‘We still have a bit to do, I’m under no illusions’

CONSIDERING that Bray Wanderers lost in the same competition, in the same round, and to the same opposition, by four goals to nil last year, Dave Mackey hasn’t lost heart over Sunday’s 1-3 loss.

Shipping three goals in 10 minutes has irked him but he’s glad it happened in the Leinster Senior Cup instead of in Oriel Park on Friday evening.

He now has time to work on righting the wrongs as well as working on landing a reputable goalkeeper - despite the heroics of 17-year-old stand-in shot-stopper Alex Nevin.

“Understandably we are in pre-season. I’m literally just four weeks into the job and we’ve had two pre-season friendlies and this is our first competitive game. We’re building towards the first league game of the season.

“The first half wasn’t really anywhere near what we’d hoped for or what we’d prepared for. But I thought there was positives from the second half that we could build on and that’s really what I’m looking for at this moment in time and working towards getting the team prepared for the first game of the season. We’re on that path and there’ll be ups and downs. Tonight, the first half showed that there are things that we need to work on.

“Alex came in at late notice for us and he did a terrific job. He’s a great lad and I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

There is a goalkeeper familiar to League of Ireland circles at the Carlisle Grounds at the moment. Craig Hyland - a well travelled goalkeeper who was on the cards at Bray from 2006 to 2008 - is on the books at Bray. He isn’t available for selection for the foreseeable future so it leaves Mackey on the hunt for a goalkeeper in chief.

“I’m working on recruiting a sort of no. 1 goalkeeper. I’m hoping to announce something in the early part of next week .

“Craig Hyland is here to rehab over a period of time. We’ve no time frame on that but when - and the word is when - we get Craig fit and healthy, he will be an excellent addition to the squad. I’m looking at bringing in a number one goalkeeper and I’m hoping to announce that next week.”

Although encouraged by his side’s second half revival against Pat’s, Mackey knows his side have to improve for when the serious stuff kicks off.

And Bray Wanderers will have Gary McCabe to look to for both goals and inspiration after being named club captain. Hugh Douglas will be vice-captain.

“We still have a bit to do. I’m under no illusions but I’m up for it.

“We’re up for the fight and we just want to get back on the training ground and work. We conceded two goals from set pieces which is really disappointing for us but it’s happened today so we want to make sure that we can eliminate that (before Dundalk) because that’s half the battle! If we can improve and eliminate that, that’s a long way towards getting results in this league.

“I had a chat with Gary and I’m absolutely happy (with him in the role).

“I asked Gary to be captain. I’m looking for him to provide leadership and particularly with the younger players.”