DUNGANNON boss Chris Rafferty isn’t concerned about his side’s lack of consistency in Division One action as they prepare for a Championship derby clash with Eglish.
League form rarely reflects the reality of the notoriously unpredictable Tyrone SFC, and anything can happen in sudden death, knock-out action.
“We’ve had a few people off with injury, but the Tyrone League is phenomenally competitive, and it’s not as if we’re the only club that aren’t showing fantastic consistency,” said Rafferty.
“I think the only team that was unbeaten up until last weekend were Dromore, and they’re the exception to the rule, more than anything else.”
The Clarke’s endured a difficult start to the season, but performance levels are picking up, and a couple of positive results have improved their standing in the table.
“This is the business end of the season for everybody. There are many complaints about the split season, but now we know it’s August and everybody can focus on preparation for the Championship.
“The weather is better, the pitches are better, it’s good to be here and be at it.”
First round Championship opponents Eglish operated in Division Two last season, but have made a confident return to the top tier, and will fancy their chances of causing an upset against the 2020 count champions when they meet next month.
“They have put a put a few teams to the sword,” said Rafferty.
“They’re coming in under the radar and people don’t fully appreciate how good they really are, and they’re quite happy with that label.
“But the reality is they have a couple of very good footballers, especially up front.
“They League doesn’t lie, and they’re well up there.”
Dungannon have returned to their home ground following a two-year exile as O’Neill Park underwent a major upgrade, and Rafferty is delighted to be back.
“The facilities are now fantastic, and everybody has worked hard to get us to this stage, and the pitch is magnificent.”
And they marked their return to the famous ground last weekend with a League win over neighbours Donaghmore.
“The win is the most important thing. It was a difficult day because you’re under extra pressure as it’s the first game back here.
“Fair play to Donaghmore, they came in the correct spirit and played a very fair and genuine game of football.
“We were more than happy that they were the ones that opened the ground with us.
“I was very impressed with a lot of their players, and you can see that they have the bones of a very successful team.
“So it was good to get a result over a quality opposition.”
Meanwhile, the battle to avoid relegation is hotting up, and midweek wins away from home for Greencastle and Edendork have boosted their efforts to steer themselves clear of the drop zone.
