday 2nd May.
Keen to try and help out with the current financial plight, I ask the Board if they would be prepared to align us with a Parent Club. Hopefully we could get an annual fee from them, some gate receipts from a Friendly maybe as well, and if we really get lucky, maybe even some players on loan too. They are certainly prepared to consider it, and announce their intention to get back to me in a few weeks.

Saturday 9th May.
The Under-18's finish off their season, and they do so with a much needed win at Ferney Park against Ballinamallard United's youngsters. A Johnny Maguire strike midway through the second half handed the Celtic lads their first win since early December, but it isn't enough to move them off the foot of the Group Two table. It has been a steep learning curve for the lads this season, but hopefully it will help them to thrive in 2009/10.

Sunday 10th May.
The season has officially ended for the players of Lurgan Celtic, and they have now gone off on their holidays. They are due to report back for training on Monday 29th June.

Along with three other sides, we have made an offer to take right sided player Glenn Bowers from Harland & Wolff Welders on a Free Transfer. The 22 year old can play virtually anywhere down that side of the park, though we are going to struggle to compete with Stranraer and Havant & Waterlooville when it comes to wages.

Friday 15th May.
Port Talbot Town of the Welsh Premier League were latecomers in the race to sign Glenn Bowers, but it was they who won out in the end. He will join his new club at the end of the month.

Sunday 17th May.
It's disappointing news from the Board regarding my request to find a parent club. Maurice McEvoy, the Chairman of the club, states that right now, he's see's no benefit in creating links with another club. In brighter news, Marc Fegan has started light training following his broken leg.

Sunday 24th May.
Backup goalkeeper, Martin McGuigan, who played twice for us last season, has decided to try his luck elsewhere with his contract about to expire. He is headed across the water and to the London area, where he will play for Fisher Athletic, who have had a pretty decent season in the Blue Square South.

Friday 29th May.
Two of our younger players have signed semi-professional contracts with the club. 17 year old right winger Gary Fay signs a three year deal on £10 a week, after originally asking for £50 a week plus another £50 in appearance money. Right back Dennis Simpson has also signed a three year deal, he will get £5 a week.

Monday 1st June 2009.
The Transfer Window is open again, and we can now start to bring players into the club once more. Other than an International Match window early to mid month, there will be very little of note happening on the park this month. Any headlines are likely to be made through player and manager movement.

The club made a loss of £828 in May, but there has been some good news. Tony Creaney will remain at the club. He is currently our Player/Assistant Manager, and I tried to convince him to hang up his boots. He wasn't interested in that idea, as he thinks he still has a role to play. I agree to give him a one year extension in the same role, but he has dropped his wages from £30 a week, down to £20. I strike a similar agreement with Chris Butler, who is one of our Scouts. He has signed a new two year deal, also agreeing to cut his wages down from £35 a week down to £25. Another one of our young players is locked into the club as well, as striker Johnny Maguire signs a five year semi pro deal on £5 a week.

Monday 15th June.
Marc Fegan has now resumed full training, on the same day that we miss out on the signing of Portstewart left sided forward Adam Campbell, who has instead accepted an offer to join Neath FC of the Welsh Premier League instead.

[neilhoskins77]

2008/09 Season Review.
(*As mentioned early on, I'm happy to accomodate requests for players, teams or leagues to be included in reviews*)

UK
Northern Ireland
Premier Division.
Champions :- Linfield (87 pts), Runner's-Up :- Cliftonville (59 pts)
Relegation Playoff :- Newry beat Carrick Rangers on away goals (5-5 on aggregate)
Relegated :- Bangor (34 pts)
Top Scorers :- Darren Armour (Distillery - 17 goals), Chris Scannell (Cliftonville - 16 goals), Paul Brown (Institute - 15 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Paul Munster (Linfield - 7.36), Kevin McHugh (Linfield - 7.07), Alan Mannus (Linfield - 7.02)

First Division.
Champions :- Portadown (69 pts), Runner's-Up :- Carrick Rangers (63 pts)
Relegated :- Tobermore United (34 pts), Killymoon Rangers (29 pts), Glebe Rangers (26 pts), Coagh United (25 pts)
Top Scorers :- Seamus Brown (Limavady United - 16 goals), Ryan Moffatt (Loughgall - 16 goals), Paul Baron (Ballinamallard United - 16 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Seamus Brown (Limavady United - 7.43), Gary McCutcheon (Portadown - 7.31), Donal McCourt (Banbridge Town - 7.16)

Second Division.
Champions :- Wakehurst (45 pts), Runner's-Up :- Lurgan Celtic (38 pts)
Relegated :- Brantwood (15 pts), Moyola Park (12 pts)
Top Scorers :- Jonathan Adair (H&W Welders - 10 goals), Darren McKay (Dundela - 8 goals), Raymond Fitzpatrick (Lurgan Celtic - 8 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Rodney Paul (Wakehurst - 7.12), Mark Prenter (Queens University - 7.11), Adam Nesbitt (Annagh United - 7.11)

Northern Irish FA Cup.
Winners :- Linfield, Runner's-Up :- Ballymena United

Northern Irish League Cup.
Winners :- Linfield, Runner's-Up :- Cliftonville

Northern Irish Intermediate League Cup.
Winners :- Lurgan Celtic, Runner's-Up :- Harland & Wolff Welders

Northern Irish Intermediate Cup.
Winners :- Linfield Swifts, Runner's-Up :- Institute Reserves
-----------

Wales
Welsh Premier League.
Champions :- The New Saints (75 pts), Runner's-Up :- Llanelli AFC (72 pts)
Relegated :- Prestatyn Town (28 pts), Caersws (21 pts)
Top Scorers :- Rhys Griffiths (Llanelli AFC - 16 goals), Steve Rogers (Welshpool Town - 15 goals), Ronnie Morgan (GAP Connah's Quay - 14 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Neil Roberts (Rhyl - 7.45), John Toner (The New Saints - 7.29), Ashley Morris (Llanelli AFC - 7.18)

Welsh FA Cup.
Winners :- Llanelli AFC, Runner's-Up :- Ton Pentre

Welsh Premier League Cup.
Winners :- Newtown AFC, Runner's-Up :- GAP Connah's Quay
-----------

Scotland
Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League.
Champions :- Celtic (77 pts), Runner's-Up :- Rangers (71 pts)
Relegated :- Hamilton Academical (33 pts)
Top Scorers :- Lee Miller (Aberdeen - 26 goals), Kris Boyd (Rangers - 21 goals), David Clarkson (Motherwell - 20 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic - 7.54), Kris Boyd (Rangers - 7.45), Lee Miller (Aberdeen - 7.40)

Scottish First Division.
Champions :- Queen of the South (63 pts), Runner's-Up :- Clyde (59 pts)
Relegation Playoff :- Ross County beat Peterhead 4-2 on aggregate
Relegated :- Airdrie United (27 pts)
Top Scorers :- Sean Higgins (Ross County - 20 goals), Armand One (Livingston - 16 goals), Mickael Antoine-Curier (Dundee - 15 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Stewart Kean (Queen of the South - 7.28), Andy Jackson (St Johnstone - 7.19), Andy Morrow (Greenock Morton - 7.16)

