Seniors confident of upsetting league leaders in title chase

Carryduff Colts bid for their first ever senior Premier League title could be on the line this weekend when they travel to Kilkeel to take on league leaders Ballyvea

A big home support is expected at Carginagh Road for this top two clash which could go a long way to deciding the destiny of this year’s championship.

The senior club has won Division two (first team in 2011/12) and Division Three (seconds in 2013/2014) but a fourth place finish in their first year in the Premier back in 2012/13 has been their best ever position in the top division.

Currently lying second, a win on Saturday would put them eight points behind Ballyvea with two games in hand and a home game still to come – so it is all to play for.

Colts have always given Ballyvea a tough game even during the past couple of seasons when they have been at the wrong end of the table.

So after six successive win and only one defeat back at the beginning of October in the league, Carryduff’s confidence has never been higher and they think they can take something from the game.

Manager Eamon Deeny said: “The confidence throughout the senior club is currently at an all-time high with both the firsts and seconds in great form. We have faced injuries and players being unavailable all season but there is always someone else to step up and not let us down – it is the best squad of players we have had at senior level both in terms of ability and commitment.

“We set ourselves a target for a top four place and a total of 30 points at the beginning of the season to match our best ever Premier League season. We already have 24 points in the bag from 11 games so with nine to play our points target is well within our sights. There are five or six teams in this league capable of winning it so for us to be lying second says everything about our league performances this season.

“But now we have a taste for it we don’t want to let it go. We think we have a real chance on Saturday and Ballyvea will know they have been in a game no matter how it goes. Kilkeel is a long way to travel so don’t expect too many to make the journey to support us, but it would be great if we could get the whole club behind the seniors at our home games, which are always great games and very entertaining.

“We have a few older heads in senior football now but we still field very young teams and the future is really bright. We also have so much talent coming through the club at all age groups that we will just keep on getting better. A successful senior club reflects well on the whole set-up so hopefully we can continue making progress.

“With the Reserves also in second place in their league win, lose or draw this has been an exceptional season for Carryduff Colts at senior level. Let’s hope at 4pm on Saturday afternoon that it gets a whole lot better.”

*First match v Ballyvea is at Carginagh Road, Kilkeel and is a 2pm kick off. The seconds are away to Moneyslane III at Rathfriland High School (2pm).