DOWN hurling manager Mickey Johnston has hailed his squad’s strength in depth ahead of London’s visit to Ballycran on Saturday and says they have nothing to fear.
Johnston was without Conor O’Neill, Eoghan Sands, Caolan Bailey, Seán Ennis and Johnny McCusker for their 1-19 to 0-13 win over Wicklow on May 9 but Gareth Johnston, Danny Toner and Chris Egan stepped up to fire the Ardsmen into the last eight of the Christy Ring Cup despite a Round One defeat to Kerry seven days earlier.
“We have been building nicely for this game although we were conscious that the first round game against Kerry was a bit early in the campaign for us,” said Johnston.
“But we hurled well against a good Kerry team and we were happy with the performance overall. We followed that up with a workman-like performance against Wicklow and the lads done what was asked of them. We are in high spirits and we have nothing to fear this weekend.”
While the former Armagh manager believes their overall performance wasn’t reflected in the 2-17 to 2-10 defeat to Kerry, he knows his side must eradicate their mistakes if they are to stand any chance of beating Fergus McMahon's men.
“I suppose against Kerry, it wasn’t so much that they carved us open than they lived off our mistakes,” he said.
“We gifted them 1-4 and that was the difference in the end. Leading up to the Wicklow game, we were keen to hold onto possession that bit better, not be rash and be more clinical up front.
“We created a lot of goal chances but they just didn’t fall kindly for us. On another day, hopefully we’d bag a few more goals.
“But two goals and 13 points against Wicklow is still a good return, considering we were down on attacking power. Johnny McCusker (hip) and Caolan Bailey (hand) are still out injured and they won’t be back for the London game.
“Sean Ennis unfortunately isn’t going to be ready either with a broken thumb. Eoghan Sands and Conor O’Neill were missing as well but fingers crossed we will have them back this weekend. The lads who have come in have stepped up and performed.
“That shows the strength of our panel and we used the League to develop that and get lads game-time. We know we'll need a big performance again this weekend."
The Exiles beat Down convincingly two years ago in an Allianz National Hurling League clash at Ruislip and in 2012, they were involved in a titanic Christy Ring Cup semi-final clash that took a reply and two bouts of extra-time for the London to book their place in the final. Johnston knows they will be crossing the Irish Sea with their eyes on three in a row.
“London have played all of their games away from home and they will be coming here with a siege mentality. I’m sure they are annoyed that they have had to play three Saturdays in a row, all away from home.
“Ballycran is a home venue for us but it is only a home venue if the supporters come out and get behind the team. This will be a challenge but we know it is all about getting over the line.”