Scottish Second Division.
Champions :- Raith Rovers (78 pts), Runner's-Up :- Peterhead (74 pts)
Relegated :- Stranraer (34 pts), Brechin City (30 pts)
Top Scorers :- Martin Bavidge (Peterhead - 21 pts), Craig Gunn (Peterhead - 18 goals), Stephen McConalogue (Stranrar - 17 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Martin Bavidge (Peterhead - 7.10), Kevin Smith (Raith Rovers - 7.08), Mark Roberts (Ayr United - 7.04)

Scottish Third Division.
Champions :- Annan Athletic (62 pts), Runner's-Up :- Cowdenbeath (59 pts)
Promotion Playoff :- Cowdenbeath beat Stenhousemuir 5-2 on aggregate
Bottom of the Table :- East Stirlingshire (42 pts), Elgin City (24 pts)
Top Scorers :- Mark Rooney (Berwick Rangers - 15 goals), Iain Diack (Stenhousemuir - 14 goals), David Cox (Montrose - 14 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Mark Rooney (Berwick Rangers - 6.96), Iain Thomson (Stenhousemuir - 6.94), Paul McLeod (Dumbarton - 6.91)

Scottish FA Cup.
Winners :- Rangers, Runner's-Up :- Motherwell

Scottish League Cup.
Winners :- Rangers, Runner's-Up :- Hibernian

Scottish League Challenge Cup.
Winners :- Stirling Albion, Runner's-Up :- Ross County
-----------

England
Barclays Premier League.
Champions :- Manchester United (77 pts), Runner's-Up :- Liverpool (76 pts)
Best of the Rest :- Chelsea (74 pts), Arsenal (73 pts), West Ham United (64 pts)
Relegated :- Fulham (34 pts), Hull City (29 pts), Stoke City (25 pts)
Top Scorers :- Michael Owen (Newcastle United - 21 goals), Didier Drogba (Chelsea - 19 goals), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers - 19 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Didier Drogba (Chelsea - 7.55), Steven Gerard (Liverpool - 7.53), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United - 7.51)

Coca-Cola Championship.
Champions :- Birmingham City (87 pts), Runner's-Up :- Preston North End (86 pts)
Playoff Winners :- Ipswich Town (78 pts)
Also In Playoffs :- Reading (77 pts), Queen's Park Rangers (74 pts), Swansea City (73 pts)
Relegated :- Coventry City (54 pts), Derby County (47 pts), Southampton (47 pts)
Top Scorers :- Kevin Doyle (Reading - 37 goals), Jon Macken (Nottingham Forest - 21 goals), Marcus Bent (Birmingham City - 19 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Kevin Doyle (Reading - 7.44), Jon Stead (Ipswich Town - 7.21), Louis Carey (Bristol City - 7.19)

Coca-Cola League One.
Champions :- Leeds United (87 pts), Runner's-Up :- Tranmere Rovers (79 pts)
Playoff Winners :- Leicester City (75 pts)
Also In Playoffs :- MK Dons (77 pts), Carlisle United (77 pts), Hartlepool United (73 pts)
Relegated :- Northampton Town (52 pts), Cheltenham Town (51 pts), Swindon Town (45 pts), Hereford United (41 pts)
Top Scorers :- Rickie Lambert (Bristol Rovers - 25 goals), Dele Adebola (Colchester United - 24 goals), Matty Fryatt (Leicester City - 23 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Lee Hughes (Leicester City - 7.33), Matty Fryatt (Leicester City - 7.29), Steve McGarry (Leicester City - 7.27)

Coca-Cola League Two.
Champions :- Grimsby Town (88 pts), Runner's-Up :- Bradford City (79 pts), Also Promoted :- Shrewsbury Town (79 pts)
Playoff Winners :- Port Vale (71 pts)
Also In Playoffs :- Lincoln City (79 pts), Brentford (78 pts), Gillingham (69 pts)
Relegated :- Barnet (41 pts), Chester City (35 pts)
Top Scorers :- Andy Bishop (Bury - 24 goals), Grant Holt (Shrewsbury Town - 24 goals), Matthew Paterson (AFC Bournemouth - 24 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Peter Thorne (Bradford City - 7.31), Andy Bishop (Bury - 7.18), Charlie MacDonald (Brentford - 7.18)

Blue Square Premier League.
Champions :- Burton Albion (84 pts)
Playoff Winners :- Kettering Town (77 pts)
Also In Playoffs :- Oxford United (82 pts), Histon (81 pts), Ebbsfleet United (80 pts)
Relegated :- Weymouth (50 pts), Eastbourne Borough (49 pts), Lewes (44 pts), Barrow (33 pts)
Top Scorers :- Craig Westcarr (Kettering Town - 27 goals), Wilfried Domoraud (Woking - 27 goals), Matthew Delicate (Ebbsfleet United - 24 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Shaun Harrad (Burton Albion - 7.33), Jack Midson (Histon - 7.27), Chris Holroyd (Cambridge United - 7.17)

Blue Square North.
Champions :- Gateshead (89 pts)
Playoff Winners :- Tamworth (72 pts)
Also In Playoffs :- Southport (80 pts), AFC Telford United (78 pts), Stalybridge Celtic (67 pts)
Relegated :- Burscough (47 pts), Solihull Moors (46 pts), Hucknall Town (34 pts)
Top Scorers :- Lee Novak (Gateshead - 26 goals), Graeme Armstrong (Gateshead - 25 goals), Thomas Rooney (Vauxhall Motors - 21goals)
Top Average Rating :- Lee Novak (Gateshead - 7.41), Graeme Armstrong (Gatshead - 7.40), Steve Daly (Southport - 7.20)

Blue Square South.
Champions :- Havant & Waterlooville (72 pts)
Playoff Winners :- Welling United (67 pts)
Also In Playoffs :- Hampton & Richmond Borough (70 pts), Chelmsford City (68 pts), Maidenhead United (67 pts)
Relegated :- Bath City (43 pts), Hayes & Yeading United (43 pts), Dorchester Town (36 pts)
Top Scorers :- Ian Hodges (Hampton & Richmond - 22 goals), Lawrie Dudfield (Chelmsford City - 18 goals), Anto Reilly (Welling United - 17 goals)
Top Average Rating :- David Bryant (Thurrock - 7.25), Ian Hodges (Hampton & Richmond - 7.03), Rocky Baptiste (Maidenhead United -7.02)

FA Cup.
Winners :- Manchester United, Runner's-Up :- Aston Villa

League Cup.
Winners :- Liverpool, Runner's-Up :- Fulham

Community Shield.
Winners :- Manchester United, Runner's-Up :- Portsmouth

Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Winners :- Huddersfield Town, Runner's Up :- Yeovil Town

Football Conference League Cup.
Winners :- Oxford United, Runner's Up :- Kidderminster Harriers

FA Trophy.
Winners :- Wrexham, Runner's-Up :- Rushden & Diamonds

[neilhoskins77]

2008/09 Season Review (continued)

Best of Europe.
UEFA Champions League.
Winners :- Inter Milan (ITA), Runner's-Up :- Manchester United (ENG) at Stadio Olympico, Rome, Italy

UEFA Europa League.
Winners :- AC Milan (ITA), Runner's-Up :- Spartak Moscow (RUS) at Sukru Saracoglu, Istanbul, Turkey

UEFA Intertoto Cup.
Winners :- NK Gorica (SVN), Aston Villa (ENG), VfB Stuttgart (GER), Napoli (ITA), SK Sturm Graz (AUT), Sporting Braga (POR), Saturn Oblast (RUS), Deportivo La Coruna (ESP), GSS Panionios (GRE), Stade Rennais FC (FRA)

