BALLYMENA UNITED v INSTITUTE A FRIEL GOOD FACTOR

Cathair: David has given this team so much confidence that it’s scary

SKY Blue hitman Cathair Friel believes David Jeffrey’s famed motivational skills and close bond with his players is getting the best out of Ballymena United.

The Braidmen, who lie top of the Premiership, booked their place in February’s League Cup final with a midweek 1-0 win over Crusaders at Seaview. That made it 16 games unbeaten – 15 wins and a draw – dating back to the end of September, and 11 straight wins in all competitions.

Jeffrey (inset), who won 31 trophies including nine league titles during his time at Linfield, has been key to the Warden Street club’s resurgence since taking over in 2016.

And Friel, who joined Ballymena from Limavady United two years ago, believes the 56-year-old deserves credit for squeezing the very best out of his players.

“When I first came to Ballymena I didn’t know what way to take David,” said Friel. “I thought he was maybe this big character who would go mad, but that’s not the case.

“The confidence he gives us is scary. He’s a great man manager and you can do nothing wrong. He backs his players and it makes you want to go out and play hard for him.

“In many ways he treats you just like a son. He has been very, very good to me and I love playing for him.”

Friel, who has developed an impressive strike partnership with 6’6” frontman Adam Lecky, has chipped in with 10 goals this season.

Two of those came in last Saturday’s 4-2 win at Warrenpoint

Town, while his overall goal return in a Sky Blue shirt is now 50 goals in 110 games.

“My first objective here was to get in the team, never mind scoring goals,” said Friel. “But playing with the quality of player around me, it ’s only going to help me score goals.

“Playing with big Lecky is something different.

“I don’t know if I’ve seen a better first touch in the Irish League.

We’re starting to play off each other and I think it’s working well.

“I’ve 10 goals this season and I probably should have a lot more. I’m happy with 10, but I need to keep plugging away.”

While Ballymena lie two points clear of Linfield at the midway point, Friel joked he’s banned himself from looking at the league table until the end of the season.

Ahead of today’s home clash with Institute, he chuckled: “Never look at the table – I’m not allowed to look at the table! It’s only December.

“Yes, we’re on a great run and confidence is high, but it’s one game at a time. That’s David’s mantra and that’s what we’ll be doing. If we do that, we’ll be alright.

“Institute have been playing some good football and they’re creating a lot of chances, so they’ll be a hard nut to crack.”

WE ARE SKY HIGH Cathair Friel says Ballymena’s players are relishing the great run of form they are on