Kerrykeel ‘71 squad helping them to the top of the Division 1 table

Kerrykeel ‘71 captain Mark Friel believes the competitiveness in their squad has helped them to lead the TDA Division 1 table so far.

The Rab’s Park men are two points clear of Cappry Rovers, and seven ahead of third place, with just five games to go, and back-to-back promotions is a possibility.

Captain Friel isn’t looking too far ahead, but he admits their strength off the bench has been a factor in them leading the way.

“Listen, we’ve only come into this division, and we just wanted to stay in the division,” Friel said after their win over Convoy Arsenal.

“We’re in a good position at the minute, so we just keep taking it one game at a time.

“We have a good squad, and we got in a few boys from Fanad that were on the fringes of their team, so we were lucky to get them. Davitt (Walsh) came on board as well there, and we have a squad of 18 to 20 players, and any one of them could start.

“Liam (McGrenaghan) has come in there too, he's down the country during the week, but he’s another great addition to bring in, he has experience, a great left peg, and that’s what we need in this division.

“That makes a real difference this season because we’ve had games this year where we were almost out of it, and we took on our subs and got back into it.

“Training has been good, there's a buzz about the place, and we’re taking it as it comes.”

Goals from Shaun Kerr and James Kerr had the ‘71 2-0 up before Callum Gillen got one back for Convoy in Orchard Park.

Another typically close game between the pair, who were the top two in the third tier the previous year, last season’s Division Two Player of the Year, James Kerr, added a second to seal the win.

“It was a difficult night, conditions were heavy underfoot, and it’s always difficult against Convoy.

“They’re a good side and we battled it out last year in Division 2 with them and just managed to beat them on the final day to win the league.

“We knew it would be tough, but it’s great to get another three points on the board, and we’ll move on to the next game.

“We have been conceding silly goals and letting teams back into games, unfortunately, but we have been scoring plenty of goals, and long may that continue.”

It’s third place that they travel to this Sunday, as they meet Castlefin Celtic.

The pair met in October with Castlefin winning 3-1, their only defeat in their last twelve league games, so Friel knows it’ll be close but is hoping their blend of legs and experience can help them get a result.

“They beat us well down in Kerrykeel that day, and we weren’t at the races.

“But take nothing away from them, Castlefin are a good side, and they are experienced so it’s going to be tough going there, but we’ll go into the game with confidence.

“We have a bit of age there, but we have that bit of youth too, thank god!

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“It’s brilliant, you have the likes of Jimbo (James Kerr) and Brandon (McClafferty) on the wings, and they’ll run all day for you. Calum is in the middle there too, they’re all young, but they have plenty of experience with them as well.

“Winning the league last year might have given us that experience and has helped us go on a bit, and if we get promoted, fair enough, but if not, then we’re happy with our season as well.

“It shows how close the leagues are, but there are no easy games in this division. If you compare it to Division Two, there were a few lesser sides maybe, but in this league, there isn’t a game where you would think you’re guaranteed three points. It’s a very good league, and it’s all up for grabs.”