European Super Cup.
Winners :- Zenit St Petersburg (RUS), Runner's-Up :- Manchester United (ENG) at Stade Louis II, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Belgium.
Winners :- Club Brugge (72 pts), Runner's-Up :- Anderlecht (72 pts)
Top Scorer :- Joseph Akpala (Club Brugge - 22 goals). Top Average Rating :- Nicolas Frutos (Anderlecht - 7.51)

France.
Winners :- LOSC Lille Metropole (67 pts), Runner's-Up :- FC Nantes (62 pts)
Top Scorer :- Guillaume Horau (Paris Saint-Germain - 20 goals). Top Average Rating :- Mathieu Bodmer (Olympique Lyon - 7.38)

Germany.
Winners :- FC Bayern Munich (70 pts), Runner's-Up :- Werder Bremen (62 pts)
Top Scorer :- Luca Toni (FC Bayern Munich - 26 goals). Top Average Rating :- Luca Toni (FC Bayern Munich - 7.67)

Holland.
Winners :- Roda JC (71 pts), Runner's-Up :- Ajax Amsterdam (68 pts)
Top Scorer :- Ari (AZ Alkmaar - 22 goals). Top Average Rating :- Ari (AZ Alkmaar - 7.71)

Italy.
Winners :- AS Roma (89 pts), Runner's-Up :- Fiorentina (76 pts)
Top Scorer :- Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria - 20 goals). Top Average Rating :- Walter Samuel (Inter Milan - 7.67)

Portugal.
Winners :- Benfica (74 pts), Runner's-Up :- Sporting Lisbon (71 pts)
Top Scorer :- Oscar Cardozo (Benfica - 18 goals). Top Average Rating :- Liedson (Sporting Lisbon - 7.81)

Russia.
Winners :- CSKA Moscow (71 pts), Runner's-Up :- Zenit St Petersburg (59 pts)

Spain.
Winners :- Real Madrid (88 pts), Runner's-Up :- Valencia (83 pts)
Top Scorer :- Vagner Love (Real Madrid - 26 goals). Top Average Rating :- Vagner Love (Real Madrid - 7.66)
------------

Rest of the World.
FIFA Club World Championship.
Winners :- Manchester United (ENG), Runner's-Up :- Etoile Sportive du Sahel (TUN) at Yokohama International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan

Copa Libertadores.
Winners :- Deportivo Toluca (MEX), Runner's-Up :- Estudiantes de la Plata (ARG)

Copa Sudamericana.
Winners :- Gremio (BRA), Runner's-Up :- Vasco da Gama (BRA)

Asian Champions League.
Winners :- Al-Ahli (KSA), Runner's-Up :- Gambo Osaka (JPN)

North American Champions League.
Winners :- Santos Laguna (MEX), Runner's-Up :- New England Revolution (USA)

OFC Champions League.
Winners :- Auckland City (NZL), Runner's-Up :- Nikao Sokattack (COK) at Hubert Murray Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Argentina.
Winners :- Boca Juniors, Runner's-Up :- River Plate

Australia.
Hyundai A-League Regular Season Winners :- Central Coast Mariners, Runner's-Up :- Wellington Phoenix
Hyundai A-League Grand Final Winners :- Central Coast Mariners, Runner's-Up :- Wellington Phoenix

Brazil.
Winners :- Sao Paulo, Runner's-Up :- Flamengo

United States of America.
Major League Soccer Regular Season Winners :- New England Revolution, Runner's-Up :- New York Red Bulls
Major League Soccer Final Winners :- Los Angeles Galaxy, Runner's-Up :- Columbus Crew.
-------------

International.
2008 Olympic Games Football Tournament. Hosts :- China.
Gold Medal :- Argentina, Silver Medal :- Brazil, Bronze Medal :- Italy
Top Scorers :- Giuseppe Rossi (Italy - 6 goals), Mario Balotelli (Italy - 6 goals), Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina - 5 goals)
Top Average Rating :- Jo (Brazil - 7.86), Marouane Felaini (Belgium - 7.78), Giuseppe Rossi (Italy (7.75)
-------------

Awards.
FIFA World Footballer of the Year.
1st :- Vagner Love (Real Madrid & Brazil), 2nd :- Wyne Rooney (Manchester United & England), 3rd :- Francesco Totti (AS Roma & Italy)

UEFA European Footballer of the Year.
1st :- Vagner Love (Real Madrid & Brazil), 2nd :- Francesco Totti (AS Roma & Italy), 3rd :- Wayne Rooney (Manchester United & England)

European Golden Boot.
1st :- Luca Toni (FC Bayern Munich), 2nd :- Vagner Love (Real Madrid), 3rd :- Michael Owen (Newcastle United)
-------------

Richest Clubs.
1st :- FC Barcelona (ESP). 2nd :- Real Madrid (ESP). 3rd :- Manchester United (ENG). 4th :- Arsenal (ENG). 5th :- Manchester City (ENG)

[neilhoskins77]

Wednesday 17th June 2009.
End of the football season? No, there is no such thing in the modern day game. Just 27 days after AC Milan lifted the trophy in the Final of the 2008/09 UEFA Europa League took place in Istanbul, then the 2009/10 version of the competition is underway. Northern Ireland have two entrants in the First Qualifying Round, with both given tricky ties. Glentoran head to Finland, and are beaten 3-0 in the First Leg by VPS, all but ending the tie as a contest. There is a very different outcome for Distillery though. A draw that pitted them up against Hungarian side Kaposvari Rakozci FC looked tough, but they won the First Leg 2-0 at home, giving them a good chance of progressing into the next round if they could avoid a heavy defeat in Hungary in the return.

Friday 19th June.
It's awards night at the Northern Irish FA, and here are the winners....

Northern Ireland Footballer of the Year :- Steven Davis (Rangers)
Northern Ireland League Player of the Year :- Paul Munster (Linfield)
Northern Ireland League Golden Boot :- Darren Armour (Distillery)
Northern Ireland Young Player of the Year :- Mark McAllister (Linfield)
Northern Ireland Manager of the Year :- David Jeffrey (Linfield)

Saturday 20th June.
After last night's awards night at for the Northern Irish FA, tonight see's Lurgan Celtic host the club's awards night. Gareth Murphy is named as the fan's selection for Player of the Year. The club's best eleven is also revealed....

Best Eleven :- Stephen Havern (31 apps, 6.87); Conor McAnallen (28 apps, 6.86), Marc Fegan (20 apps, 6.80), Darren Spence (28 apps, 6.82), Gareth Murphy (33 apps, 7.03); Tony Creaney (23 apps, 6.78), Niall Lavery (32 apps, 7.00); Michael Maguire (25 apps, 6.80), David Sinton (29 apps, 7.00); Raymond Fitzpatrick (30 apps, 6.90), Ryan Murphy (22 apps, 6.73).

Subs :- Martin McGuigan (2 apps, 6.00), Paul Burns (15 apps, 6.73), Michael Downey (24 apps, 6.79), Michael Hall (13 apps, 6.77), Ally Wilson (18 apps, 6.61), Chris Getty (7 apps, 6.57), Greg Hall (11 apps, 6.36).

The fixture list for the 2009/10 season has been released, and we'll play our opening two matches at home, against Dundela and Chimney Corner. We'll then play the first of one of the new clubs in the Division, with an away match against Tobermore United, who were relegated from the First Division last season. The League has been expanded from 12 clubs to 14 for this season, bringing with it the news that the top two will be promoted.

