CLONDUFF can get better. That is the analysis of manager Gearoid Adams at the midway point of the season.
Clonduff have played nine matches, winning six, losing two and drawing one.
“In my opinion we could have won every game,” Gearoid said.
“The games we were beaten in were one and two-point defeats. They were games we could have won.
“The ten-team Down league is so competitive that every single game against every single team is tight.
“If you don’t turn up, you are going to lose points.”
Last Wednesday, Clonduff turned up and beat RGU by two points. They got the result they wanted, but Gearoid still felt frustrated.
“I would be lying if I were to say we were happy with the two points. There were a couple of gilt-edged goal chances that we didn’t take at the start of the game and another couple during the game.
“So we weren’t ruthless enough. We left the door open for Downpatrick to come after us.
“Downpatrick would have won if Jarly Brannigan had put that two-pointer over with the last kick of the game. Fortunately for us, he missed it.”
Clonduff’s panel is being tested this year. They are without four county players — Tom Close, Ross Carr, Eamon Brown and Barry O’Hagan — and they also have a number of players sidelined through injury.
Barry O’Hagan has picked up a hamstring injury that manager Adams hopes is not too serious. Ross Carr, Ben McConville and Peter McAvoy are also out injured.
However, their absences have highlighted Clonduff’s squad depth.
“The pleasing thing is that while we are missing so many players, we are bringing young boys and some different players in.”
Newer players such as Conor Ward and Aillil Morris have benefitted the team.
“The younger players create a bit of mobility. They are still learning their trade, and they are keen and eager to keep their positions when championship time comes around. Everyone is battling for that position.”
Clonduff’s goal at the start of the campaign was to be among the top two or three teams by the halfway stage of the league. While they have achieved that objective, Gearoid knows that form can change quickly.
“Clonduff are a good team. Last year we were five from five, then we had four games which we lost on the trot. So we went from being brilliant to losing our way.
“This year we have not done that, and hopefully we won’t. If we lose a game, then we try to bounce back and get ready for the next one.”
To maintain their form, Clonduff have been closely monitoring performance statistics. Gearoid said the club has been using metrics to analyse displays throughout the season.
“Against Downpatrick, our attacking efficiency was something like 65 per cent. Our shooting efficiency was 33 per cent. That doesn’t win you any game.
“So obviously we were lucky to get through that game.”
