Donnelly relieved to get off the mark

Richie Donnelly celebrate his goal for Trillick against Kildress

TRILLICK boss Liam Donnelly has praised the character and courage of his players after they bounced back from a pasting against Coalisland to eke out their first league victory of the season last Sunday.

The Reds were on the wrong end of a 3-20 to 0-5 thumping meted out by the Fianna in their previous outing at Donnelly Park, but were able to make home advantage count last weekend as they accounted for Kildress 2-7 to 0-12.

Two close range first half goals by the manager’s son Richie set Trillick on course for a much needed triumph and Donnelly hopes they can now build on this win in the weeks ahead as they face into the rest of their Division One campaign.

“Last time against Coalisland we played without ten regulars. Maybe that was why the result speaks for itself. But that was the big thing and the most pleasing aspect of the Kildress performance.

“To come back after getting beaten heavily at home by over 20 points and win your next game was great to see. Kildress are in the same boat as ourselves and also needed a win. It was a matter of battling to the very end and the boys done that. It was nip and tuck all the way but we expected that.”

The former Tyrone underage manager admitted that the two green flags registered in the first half had a pivotal influence on the result, though he felt his charges could have made life easier for themselves.

“Two goals in a tight game like that were always going to make the difference.”

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