We're given £1,000 as our share of the Second Division TV Money. It would be great if we could get a couple of games given some kind of coverage to increase the clubs profile. The Board are once again looking for the club to achieve a respectable position in the top half of the table this season, and will provide a wage budget of £696 per week, with no transfer budget.

Six new youngsters have arrived at the club, with right winger Ciaran Gallagher rated the best of them by Tony Creaney. For me, centre midfielder Gary Carson looks like he could be one to watch. The lad already looks to have the attributes to be a natural leader. At the clubs AGM, it is announced that we lost £18,000 last season, which was 27% of our turnover. The accounts show that the biggest problem was wages, which cost the club over £65,000 over the course of the season. The club goes into the new season over £28,500 in debt.

-------------
Neil Hoskins.
31 years old. Welsh. Uncapped.
Reputation :- National. Contract :- Part Time, 4 years, £150 per week.
Previous Experience :- Sunday League Footballer.

Managerial Statistics.
Club/Player Loyalty :- 10. Domestic Players Bias :- 11. Financial Control :- 9.
Hands On Approach :- 9. Squad Discipline :- 11. Tactical Consistency :- 11.

Season Expectations :-
Achieve a respectable League position in Division Two (Finish in the top half).
Transfer Budget :- £0. Wage Budget :- £696 per week. Currently Spending :- £664 per week.

Managers Record :-
GP: 33. W: 17. D: 10. L: 6. GF: 53. GA: 25. GD: +28. Win Percentage : 51%.
League Titles: 0. Promotions : 0. Relegations : 0. Cup Wins: 1.
Days In Charge: 347. Total Career Earnings: £7,000

Honours :-
2008/09: Lurgan Celtic: Northern Ireland Intermediate Cup Winners
2008/09: Lurgan Celtic: Northern Ireland Second Division Runner's-Up
-------------

Wednesday 24th June.
And it had all been going so well for Distillery. With fifteen minutes left in the tie, they were a goal down in Hungary, and all was looking well as they held onto their aggregate advantage. Then they conceded two goals in four minutes, and lost 3-0, going out to Kaposvari Rakoczi on aggregate 3-2. It hadn't even started well for Glentoran, and it wasn't much better in Belfast against Finnish side VPS. Three down from the First Leg, they conceded one in each half at The Oval, and were sent out of the competition very comprehensively.

Thursday 25th June.
Four Pre-Season Friendly matches have been arranged for us. All are away from home, and they are against varying levels of opponents, with the toughest match being against First Division side, Ballinamallard United. The three others are against non- League sides.

Tuesday 30th June.
Chris Getty's loan spell with us has finished, and the centre back returns to Ballymena United. As it stands, I have no plans to make a move to bring Getty back on a permanent or new loan deal.

[CFuller]

On 20/04/2017 at 18:54, neilhoskins77 said:

Barclays Premier League.
Champions :- Manchester United (77 pts), Runner's-Up :- Liverpool (76 pts)
Best of the Rest :- Chelsea (74 pts), Arsenal (73 pts)

Now there's a surprise. 

But Vagner Love joining Real Madrid and winning World Player of the Year! I did not see that coming! 

I didn't realise the Northern Irish Second Division had such a short season games-wise. So many cup matches, though. You did very well to finish 2nd and win a cup last season, but I suspect things will be rather more difficult for you this time around.

[neilhoskins77]

16 minutes ago, CFuller said:

Now there's a surprise. 

But Vagner Love joining Real Madrid and winning World Player of the Year! I did not see that coming! 

I didn't realise the Northern Irish Second Division had such a short season games-wise. So many cup matches, though. You did very well to finish 2nd and win a cup last season, but I suspect things will be rather more difficult for you this time around.

I don't think many people would have picked out that top three as the best players in the World, perhaps aided by Barcelona having a shocker of a season by their standards.

Getting a Cup was great for us last season, but we really missed out on a chance to go up with draws and losses at key stages of the season. The League has increased to fourteen teams this season, so we'll play a few extra games. Wakehurst won't be around, but there are four clubs that have come down from the First Division. I've tried to strengthen the squad, as you'll read about in the days to come, and there are two promotion spots this season. I think I would describe the ambition level as cautiously optimistic at this stage.

[neilhoskins77]

Wednesday 1st July.
Four out, and one in. As contracts expire, players start to make the move to their new club. Kieran McKerr, Martin McGuigan, Colm Rooney and Ally Wilson all leave Knockramer Park and move to the clubs that they had already agreed deals with. Making the move back to Lurgan is 28 year old striker Stephen Magennis. As a result, we're now around £65 per week under budget and I can look to strengthen the squad.

Glenn Ferguson is now 39 years old, and is Linfield's all time record goalscorer. A few months ago, Ferguson rejected our contract offer, and announced his intention to sign for non-League club Kilmore Rec. Now, he has had a change of heart. After persuading Rec to void the contract, Ferguson will move to Knockramer Park after all. At the tail end of his career, the legs are not what they were, but this guy is a born goalscorer, and at this level, he could prove a very good bit of business.

An audacious attempt to secure the signature of four times Finland capped defender, Ville Vaisanen, was always likely to be doomed to failiure. He asked for £120 a week, I offered him £70. He came back to us asking for £550 a week, plus £100 a match. Our weekly wage budget for the entire playing staff is less than £700. That deal is most certainly dead in the water. But we have plenty of other possibilities bubbling under the surface. I don't think we're too far away from being a very competitive side in this Division in the new season.

Thursday 2nd July.
A busy day, with a lot of players we have been keeping an eye on failing to agree deals with their clubs, and either leaving, or remaining where they are on month to month contracts. We have tabled offers to several players as we continue to try and bolster our squad options ahead of the new season. A couple of the players we have been keeping tabs on would be fabulous signings for a club such as ours.

After watching the 'wee country' have a miserable time in the UEFA Europe League First Qualifying Round, it's the turn of Cliftonville to enter the tournament in the Second Qualifying session. They were certainly not blessed with a kind draw, as they take on Swedish side, Djurgardens IF. They travel for the First Leg, and are easily beaten 4-0. The Second Leg will be a money making exercise at best, and it won't be prize money.

Friday 3rd July.
There is a new arrival at the club. 30 year old left sided player Jay Stein has 325 Senior appearances to his name, but the Scot didn't manage a single appearance last season for Cowdenbeath in the Scottish Third Division. A left footer, and a dead ball expert, he can play anywhere down the left side of the park, and is a very good crosser. His versatility means he will be able to provide competition and cover for both Gareth Murphy and David Sinton. The fans are delighted to see a player who has so much experience at a higher level join the club, Stein has played a large part of his career with Raith Rovers in the Scottish First Division.

Sunday 5th July.
The weekend see's another new face to the Knockramer Park playing staff, and we'll be struggling to land a better player during this summer's Transfer Window. Another left footer, 25 year old Andy Hamilton has just raised the bar required to play in our midfield. A playmaker of some note, and also pretty handy from dead ball situations himself, he is also fiercely determined, and has no problem with getting stuck into a tackle. He broke into the Premier Division sides of Portadown, Glenavon and Dungannon before reaching the age of 21. He spent last season as a bit part player with Loughgall in the First Division, where he broke the 100 appearance mark for his career.

Monday 6th July.
Hearing the news that as many as half a dozen clubs were potentially interested in paying a fee to acquire striker Ryan Murphy, I offer the services of the striker around. To say he is angry would be a gross understatement, and Murphy is quick to tell the press that he is now convinced I'm trying to force him out of the club, and he now has to consider his options, and whether he is prepared to continue playing for the club.

