Headline: Limavady United’s Manager Seeks Belief Amidst Challenging Start in Irish Premiership
Limavady United manager Paul Owens has expressed the need for his newly promoted team to gain “a bit of belief” as they strive for their first points in the Irish Premiership this season. The team faced a difficult beginning, suffering a defeat to Glentoran in their opening match and subsequently losing 2-1 at home to Carrick Rangers.
Despite this tough start, Owens remains optimistic, noting numerous positives for his squad, which is competing in the top flight for the first time in 18 years. “We have five forward players in the squad and they’re all under 23. I have full belief that they’ll be fine and they will score goals at this level,” Owens shared with BBC Sport NI.
Owens highlighted the importance of belief, recalling that the team experienced similar challenges last year but ultimately found their form towards the season’s conclusion. “I have no doubt they’ll come good here again. That’s what we’re all learning on the job. Myself as a manager as well. We just have to take the belief from the positive parts,” he said.
The support from the fans has been notable, with a substantial turnout for the team’s first Premiership match at Limavady Showgrounds since 2008. The side came close to making a comeback against Carrick, with Alfie Gaston scoring to pull a goal back, but despite their rising confidence and several scoring opportunities, they were unable to equalize.
“It’s just a really ruthless league,” Owens remarked. He acknowledged the team’s lackluster performance at halftime but noted their improved play after the break, pointing out that “one goal could change us,” which indeed proved true.
Owens aims to inspire his players to believe in their potential, emphasizing the significant difference that self-confidence can make.
Limavady United manager Paul Owens said his newly promoted side need “a bit of belief” as their search for their first points of the Irish Premiership season continue.
Owens’ side were beaten by Glentoran in the opening match of the season before being beaten 2-1 at home by Carrick Rangers.
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Despite the tough start, Owens said there are plenty of positives for his side who are competing in the top flight for the first time in 18 years.
“We have five forward players in the squad and they’re all under 23. I have full belief that they’ll be fine and they will score goals at this level,” Owens told BBC Sport NI.
“It’s just a wee bit of belief that they need. We probably went through similar last year at times then all came good towards the end of the season.
“I have no doubt they’ll come good here again. That’s what we’re all learning on the job. Myself as a manager as well. We just have to take the belief from the positive parts.”
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There was an impressive crowd for the side’s first Premiership match at the Limavady Showgrounds since 2008 and they nearly produced an impressive comeback in front of their fans against Carrick when Alfie Gaston pulled a goal back.
However, despite growing in confidence and having multiple chances, they could not find a leveller.
“It’s just a really ruthless league,” he continued.
“They were flat at half-time, there is no doubt about that. We picked ourselves up and it just says one goal could change us and it proved to be the case.
“I’m just trying to beat the drum after the match as you can see the difference whenever we start believing but it took that goal to just energise us.”
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