Football

Darragh O'Hanlon and Connaire Harrison in contention for starting spots as Down clash with Derry

Connaire Harrison was named as a substitute for the aborted clash with Ulster University and is in contention for a first start of the year against Derry
Connaire Harrison was named as a substitute for the aborted clash with Ulster University and is in contention for a first start of the year against Derry Connaire Harrison was named as a substitute for the aborted clash with Ulster University and is in contention for a first start of the year against Derry

After missing Down’s 2018 opener against Armagh, Kilcoo clubman O’Hanlon and Glassdrumman forward Harrison were pencilled in as late substitutes for last Sunday’s aborted round two clash with Ulster University.

Both look certain to see action in tonight’s game which is a must-win encounter for Down if they are to have any realistic chance of progressing to the semi-final stage of a competition they haven’t won since 2008.

After losing to Armagh in their opener by five points the Mournemen would have to win four games in 10 days to repeat that feat and, with an eye on keeping his stars fresh for the start of the National Football League on January 28, manager Eamonn Burns may opt to keep faith with the side he named last Sunday.

That team included first starts of the year for experienced Annaclone defender Benny McArdle and Rostrevor star Caolan Mooney as well as senior debuts for Shay Murnin and Carryduff clubman Jack Guinness.

Also included for his first start in the red and black jersey was Conor Francis who replaced Peter Turley at midfield alongside Glenn clubman Niall McParland.

Burns is still without Tullylish midfielder Niall Donnelly, Donal O’Hare and Kilcoo’s Ryan Johnston but has Barry O’Hagan fit and available once again after the Clonduff forward recovered from injuring his shoulder in club action in June.

A repeat of their Division Two win at Celtic Park last year would see Down move into contention for a semi-final berth going into their final group game against Ulster University (which has been rescheduled for Sunday at Burren).

Meanwhile, a win for Derry would see them well placed to claim a semi-final spot. Their most recent success in Ulster pre-season competition came back in 2010 in John Brennan’s first season as manager and new boss Damian McErlain won his first game against Ulster University on January 3.

He is likely to start tonight’s match with the side he named for the trip to the Athletic Grounds last Sunday.

Coleraine’s Liam McGoldrick came in at full-back for that game with Kevin Johnston switching to midfield and Conor Doherty dropping to the bench. Jack Doherty moved from midfield to the half-forward line while Limavady’s Oran Hartin was due to make his debut in goal.

“It’s a short preparation from now until the 28th of January so it’s a challenge because we’ve played no football until now so it’s really about cramming it in now and hopefully we’ll get up to speed,” said McErlain.

The Magherafelt clubman, who guided the Oak Leaf minors to two Ulster titles in three years and to last season’s All-Ireland final, is without the sizeable contingent from Ulster club champions Slaughtneil and has packed his panel full of youngsters. Alongside them he has the likes of James Kielt, Enda Lynn and Mark Lynch to add some experience.

“Their coolness probably shines through but you need that mix,” said McErlain.

“We are forced into using the youth and it wouldn’t be ideal that you’d be using the U20s.

“We’ll need them to supplement the squad in the League with the Slaughtneil contingent away. We know where we’re at, it’s a tough job but sure that’s what we’re here for.

“At this time of year you just feel different the second day you go out never mind what you’ll be like in three or four weeks’ time. The more football we can get in the McKenna Cup the better.”