Match Preview: Lisahally v Maydown (5.9.10)

Derby day is nearly upon us and the excitement is beginning to show around the Enagh area as Lisahally prepare to face local rivals, Maydown, at the Strathfoyle Arena this Sunday. Lisahally will be trying to put their uninspiring defeat to Bentleys behind them this weekend with a victory over their rivals. Indeed, the big derby will act as a welcome distraction from the painfully drawn-out transfer saga of Kieran McGlinchey, which has dominated headlines over the past week. Nonetheless, fans are likely to be eager to find out whether or not their beloved team can sustain a realistic promotion drive without one of their more valued assets. Maydown, who have suffered defeat in their opening two league games, feature a number of Strathfoyle-based players, including towering centre-back, Brian O'Kane and enterprising utility-player and former Lisahally man, Christopher Maguire.

As deserter Kieran McGlinchey was engaged in crunch talks with his new club on Wednesday evening, Lisahally players were diligently preparing for the big game and it looks likely that there will be a number of changes to the match squad. The talented Aidy O'Kane, who has been a revelation at left-back this season, is nursing an ankle injury and is unavailable for Sunday. Jai White is facing a late fitness test, while Peter Mahon is also struggling with a knee injury, much to the tenacious midfielder's disappointment. Mahon expressed his frustration to the Listener:

"I was poised to make a move to Galway, but opted to stay and play for my local team. It's been an ambition of mine since I was a youngster. I remember going to games and seeing the silky skills and dreamt of one day playing in front of the Beechwood crowd. I picked up this injury on Monday, so I'm sickened."

Decky Brown looks set to fill in at left-back in Aidy O'Kane's absence, while veteran midfielder and fan-favourite, Noel Coyle returns to partner Noel O'Donnell in midfield. Cathal O'Kane, who supplied the crosses for Lisahally's goals last week, retains his place in the team. Cathal has been phenomenal this season and has worked hard to force himself into the managers' plans with some inspirational performances on the left wing. He told the Listener,

"I'm delighted to be in the team. I feel fit and I'm getting my rhythm back, thankfully."

Young Cathal also warned his brother, Brian O'Kane, that he is in for a surprise this Sunday:

"Brian? He's playing for a second-rate side and I'll prove that this Sunday. If he thinks he's going to grab the headlines, he can think again, because I'll be terrorizing their defence."

Interestingly, Wednesday's training session saw "Iron" Dan Collins play particularly well alongside semi-retired Stevo McAllister, which can only bode well for his chances of making the match squad on Sunday. Remarkably, "Iron" Dan hasn't made the Lisahally squad in two weeks, so he was determined to make an impression. The versatile player told the Listener,

"I'm not that disappointed, in all honesty. I think that it's good to have competition for places because it pushes everyone to try that extra bit harder, but hopefully I've done enough to get picked this week"

The general consensus is that player-manager, Rory Kirk was one of the better players at the training. He netted two 'wonder goals', reaffirming that he still has the 'va-va-voom' required to play at this level, but it was Lisahally legend, Lawrence Mullan who stole the show, as he bagged a hattrick. Kirk praised Mullan's natural ability, suggesting that some of Lisahally's players could learn a thing or two from the seasoned goalscorer. Indeed, Lawrence's son, Conor, has big boots to fill, but he hopes to emulate his father and has vowed to score a hattrick before the end of the season.

Probable Lisahally Lineup:
"Watty", Duffy, Jai, Nicholl, Brown, Doherty, Coyle, O'Donnell, C. O'Kane, Kirk, Murray