Thursday 9th July.
Cliftonville faced Djurgardens IF of Sweden in the return Second Leg tonight. They managed to keep the score down to 3-0 this time, but a 7-0 aggregate scoreline shows how ill equipped they were to deal with a European football against a side from a much better League.

With Martin McGuigan having moved to England, we needed to bring in another keeper to backup, and provide competition for Stephen Havern. I hit the loan lists, and made an offer for Cliftonville's nineteen year old keeper, Paul Fisher. He hasn't played any Senior football as yet, but I would say he looks to be on a par with McGuigan, if not a bit better. Combine that with the fact that we wouldn't be paying anything towards his wages, and it would be a decent signing if the club accept the offer, and the player fancies the change of scenery.

Sunday 12th July.
Paul Fisher tells us that he is very much up for the challenge of moving to Knockramer Park for the season. And he isn't just content to sit on the bench either, stating that he fully intends on challenging Stephen Havern for the starting spot in the side.

Wednesday 15th July.
Linfield step into European action as they take part in the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League. They are drawn against Inter. Not the reigning Champions and Italian heavyweights, but FC Inter Turku of Finland. The only representative of Northern Ireland travel in the First Leg, and put in a decent performance, but lose 1-0. That result does give them hope of turning the tie around in the Second Leg though. It would be a much needed boost for club football in the country, as we have dropped to 48th in Europe in the UEFA Coefficients, falling below Faroe Islands, and only just ahead of Luxembourg.

Thursday 16th July.
An attempt to bring in Queens University centre midfielder, Conor Mulholland, has failed. The 20 year old has instead decided to remain at Newforge Lane by accepting a one year contract that has more than doubled his wages. Clearly, QUB feel that he is a player they need to keep hold of to match their own ambitions for the coming season.

Wednesday 22nd July.
Hopes are high for Linfield when they take on FC Inter Turku at Windsor Park in the Second Leg of their UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round tie. Those hopes were largely quashed when Touko Tumanto scored a crucial away goal midway through the first half. There was some restoration of the hope for the majority of the near 8,500 crowd when Guilliano Grot was sent off early in the second half. But Linfield could not capitalise, and once more, Northern Irish interest in European football is over before the month of July is complete.

Friday 24th July.
In fact, the nations clubs had seen their European campaigns finish before we even got our Pre-Season schedule underway, though only by about 48 hours. Last season we had beaten Ards Rangers 3-0 when we faced them in a warm up match, this time they would be our first opponents.

Pre-Season Friendly
Drome Park, Newtonards
Ards Rangers v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 81. Weather :- Breezy, 7c.

Our starting lineup was that which was probably our strongest from last season, but with two changes. Andy Hamilton would take one of the centre midfield berths, lining up alongside Niall Lavery, while up front, Stephen Magennis would be the strike partner of Raymond Fitzpatrick. There was also a welcome return for Marc Fegan following his season ending broken leg injury. With a bench that was full to bursting point as well, I would be making plenty of changes in the second half.

It was a bright and very encouraging start for us, and in the 14th minute, after collecting a pass down the touchline from Gareth Murphy, it was David Sinton who set off on one of his trademark mazy runs across the park. The winger actually ended up on the opposite wing, as he made it as far as the far corner of the box, before sliding a pass to Andy Hamilton. He stood a cross up towards the penalty spot, where Stephen Magennis chested the ball down, but it got away from him a bit, and his attempt to recover it led to an over exuberant challenge that led to him receiving a booking. In the 20th minute, a play from the back was started by Marc Fegan, who slid a pass down the middle to Magennis. The striker sent Michael Maguire into space in the right channel, and he cut the ball back. Niall Lavery ran onto it, then sent a short square pass to Sinton, the wingers effort striking the outside of the post on it's way wide. A rare foray forward for Rangers saw Mark Nicell curl a free kick off the target, before Magennis tried a shot from fifteen yards out after evading a challenge, but that one was blocked by a defender. Raymond Fitzpatrick would have our final chance of the half, but Scott Nixon managed to push that one away. The fact that we were in control was not up for debate, but the failiure to score was a little disappointing.

I didn't make any changes at the break, wanting to give the players who started the game a bit more time to get amongst the goals and reaffirm their domination with some kind of reward. It wouldn't take too long. Within four minutes of the restart, Conor McAnallen gave a short throw to Magennis, and the striker turned an opposition player, and then curled a cross into the box, where Fitzpatrick got goal side of a defender, and side footed his finish past Nixon to put us ahead. Patrick Kennedy sent a shot over the bar as a game Rangers side tried to come back at us. But when Rangers tried to attack once more, we took the ball from them easily and created a passing move that involved almost every player, and ended with Fitzpatrick holding the ball up, and then rolling it into Magennis' path, and he let fly with a right foot effort from 20 yards out that Nixon didn't even see until it had whistled by him and found a home high into the net. Happy with what I had seen since the restart, eleven players lined up on the touchline, and I switched the entire side around just after the hour, asking those coming on to finish the job. They didn't need too long to leave their mark either. Michael Downey linked well with Michael Hall on the right, and the full back got to the byline and cut the ball back to the near post. Glenn Ferguson was too strong for his defender, preventing him from getting in front of him, and the 40 year old goal machine drilled his shot low and inside the near post. We weren't quite done yet either, as Scottish winger Jay Stein put up his hand to be our left footed set piece go to guy, taking a free kick just to the right of the 'D', and curling it around the wall and into the top corner, leaving sub keeper Michael McQuade stranded. For a first outing of the season, I couldn't have asked for too much more.

Ards Rangers (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (0) 4 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (49), Stephen Magennis (57), Glenn Ferguson (72), Jay Stein (83)
Stephen Havern (Paul Fisher 62); Conor McAnallen (Michael Hall 62), Marc Fegan (capt - Paul Burns 62), Darren Spence (Nigel Rees 62), Gareth Murphy (Jay Stein 62); Niall Lavery (Stephen Thomas 62), Andy Hamilton (Aidan Sweeney 62); Michael Maguire (Michael Downey 62), David Sinton (Kieran Jardine 62); Raymond Fitzpatrick (Ryan Murphy 62), Stephen Magennis (Glenn Ferguson 62).
Unused Substitutes :- Colm Rooney.
Booked :- Stephen Magennis 14.
Possession :- 42% - 58%. Man of the Match :- Jay Stein (Lurgan Celtic).

We'll face a much sterner test next time out, when we play our biggest Friendly of the Pre-Season fixtures on Monday night, travelling to face Ballinamallard United, who finished in a safe mid table place in the First Division last season. It was starting to look very much like Ryan Murphy might be on his way out of Lurgan before we even made it to that match.

[neilhoskins77]

Saturday 25th July 2009.
Thirty three clubs offered to take Ryan Murphy on a Free Transfer. I accepted all but three of those offers, deciding not to let him join another Northern Irish side, even if they weren't in our Division. The striker took next to no time to make his decision, refusing offers from England from clubs such as AFC Wimbledon and Rushden & Diamonds, and instead making the move to Wales, where he would join Port Talbot Town. The side who finished third in last season's Welsh Premier League have already been knocked out of Europe, falling in the opening Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League to NK Maribor of Slovenia by an aggregate scoreline of 1-4.

