PATCHED-UP TEAM DOES IT FOR PAUL

STEPHEN PAUL summed up the topsy-turvy lot of the Amateur League manager after his makeshift Lower Shankill demolished Abbey Villa IIS in the Junior Shield on Saturday.

Struggling to fulfil the fixture with so many players unavailable, Paul (circled) was forced to supplement his team with a rag-tag crew of old hands and walking wounded.

Fearing the worst and frustrated at his situation, Paul was at least relieved to be able to play the game – only to watch as his hastily assembled side delivered their best performance of the season in a 4-0 win.

It’s been a tough season for Lower Shankill so far, with the 2A new boys registering just one win from seven so far in their new division.

So their form in the Junior Shield has been a welcome distraction, even if Paul was left to rue the stresses and strains of being a manager.

“This is the good, the bad and the ugly truth about being a football manager,” he said.

“Sitting on Friday night with eight players for our third round Junior Shield game, I even had myself down to play and got two of the old hands to help us out and another who hasn’t kicked a ball in nine weeks.

“Two players out injured volunteered to go on the bench to help out and another got out of work to fill the bench.

“Not knowing what to expect from the game and having to play players out of position, we ended up playing our best game of the season.

“There has been times this season when we’ve had good spells in games, but just not good enough over the course of the game.

“I’ve been very critical of some of our players and their performances this season, but credit where credit is due.

“I seen the hunger and fight to get the result and we played as a team.

“It’s only one game, hopefully we can get some momentum going in our league games to try and avoid going straight back down.

“But a bit of advice to anyone thinking of managing after they finish playing – don’t do it.”