MURRAY TALKS UP OLYMPIC CHANCES OF A WIN

NIALL MURRAY is confident Ballynahinch Olympic can put an end to Islandmagee’s unbeaten record in their top-of-the-table clash at Wilbourne this weekend.

The two teams occupy first and second place in Division 1A after flawless starts to the new campaign, with Olympic winning their first six and the Islanders one behind on five.

Robert Mckee’s side could draw level with the league leaders with a win, while the visitors could pull away from the chasing pack and open up a six-point lead should they take maximum points on their travels.

Either way, however, Murray is relaxed about the game.

While he understands the importance of maintaining momentum, he also knows that nothing is make-or-break this early in the season.

“It’s early days yet, and things don’t really shape up until about 10 games in, but both teams are flying at the minute,” said the Olympic ace.

“They have signed well over the summer but we’ve also been able to bring in Jonesy (Nathan Jones) and he’s been a big signing.

“It’s kind of like when Olympic won 1B and we were up against Wellington, the two teams were flying then and the majority of that Wellington team now play for Islandmagee so it should be an intense game.

“But it will not define any of our seasons, even if we win or lose, I think there is enough time for either team to get back in it.

“For us we want to keep the run going because we have been disappointing in the cups.

“We have let ourselves down in the cups, but in the league we have been flying and we want to keep it going because the boys have been putting in a lot of hard work.”

After an injury-blighted campaign last year, Murray has been in great form this season, netting nine times already from a slightly deeper position behind the front two of Jones and Chrissy Mcnamara, both on eight goals apiece for the season.

And the former Amateur League representative forward says he’s relishing his new role in the team.

“I got a good pre-season under my belt and it’s going well now,” said Murray.

“I’m playing in the hole now, in behind. At the start I wasn’t sure about it but now I’m actually enjoying it far more. I get on the ball more and can do things… plus I’m getting a bit older too.”