Sunday 26th July.
A trial game has been organised for some of Northern Ireland's current free agent players. After going through the list of players who would take part, I gave Tony Creaney a shortlist of the players I wanted to have checked out, but the only one that I was seriously interested in at this point was 21 year old utility defender, Jay Magee, who made 10 appearances last season in the Premier Division for Glenavon, after previously breaking into the First Team of Ards. Our loan offer for 17 year old centre back Trevor Corbett has been rejected by Lisburn Distillery, who tell us that the teenager may yet be involved with the First Team.

Monday 27th July.

Pre-Season Friendly
Ferney Park, Ballinamallard
Ballinamallard United v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 62. Weather :- Dry, 14c.

This will be our marquee match of the pre season, as we travel to face the only side further up the pyramid than ourselves in the schedule before the real action begins. United finished tenth in the second tier of the Northern Irish structure last season. There is one change only to the matchday squad from the last time out, with Ryan Murphy's departure from the club, there's a spot for Greg Hall on the substitutes bench.

Grant Hutchinson curled a long range shot over the bar, though the build up to the effort was more notable, as it had seen Andy Hamilton sustain a gashed leg, and the midfielder was forced off with less than five minutes on the clock, replaced by Aidan Sweeney. We then had a pretty dominant spell, where we won six corners in just over ten minutes, David Sinton coming closest in the efforts that led to corners, as he glided past three defenders, before watching Adrian McGuigan turn his shot around the near post, while Stephen Magennis came closest from the corners themselves, connecting with a near post header that he actually got a bit too much on, a glancing header would have sent the effort across the face of goal and probably beaten McGuigan. We had certainly had the best of the first half, and if it had been a competitive match, we would have been disappointed that half time intervened. We had one more chance before the break, Raymond Fitzpatrick letting fly from the edge of the box, his shot beating McGuigan's dive but it was just the wrong side of the post as far as we were concerned.

So after a first half where we could have scored several time, the law of sods stated that we would quickly fall behind in the second half, with just 44 seconds played since the restart. Robert McAuley and newly introduced Jason Gillespie exchanged passes, with the latter playing a cross towards Paul Baron. He couldn't quite get the touch he was hoping for, but another sub, John Rice, arrived to fire home from ten yards out. It was a real kick in the teeth, and the players were maybe guilty of letting their heads drop a bit. With 63 minutes on the clock, I made a full team substitution, bringing on eleven fresh players. Kieran Jardine in particular was keen to impress, and the young left winger made a superb run down the left that took him past a trio of defenders, before he lifted in a cross that Michael Downey tried to volley goalwards. His attempt was blocked behind, but Jay Stein sent in a deep inswinging corner, and the curl of the ball evaded everyone, and the ball found it's way into the net near the far post without being touched. That goal really lit a fire under us, and we could have been in front just ninety seconds later, Downey making a lung busting run down the right, and his cross picked out Greg Hall, who was unlucky enough to see his downward header bounce back off the inside of the upright. We would have a late chance to win this one as well, Downey again causing problems on the right, and this time his cross found Colm Rooney, who kept his shot low, but young keeper Pat Treanor had a good view of it and pushed it away.

Ballinamallard United (0) 1 - John Rice (46)
Lurgan Celtic (0) 1 - Jay Stein (79)
Stephen Havern (Paul Fisher 63); Conor McAnallen (Michael Hall 63), Marc Fegan (capt - Paul Burns 63), Darren Spence (Nigel Rees 63), Gareth Murphy (Jay Stein 63); Niall Lavery (Colm Rooney 63), Andy Hamilton (inj - Aidan Sweeney 5 (Stephen Thomas 63)); Michael Maguire (Michael Downey 63), David Sinton (Kieran Jardine 63); Raymond Fitzpatrick (Greg Hall 63), Stephen Magennis (Glenn Ferguson 63).
Unused Substitutes :- None.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 39% - 61%. Man of the Match :- Jay Stein (Lurgan Celtic).

The press called Jay Stein's equaliser a 'fluke', which infuriated the Scottish left footer. He insisted he had swung it in on that trajectory on purpose, knowing that if no one got a touch on it, then the ball would find the net. I don't know one of my newer players very well as yet, but I do know that so far this pre season he has found the net directly from a free kick and a corner kick, and if he can keep doing that, I don't care how his goals are described. He'll have a bit less competition to take the set pieces for the next few weeks as well, as Andy Hamilton will miss up to three weeks with his leg injury. That means he will be doubtful for our season opener.

Wednesday 29th July.
The Northern Ireland Trialists match ends in a 2-2 draw. Tony Creaney has quickly drawn up some report cards from the players he felt were worth taking a look at, though centre back Jay Magee was still the only one that I was seriously interested in. He played just over an hour, and gave a decent account of himself, but I don't have enough money in the wage budget to make a worthwhile offer to him. The clubs ever more concerning financial plight has meant that this season, the Board have no intention of allowing my spending to break the agreed budget, even by a couple of quid.

Friday 31st July.
As we prepare for our third and penultimate match of pre season, Sky Bet release the odds for the Second Division Title ahead of the new season. I'm quite surprised to find that we're the Even money favourites to win the Title this season, and secure the promotion we missed out on last season. They believe that the new additions to our squad mean we will see off our challengers, who they expect will mostly be the clubs who were relegated from the First Division last season....

Evens (fav) - Lurgan Celtic
5/2 - Coagh United, H&W Welders
3/1 - Glebe Rangers
5/1 - Killymoon Rangers, Tobermore United

[neilhoskins77]

Saturday 1st August 2009.
Our pre season match against Barn United had been pushed back from the original Friday evening date, and was now being played on Saturday afternoon instead. The amateur non-League side from Carrickfergus are hoping to prepare for their own season by causing us some problems at their own ground, and take our good start to the pre season down a couple of pegs in the process.

Pre-Season Friendly
Haslett Park, Carrickfergus
Barn United v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 77. Weather :- Breezy, 28c.

Andy Hamilton's injury means that a change is needed. Aidan Sweeney takes his place in the starting eleven, while Tony Creaney comes into the matchday squad for the first time during this pre season, the Player/Assistant Manager was still hoping to earn some playing time this season, and will need to seize the limited chances he is likely to get. Barn United have just seven substitutes available to them, while we have twelve on the bench once again today.

The game was only five minutes old when Raymond Fitzpatrick managed to dance past a few defenders on the edge of the box, and then square a pass to Aidan Sweeney, the midfielder arriving with impeccable timing, but his low driven shot was saved by the legs of Liam Baxter. It wasn't too long before we were attacking again though, and in the 12th minute, Michael Maguire floated a corner kick towards the penalty spot, and David Sinton connected with a header that he managed to guide through the crowd and into the net to open the scoring. We looked in the mood, and five minutes later, Marc Fegan played a long ball down the right touchline. He found Maguire, who sped past a defender, and delivered a deep cross that Sinton controlled. The winger had to come back inside and across goal, but that meant the ball was on his favoured right foot, and after beating a defender, he struck a vicious rising that shot that Baxter didn't even see as it flew by him to make it 2-0. In the 25th minute, we were using the left wing, Gareth Murphy sending the ball forward this time, and Fitzpatrick chased it down into the left channel. He sent it across the box, where Sweeney once again timed his arrival well, this time his shot was too high though, clearing the angle of post and bar by a few feet. We weren't quite done for the half though, and Conor McAnallen battled well on the right before eventually managing to pick a pass to Sweeney. He sent it right to the feet of Sinton on the edge of the box, who moved it from his left foot to the right, then dropped a shoulder, sped past a tackle, and picked his spot in the far corner to complete a wonderful first half hatrick.

