Daniels dares to dream of title challenge
Daniels dares to dream as super strike helps sink Crues
GLENAVON’S golden boy Josh Daniels says he hopes the squad can keep proving the critics wrong and sustain a title challenge.
The Lurgan Blues haven’t won the league title since 1960 but if they win at Ards tomorrow night they will go top of the Danske Bank Premiership.
An impressive 3-2 victory over champions Crusaders on Saturday fired out a message to the league’s big hitters.
Former Derry City ace Daniels, who smashed in the stunning winner against the Crues, said: “A couple of years ago it was always other teams who were talked about.
“People ruling you out at the start of the year gives you that drive and determination. I like to hear that we are underdogs because the pressure is on other teams like Crusaders and Linfield.
“I’m excited for this season and if we are coming to the end of the season and we are still sitting in this position then, why not?”
GLENAVON fans were walking on air on Saturday evening as they left Mourneview Park.
There was a deep sense of satisfaction combined with great joy and hope of what is still to come.
They had just watched their team overcome champions Crusaders in a gloriously entertaining affair courtesy of two of the best goals likely to be scored in the Irish League this season.
It was Glenavon’s first home league win over the Crues since 2012 and achieved in sensational style with the marvellous Mark Sykes and gifted Josh Daniels delivering dynamite moments that will live long in the memory.
Gary Hamilton has done a superb job as manager of Glenavon. Two Irish Cups have been lifted in his reign and last season the Lurgan Blues finished third in the Danske Bank Premiership.
Hamilton would prefer title talk off the agenda but he knows to keep moving the mid-Ulster outfit forward the next logical step is to become genuine championship contenders. They can go top of the table tomorrow with three points away to Ards. GLENAVON: Tuffey, Marron, Daniels, Marshall, Mitchell (Grace, 88 mins), Sykes, Hall (Muir, 72 mins), King, Murray, Doherty, Singleton. Unused subs: Harmon, Donnelly, Lindsay, Jenkins, Clingan.
CRUSADERS: O’Neill, Burns, McChrystal, Beverland, Coates, Carvill (Cushley,
Daniels, like his manager, is not one to get carried away but he appreciates the victory over the Crues showed what the Mourneview men are capable of.
Asked about a title bid and aims for the campaign, Daniels said: “With Crusaders being reigning champions it was a massive win for us.
“It’s the same year in year out we are looking at Europe and to match or go better than we did last season. If we are coming to the end of the season and we are still sitting in this position then why not.
“A couple of years ago it was always other teams who were talked about. People ruling you at the start of the year gives you that drive and determination. I like to hear that we are underdogs because the pressure is on other teams like Crusaders and Linfield. I’m excited for this season.
“You can’t jump the gun be- 84 mins), Forsythe, J Owens, Snoddy, Heatley, Clarke (Patterson, 84 mins). Unused subs: Doherty, Ward, Glackin, K Owens, Brown.
Ref: Arnold Hunter (Maguiresbridge). Man of the match: Josh Daniels
Match rating: 9/10.
cause it is early on, but we have to keep doing what we are doing and stay in and around it and hopefully at the end of the season we can compete.”
The Daniels strike on 85 minutes was magical. He took control of the ball inside his own half, raced forward, glided past two defenders and smacked home a belter from 25 yards. It was a wonderful goal.
The equaliser from Sykes six minutes earlier was just as impressive — chest control followed by a breathtaking overhead kick. The boy is a player andahalf.
In truth the match could have finished 7-7. Goalkeepers Jonny Tuffey and Sean O’Neill made excellent late saves, golden chances were missed and strong penalty waved away.
Before the Sykes and Daniels show, the classy Ross Clarke had netted twice for the visitors either side of Ben Doherty’s fine goal for the home side.
Surprisingly given his stellar display, Daniels revealed that he had been struggling with injury prior to kick-off.
“I came into the match struggling with my calf to be honest but because it was such a big game for us I wanted to play,” he said. “Last season we lost twice to Crusaders at home and they tanked us so I was determined to play.
“We have a big squad here now with players battling for places so that drives me on.
“Scoring the winning goal was a brilliant feeling. I got the ball deep in my own half and skipped through two tackles and it just opened up for me to shoot. It is up there with my best senior goals.
“I want to try and do that as much as I can. I’ve set myself targets and I want to meet them. Being a winger you have to set up and score goals.
“Last season it took a while to get used to the club and gel with the way we play but I definitely feel more settled now.”
While Glenavon have not lost since the opening day of the league season, Crusaders have been beaten three time in seven games. Box Stephen Baxter, gracious in defeat at the weekend, is confident things will turn around for the champions. Tomorrow they travel to Dungannon Swifts aiming to return to the winning trail.