By Jonathan Brown
FOUR wins from five games – Ballyvea have been on an impressive run of form in the past month. Manager Pierre Simon was appointed back in October, taking over the reins from David Heaney. Heaney stepped away from the club after leading Ballyvea to their highest ever finish in Mid-Ulster League football last season.
After replacing him, the new manager faced MUFL Division 1 table-toppers Lurgan Celtic away from home in his first game in charge. Lurgan, who have only lost one game all season, a Junior Cup tie against Dergview Reserves, ran out comfortable 4-0 winners that day. “Things were maybe a bit rocky when there was a change in management, because it wasn’t really expected. I couldn’t have asked for a tougher game against top-of-the-table Lurgan, and I know they’ll (Lurgan) probably win the league, I have very little doubt about that,” Simon explained.
A derby draw against Annalong was followed up with a 4-2 win against Caledon Rovers, a 2-1 win away to Hillsborough Boys, a 3-1 win over Coalisland Athletic and an impressive 3-2 Marshall Cup win against MUFL Intermediate B side Portadown BBOB. “My second game was a derby against Annalong – we drew 1-1, but we hit the post twice and we had two injuries in the first 20 minutes. We should have won that game, but it is what it is.
“After that, it was a lot of difficult wins – against Hillsborough away, they scored first in the 85th minute, but we won the game. And in the following two games, the other team scored first, and we had to chase. It’s never easy or straightforward, but so far we’ve been showing resilience and determination, and that’s been paying off for us.”
Despite Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Hill Street, the series of recent wins leaves Ballyvea second in the Division 1 table. Frenchman Simon, who has lived in Kilkeel for the past 15 years after moving from London, joined Ballyvea back in 2017 and has played for the club’s first, second and third teams, on top of a brief stint managing the reserves.
He admits he has a lot to learn about senior management, but is enjoying the challenge of guiding a young team. “I’m still adjusting, and I have a lot to learn, but it’s very interesting and enjoyable.”
In the full article Pierre Ben goes on to talk about the quality that it is in his squad.
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