Braidmen must maintain high standards: Jeffrey
BALLYMENA United boss David Jeffrey insists his team cannot afford to take their foot off the gas when they face Portadown at the Showgrounds tomorrow.
The Sky Blues produced probably their most impressive performance of the season when defeating previously high-flying Glentoran at their east Belfast base on Tuesday night, courtesy of goals from Tony Kane and Ross Redman.
It was Glentoran’s first home defeat in just over a year — they last lost to Cliftonville on March 7, 2020.
Although Jeffrey was thrilled with his team’s offering, he has warned they will need the same hunger, desire and determination when Matthew Tipton’s boys leave a calling card.
“We have played Portadown twice this season and both games were very tight,” stressed Jeffrey.
“We drew the first and, although we won the second game, it wasn’t easy.
“This is going to be equally as difficult. They have been doing fabulously well. I know they were beaten in midweek by Glenavon, but previous to that they were most impressive.
“It’s about making sure everyone is up for the challenge — it will be a different type of challenge to midweek.
“Matthew Tipton will have his team very well primed, very well
Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey prepared. We will have to be at our very best to get anything.”
Although it was a super team effort at The Oval, Jeffrey saluted the contribution of striker Joe Mccready.
“Joseph was excellent,” he added. “He gave a performance that showed why Bryan (Mcloughlin) and I wanted to bring him to the club.
“He’s been in and out with injury but he has come back and worked extremely hard. In the second half in particular, he was absolutely awesome.
“He gave us a platform to play on what was an extremely difficult night in terms of the weather. His work rate, effort and allround play were tremendous.”
Jeffrey was brave enough to make a staggering five changes for Glentoran — his boys had battled out a 1-1 result with Larne only a few days earlier.
He added: “The decision was based on two parts. One was about being sensible and taking care of players who had done so well for us so far, and the second was trusting players we brought in. I thought they were excellent.
“We had a hunger and a desire and also a good work ethic. Glentoran have an abundance of ability and quality, so we had to be very disciplined.
“You can talk about tactics all day long, but it’s all about players listening to instructions, taking guidance, taking encouragement and direction. So all credit goes to them.”