By Jonathan Brown
RECENTLY appointed Annalong manager Frank Hyland says he’s “very happy” to be back to winning ways after Saturday’s derby victory over Ballyvea.
Phillip McConnell’s solitary goal in the 34th minute, following a penalty save from Annalong’s veteran keeper John Sloan just four minutes earlier, was enough to give the home side the win.
“If every Saturday was like that, management would be very easy.
“The team came out well and gave 100 per cent; the passion, the hunger and the determination was there.
“I was very happy with the result,” Hyland explained.
Saturday’s result will be even more satisfying for Hyland and his players given the fact they were turned over 4-1 by the same opposition the week before in the Marshall Cup.
It’s the second win of his tenure, adding to the 3-2 win over Hillsborough Boys on 2 November, and moves the Mourne side up to fifth place in MUFL Division 1.
Hyland took over the Annalong job alongside assistant coach Mark Newell after the club and Barrie McCartan and Warren Quinn parted ways on 22 October.
The former Ballyvea head coach, who is a UEFA B Licence holder, was the head coach of the Hillmount Park outfit 11 years ago and previously played for the club.
After being approached by the club committee to take up the managerial reins again on numerous occasions since his departure, Hyland decided now was the right time to step back into the hot seat.
“I’ve always enjoyed football and I have a real passion for it, even though I’ve been out of the game for a bit, I always still followed it.”
In the full interview Harry explains the differences he has noticed in the Mid Ulster League to the Newcastle league. Read the interview now.
