WE’RE WORK IN PROGRESS

Queen’s start a boost for Peter but job to do

That’s where we were last season and it wasn’t enjoyable. We were very poor.

“We brought in some good new players which is exactly what we needed and we’re hoping they will bring the players who were here last season on. “We’re getting good competition for places and everyone is on their toes again.

“Eamon Fyfe came in from Larne and he’s being doing really well, even though he’s playing slightly out of position.

“We’ve got Jake Moore in on loan from Linfield and he looks to be a really good player. “Callum Smith made his debut at right-back on Saturday and did well and Ben Mulgrew and Barry Walsh have also been excellent. “I thought they all were superb against Tobermore at the weekend.” Thompson added: “I think this league is hugely undervalued for the quality in it. It has improved hugely in the past two or three seasons – there really are no poor sides in it.

“We saw on Saturday how a team bottom of the league [Annagh] can beat a team at the top [Lisburn Distillery].

“At the minute it’s so tight and you’re really not that far from the bottom of the table.

“It’s really a case of trying to get a level of consistency going for as long as possible.

“We’ve a home game against Annagh to look forward to on Saturday and then it’s the Irish Cup.

“Banbridge Town are going well, they’re strong all over the park with good experience in the side.

“It’s always nice to get a run in the Irish Cup so we’re looking forward to the game but the league is always our priority.”

And in the league, Queen’s have impressed so far – carrying on the upturn of form they experienced at the end of last term.

On Saturday they got the better of a Tobermore side who carry a goal threat but haven’t got going yet so far. And Thompson praised the manner of his side’s maturity and application.

“They are a good side and always difficult opponents,” he said.

“I was surprised how direct they played and that probably played into our hands quite a bit.

“Our back four played very well and we carried a threat when we went forward so all-inall I was very pleased.

“Tobermore did score one of the best counterattacking goals I’ve seen at this level.

“The Lamonts are good players and cause you problems but

I thought we dealt with them really well.

“We probably didn’t play as well as we have previously but we got the win and that’s the important thing.” Meanwhile, a number of other PIL sides discovered their opposition when the draw for the third round of the Irish Cup was made.

The other all third-tier tie sees Sport and Leisure play host to Dundela.

In-form Moyola Park travel to Mid-ulster side Laurelvale while Tobermore United must go to Killyleagh YC and Lisburn Distillery are at Newtowne.

Armagh City have home advantage for their game against Crumlin Star and Portstewart have Portaferry Rovers for company up on the north coast.

Those games are due to be played on Saturday, November 4.