McLaughlin tips Blues to challenge for title as Stute head for Windsor
INSTITUTE manager Paddy McLaughlin says his boys will relish the big stage in their showdown with Linfield at Windsor Park tonight, but he won’t be too despondent if they taste defeat.
An away win would catapult Institute to the summit of the Danske Bank Premiership and represent a dream start to life in the top flight, but their feet will remain firmly on the ground.
Stute got up and running with a 1-0 win over fellow promoted side Newry at the Brandywell last weekend but a revitalised Blues team, keen to record their first league win of the season at Windsor, are a different proposition.
Linfield recorded a 1-0 opening day victory at Glenavon and after their trophy cabinet remained unlocked last season, David Healy and his men are expected to put up more of a fight this campaign.
McLaughlin believes the Blues will be in the hunt for the Gibson Cup come the business end of a season in which consolidation is the key word for his own troops.
“There’s no doubt Linfield will challenge for the title,” said the Stute chief. “When you look at the squad David has assembled and factor in his knowledge and experienceyouwouldexpectthe Blues to be more like themselves this season.
“They are probably the biggest club in the country and while there’s big expectations on them they have a team more than capable of winning the league or, at the very least, challenging for the title. They are going to be one of the top teams.”
Michael McCrudden’s well-taken 19th-minute goal rocked NewryCityattheBrandywellbutit was his side’s defensive performance that impressed McLaughlin.
“We know ourselves it’s going to be tough,” he added. “When you step up into a higher league everything gets tougher. We worked hard in pre-season because it’s a massive season for the club. Keeping a clean sheet was a big plus for us. We scored a fantastic goal which was nice but we defended very well. You don’t want to depend on last ditch tackles and headers every week.
“It’s important to get points on the board. It lifts the mood because we all know the challenges ahead. Had we not won the opening game there would be a bit more pressure on us to get that first win but the players’ attitude was excellent. It’s won- derful for the club to be playing in this type of fixture.
“Our opponents last season were very different so preparing to take on one of the biggest clubs in Ireland at the National Stadium is very exciting for the players. It shows how far the club has come. From almost going out of business to playing against Linfield, it’s a fantastic achievement for the club.”
“If we win the odds will be slashed for us to win the league,” he joked. “But, seriously, if we win the game it would be one of the biggest scalps many of our players will enjoy in their careers. We are realistic in what we need to do. Any points taken off the top sides are a bonus for us.”
Holders Dungannon Swifts will begin their League Cup defence at home to Limavady United in the second round. BetMcLean League Cup second round draw: Cliftonville v Lisburn Distillery, Tobermore United v Portadown, Dungannon Swifts v Limavady Utd, Carrick Rangers v Sport & Leisure Swifts, Institute v Loughgall, Larne v Glentoran, Coleraine v Ballyclare Comrades, Newry City v Knockbreda, Glenavon v Dergview, H&W Welders v Portstewart, Annagh United v Warrenpoint Town, Ards v Newington YC, PSNI v Crusaders, Linfield v Moyola Park, Ballymena United v Dollingstown. All ties will be played on Tuesday, August 28.
• LINFIELD Ladies will take on Ajax at Seaview today (2pm) in their latest Uefa Women’s Champions League Group 1 test. The Blues lost 2-0 to Icelandic side Thor KA in their first game. Big stage:
Paddy McLaughlin
is looking forward to the Windsor Park
experience DUNGANNON Swifts midfielder Corey McMullan is determined to make the most of a second shot at top-flight football this season.
The 22-year-old joined Glentoran last year after playing for Championship side Ballyclare Comrades.
After an encouraging start, he lost his place in the team, and swapped The Oval for Stangmore Park in the summer.
But McMullan believes he has what it takes to be successful at this level.
“I started last season well and played regularly for Glentoran, but for one reason or another the form dipped for me and the team,” he said.
“I got left out and it can be difficult when you’re a bit younger to get back in. I just had to keep my head up and I wanted to give it another go this season. Thankfully Dungannon have given me the chance to do that.
“Last season I showed in the first half of the season that I can compete in this league and it’s not too big of a step up.
“I just have to use it as experience — the disappointments as much as the good times.”
McMullan was Dungannon’s second signing of the summer.
A midfielder with high energy, McAree brought him in with one eye on replacing Terry Fitzpatrick, who retired in April.
McMullan is looking forward to another chance in the top division.
“I wanted to give it another crack in the Premiership. I think Rodney is a great manager and I was interested in the way Dungannon play, and coming in and playing under him.
“I’ve enjoyed pre-season and, while the result didn’t go our way on Saturday, hopefully we can turn that around.”
Dungannon opened the new season with a 2-0 home defeat by Ballymena. Tonight they face Newry City AFC, aiming to spoil the newly-promoted side’s party in their first home game.
McMullan, however, has his sights fixed on getting the Swifts’ season up and running. And afer the first day loss, he knows the importance of the early games.
“If you can get points on the board it helps, because you’re not playing catch-up,” he added.