Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
KELLY HAS MAXIE SWAIN AN EYE ON PROBLEM..
By Saintfield boss sorts out his defence and is happier about going forward
but the start has maybe hindered us, and with Rosemount and Plunkett starting so well, it’s going to be difficult to catch them,” he said.
“And after that, you have got the usual, Suffolk, Woodvale and Tullycarnet, the league is strong, it’s very tough in around the middle ranks there.
“Last year, we were probably in a similar position.
“I think we had four defeats in our first six or seven and then we went on a decent run. To replicate that run will be difficult. I think we went 15 unbeaten over the Christmas period, so it will be difficult, but the ability is there.”
Indeed, Kelly’s squad has been boosted by an injection of youth, with Andy Clarke, Harry Harper, Sam Kirk and Scott Mccormick all promoted from the under-17s last season.
A fractured collarbone sustained over the summer has so far ruled Mccormick out, but the others have been impressive so far.
All three were in the side on Saturday, with Clarke helping himself to a hat-trick alongside other goalscorers James Sofley (2) and Josh Johnston-wood. The emphatic win was the perfect tonic as they prepare for a trip to Seagoe in the first round of the Intermediate Cup this weekend.
“It will be a good challenge. We played Fivemiletown who are in the division above them in pre-season, and it was a good tight game, so it will be a tough game, but we fancy our chances,” added Kelly.
“I have the mindset that no matter what game you are going in to, you should always fancy your chances, there’s no point turning up if you are not confident of doing something.”