We rode our luck but a win’s a win: McGroarty
Thursday, 11 September 2008
New Limavady United Manager Jim McGroarty casts an eye over his team during his first competative game in charge of the Roesiders. United won 5-2 (6-4 on aggregate) to progress to the second round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup.
NEW Limavady United manager Jim McGroarty confessed that his side rode their luck a little in their Co-operative Insurance Cup first round, second leg tie at the Showgrounds on Tuesday night.
But he has also stated that his side achieved exactly what they set out to do, win.
“ We rode our luck a wee bit tonight," Jim told The Northern Constitution after the 5-2 victory, " but in saying that we set our stall out for a win, and that's exactly what we did.
“The lads worked very hard to get to 2-0 and take the lead in the tie, but some sloppy defending allowed Coagh back into the match. But the lads didn't panic, we moved a defender into midfield to try and get control of the centre of the pitch which worked to good effect, and we played some very good attacking football."
He cited Chris McKendry's penalty save as the game's pivotal moment: "It was a grate save form big Chris, at a very important time.
With some great displays from the likes of McIlmoyle and Brown on the night, McGroarty was quick to praise his new charges, but was far from convinced by his sides defending: "It must have been a good game to watch from the stands, the match was full of incident, including a second half penalty that I felt was a bit harsh. We had a couple four and five star performances tonight which led to some exciting football going forward. However, we defended like juniors at times and conceded two sloppy goals, but in saying that if we won all our games 5-2 and word got round that we were exciting to watch, that wouldn't such a bad thing I suppose. They are a young side, and when they learn how to be a bit more patient with the ball, we might not have as much trouble at the back."