Kieran Jardine was going to need to have quite a second half if he had aspirations of taking the starting berth on the left from Sinton when the competitive action gets underway next weekend. He was just one of eleven changes that were made at the break, as an entirely different side lined up for the second half. One player who was certainly pushing his case for a starting place was our veteran striker Glenn Ferguson. When Paul Fisher sent a long goal kick up the park, Greg Hall flicked it on, and newly brought on defender Paul McCann made a real mess of dealing with it. Ferguson was onto him in a flash, taking the ball off his toe, cutting back inside the defender, and then striking a low shot past the sub keeper Kevin Foster, and just inside the near post. With four on the board, the chances seemed to come a little less frequently, Tony Creaney firing a free kick just over the top, Michael Downey's header from a Greg Hall cross clipping the top of the bar on it's way over. Creaney's first chance to show that he could still contribute to the First Team came to an abrupt halt within half an hour, as he was forced off with an injury. We had hardly given United a kick all afternoon, but as the clock struck ninety, Nigel Rees gave Jonathan Hill one, right around his shins. Our young centre back was over enthusiastic with his tackle as Hill got into the box after chasing down Mark Johnston's long clearance up the park, and the ref pointed to the spot. Rees damaged himself making that tackle, but not enough to prevent him from chasing down the ref, protesting almost as enthusiastically as the tackle itself had been. Fisher went the right way when the kick was eventually taken, but Scott Irvine's effort was high, and out of his reach. It was a slightly disappointing way to finish what had otherwise been a high quality outing.

Barn United (0) 1 - Scott Irvine (90+1 pen)
Lurgan Celtic (3) 4 - David Sinton (12,17,39), Glenn Ferguson (58)
Stephen Havern (Paul Butler 45); Conor McAnallen (Michael Hall 45), Marc Fegan (capt - Paul Burns 45), Darren Spence (Nigel Rees 45), Gareth Murphy (Jay Stein 45); Niall Lavery (Colm Rooney 45), Aidan Sweeney (Tony Creaney 45 (inj - Stephen Thomas 74)); Michael Maguire (Michael Downey 45), David Sinton (Kieran Jardine 45); Raymond Fitzpatrick (Greg Hall 45), Stephen Magennis (Glenn Ferguson 45).
Unused Substitutes :- None.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 40% - 60%. Man of the Match :- David Sinton (Lurgan Celtic).

It wasn't a very big attendance to start with, and there were more players sat on the sideline than there were fans behind the barriers by the time Scott Irvine fired home that consolation penalty in injury time. In fact, a fair amount had made their leave at half time following David Sinton's superb first half cameo. If the winger can carry that kind of form into the season, then maybe we will prove deserving favourites for the Title this season. Tony Creaney won't be available when the real action starts, the midfielder has damaged his heel while jumping for the ball in that match, and will miss around two weeks.

The Board are currently satisfied with how things are going, and Aidan Sweeney has been singled out as a signing that they are particularly happy with. The club lost nearly £3,000 in the month of July though, and we're now more than £30,000 in the red. It's getting to the point where the Board are going to start taking some action, of that I'm quite sure.

Sunday 2nd August.
Our offer to loan veteran centre back, and once capped for Northern Ireland player, John Devine, has been rejected by Finn Harps. The club from south of the border want us to cover the lions share of his £90 per week wage, where we are offering to pay no money whatsoever. In fact, it looks more likely that one of our players will be moving south instead, as Irish First Division club Sligo Rovers have offered to take Greg Hall on a Free Transfer. With three capable strikers in front of Hall in the queue, I decide to take the opportunity to move his £25 a week wages off the bill, and accept the offer. The decision now lies with the player.

Monday 3rd August.
It's time to decide who will be the Captain for the 2009/10 season. I saw no reason at all to take the armband away from Marc Fegan, and he continues in his role. There is a change in the Vice-Captain role though. During the course of last season, Michael Downey was ousted from his regular starting place by Michael Maguire, and now Gareth Murphy has done the same with his deputy Captain role.

[neilhoskins77]

Wednesday 5th August 2009.
Greg Hall is going to leave the club, but not until January. The forward, he has yet to score for the club since arriving almost exactly a year ago, has accepted the contract offer from Sligo Rovers, declaring himself delighted to be joining such a reputable club. Another of our players decided his future today as well, as teenage centre half Nigel Rees signed a two year deal, declaring his love for the club as the main reason.

Pre-Season Friendly
Bog Road, Lisburn
Lower Maze v Lurgan Celtic
Attendance :- 91. Weather :- Dry, 14c.

It certainly wasn't ideal to be playing a Friendly just a matter of days before our League campaign got underway as far as I was concerned, but with only three matches under our belts, I really couldn't afford to cancel this one. 17 year old centre midfielder, Ashley McKeown, is called up into the First Team squad for the first time today, as he replaces the injured Tony Creaney in the travelling party in the only change from last time out.

Both sides hit the frame of the goal inside the opening ten minutes, the hosts going close first of all, Peter Salt's effort from range hitting the top of the bar on it's way over. Moments later, Raymond Fitzpatrick collected Aidan Sweeney's pass to his feet, moved the ball away from a defender, and struck a shot from the edge of the box that Martin Arkinson wasn't getting close to, but it hit the bar square on and bounced back into the waiting hands of the grateful keeper. The next chance would fall to the lesser known attacking skills of Darren Spence, the striker still in an advanced position after a corner, but his thunderous effort was bravely blocked by a defender, who took a moment or two to manage standing up again. As the half wore on, we started to assert ourselves more and more, and the chances started to pile up. Arkinson had to make a smart save at his near post from Conor McAnallen, who had decided to go right up into the penalty box with little do when it came to defence. Marc Fegan hooked a shot over the bar, Fitzpatrick buried a low shot into the side netting. Sweeney missed the target with an effort from 20 yards out, and it looked like we would be frustrated in the first half, until Sweeney swung the ball wide to Michael Maguire, and the winger picked out Fitzpatrick at the far post, and the striker drilled his low shot into the bottom corner on the stroke of half time.

With a League game to be played on Saturday, I made a full eleven player switch at half time. Michael Downey tried to emulate Jay Stein early in the half, his inswinging corner clattering back off the bar though, and Stein gave him a wink to let him know he needs to do better than that. When he had another go on the hour, Paul Burns was at the far post, and headed back across goal, but there was no one on hand to apply the finish. When Lower Maze threatened to cause us a problem in the 70th minute, Eric McCleery wasted a golden chance, firing into the side netting when Paul Fisher was struggling to get back across his goalmouth and into position. Conor McNeill did almost exactly the same thing from the other side of the penalty box less than five minutes later. We would make our hosts pay for their wastefulness with just five minutes remaining. Downey had already had a close range low effort turned around the post by Aaron McDowell moments earlier, and when Kieran Jardine picked him out with a cross, McDowell got hands to this effort too, but it was struck too powerfully for the young keeper to prevent it from going past him and rolling into the net. Job done, the performance more convincing than the scoreline.

Lower Maze (0) 0
Lurgan Celtic (1) 2 - Raymond Fitzpatrick (45), Michael Downey (85)
Stephen Havern (Paul Fisher 45); Conor McAnallen (Michael Hall 45), Marc Fegan (capt - Paul Burns 45), Darren Spence (Nigel Rees 45), Gareth Murphy (Jay Stein 45); Niall Lavery (Ashley McKeown 45), Aidan Sweeney (Stephen Thomas 45); Michael Maguire (Michael Downey 45), David Sinton (Kieran Jardine 45); Raymond Fitzpatrick (Greg Hall 45), Stephen Magennis (Glenn Ferguson 45).
Unused Substitutes :- Colm Rooney.
Booked :- None.
Possession :- 38% - 62%. Man of the Match :- Michael Downey (Lurgan Celtic).

No fresh injuries in that match was perhaps the best result, and we're now ready to move into the new domestic season on Saturday afternoon, starting with a home match against Dundela at Knockramer Park. I was optimistic we would be able to get the 2009/10 campaign off to a good start.

[neilhoskins77]

Lurgan Celtic 2009/10 Squad Pen Pictures.
*Career Appearance & Goals stats are for League matches only*

--------------
Goalkeepers :-

Stephen Havern. 31 years old. Northern Irish. 6'1. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £55 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 21. Career Club Goals :- 0.
The clubs undisputed number one keeper at the moment, he had some good games for us last season.

Paul Fisher. 19 years old. Northern Irish. 6'1. Uncapped.
On season long loan from Cliftonville.
Career Club Appearances :- 0. Career Club Goals :- 0.
On loan to us for the season, will likely be relying on Cup matches for First Team football unless Havern gets injured.

--------------
Defenders :-

Conor McAnallen. 23 years old. Northern Irish. 5'10. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £65 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 47. Career Club Goals :- 0.
The former Leicester City youngster is still regarded as one of our most valuable players. Solid and dependable anywhere in the back four.

Darren Spence. 30 years old. Northern Irish. 5'10. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 19. Career Club Goals :- 0.
A mainstay of the side since arriving nearly a year ago. Easy to forget that he is reasonably short for a centre back.

Marc Fegan. 23 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £30 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 12. Career Club Goals :- 2.
The Club Captain has recovered from his season ending broken leg, and will be keen to lift more silverware again this season.

Paul Burns. 29 years old. Northern Irish. 6'2. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £30 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 12. Career Club Goals :- 1.
The jury is out on Burns, and I would be more comfortable with another centre half I could rely on as a backup. Financial contrainsts are preventing that right now.

Michael Hall. 22 years old. Northern Irish. 5'7. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £30 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 10. Career Club Goals :- 0.
Useful to have around as a utility player, but needs to improve his concentration to be relied upon as a regular starter.

Gareth Murphy. 32 years old. Northern Irish. 5'3. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £30 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 22. Career Club Goals :- 3.
Last year's Player of the Year, the diminutive left back is reliable, and could play further up the park, which may come in useful with Jay Stein pushing hard for a starting place.

Jay Stein. 30 years old. Scottish. 5'8. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £40 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 325. Career Club Goals :- 38.
Pre season outings may suggest that the new signing and dead ball specialist may be an absolute steal on a Free Transfer from Cowdenbeath. This is his first club job outside of Scotland.
--------------

Midfielders/Wingers :-

Aidan Sweeney. 22 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 23. Career Club Goals :- 1.
Cultured playmaker and another dead ball specialist, joined us in January and has successfully moved Tony Creaney out of the side regularly since then.

Andy Hamilton. 25 years old. Northern Irish. 5'10. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £50 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 101. Career Club Goals :- 2.
Another Free Transfer signing, Hamilton has played most of his career in the top tier of domestic football. Will be hard to shift out of the side once he gets in you feel, but has missed most of pre season through injury.

Colm Rooney. 21 years old. Northern Irish. 5'11. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 9. Career Club Goals :- 0.
An enthusiatic and well liked midfielder, but lacks the technical skills to oust any of the more skillful midfielders from the side on a regular basis.

Niall Lavery. 20 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £35 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 21. Career Club Goals :- 2.
Combative young midfielder who achieved cult hero status last season with the winning goal in the Cup Final. Anyone looking to take his starting place had better be prepared to battle hard for it.

Stephen Thomas. 30 years old. Welsh. 5'10. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 149. Career Club Goals :- 8.
Has played most of his career in England's Football League, and arrived late last season after being a Free Agent. Might find Hamilton's arrival impacts on his opportunities this season though.

Tony Creaney. 37 years old. Northern Irish. 6'0. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 16. Career Club Goals :- 2.
Player/Assistant Manager, the 'old stager' took a pay cut to keep his place in the squad. Still technically gifted, but his legs are not what they were, and I don't see him playing much competitive football for us this season.

Michael Downey. 24 years old. Northern Irish. 6'0. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £35 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 21. Career Club Goals :- 1.
Would walk into most teams in this League, and be their best player. But here, he has to compete with Michael Maguire for game time. On his day, a superb crosser of the ball.

Michael Maguire. 32 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £25 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 17. Career Club Goals :- 1.
Against the odds, he ousted Downey from the team in the second half of last season, and created seven goals in the League. The Player/Coach might struggle to repeat that form this season.

David Sinton. 23 years old. Northern Irish. 5'11. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 19. Career Club Goals :- 2.
Was superb and frustrating in equal measures last season, but the emergence of Kieran Jardine appears to have given him a kick in the backside in pre season.
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Strikers :-

Greg Hall. 21 years old. Northern Irish. 6'3. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £25 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 10. Career Club Goals :- 0.
Yet to find the net since arriving, though he has never managed a run of games in the team. He'll leave the club in the new year to join Sligo Rovers in the Republic of Ireland.

Stephen Magennis. 28 years old. Northern Irish. 5'8. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 2 year contract. £35 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 49. Career Club Goals :- 11.
The return of the one that got away. Back at the club where he started his career, the fans will finally get to see him in the First Team, and hope that he can live up to the hype there was surrounding him as a youngster at the club.

Glenn Ferguson. 40 years old. Northern Irish. 5'11. 5 caps/0 goals.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £20 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 460. Career Club Goals :- 242.
A former International, and Linfield's all time top scorer. Signed on a Free Transfer, he has a career record of better than a goal every other game. Ignore the fact that he is now 40, Ferguson can still play, especially at our level.

Raymond Fitzpatrick. 26 years old. Northern Irish. 5'8. Uncapped.
Semi Pro. 1 year contract. £45 per week.
Career Club Appearances :- 39. Career Club Goals :- 11.
Eventually took on the mantle of the striker we relied upon to find the net last season, and he did the job well. Hopefully, he can push on still further this season.
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Notable Fringe & Young Players :-

Dennis Simpson. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Right Back.
Nigel Hagan. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Left Back.
Nigel Rees. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 6'3. Centre Back.
Gary Fay. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 5'8. Right Winger.
Kieran Jardine. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Left Winger.
Ashley McKeown. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 5'9. Centre Midfielder.
Gary Carson. 16 years old. Northern Irish. 6'0. Centre Midfielder.
Johnny Maguire. 17 years old. Northern Irish. 5'10. Striker.

Staff :-
Maurice McEvoy. Club Chairman.
Pat McGibbon. Club Director.
Neil Hoskins. First Team Manager. 31 years old. Welsh.
Tony Creaney. Player/Assistant Manager. 37 years old. Northern Irish.
Michael Maguire. Player/First Team Coach. 32 years old. Northern Irish.
Dwyer Henderson. Physiotherapist. 43 years old. Northern Irish.
Paul Davidson. Chief Scout. 39 years old. Scottish.
Chris Butler. Scout. 39 years old. English.
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