Amateur League preview: Newington Rangers

With Graham McConnell away to Larne Olympic, there was something of a shock for new boss Davy Rollo, who was soon left with just one player from last year’s squad, one of his old ‘Whitehead Eagles’ - Matt McDonald. Defender Eddie Adams, admittedly, has also signed, but will miss the opening weeks of the campaign. Also out for the big kick-off is striker William Grattan, son of Jim, snapped up from Ballymena United.

There are a few new faces, though they are mostly players new assistant manager Alan Hughes had at Whitehead Eagles Seconds last season.

Davy concedes that he probably had a more experienced side in 2b last season at Whitehead, but pointed out: “I’ve a few targets still in mind. I need to try and get some experience in there. Most of the team are kids!”

Opening fixtures: Saturday, Steel and Sons, Bangor Amateurs (a); Thursday, league, 18thNewtownabbey OB (h).

Players in: William Grattan, S, Ballymena United; Lee Crockett, M/S, Islandmagee; Ricky Johnston, M, Red Star; Steven McConnell, S, Bloomfield; John Brennan, M. from Whitehead Eagles: Clarke Montgomery, S/M; Daryl Ingram, S; Adam Glover, D; Eddie Wilson, M, Tyler Livingstone, D; Scott Louden, G; Adam McGivern, M; Chris Hughes, D. Ryan McDonald, M, Larne Youth; Jamie Magill, D, Larne Youth; Stuart Carlisle, M, Carrick Youth; Darren Tennant, S, Larne Youth

Players out: Paul Waite, D, Barn United; Wayne Patterson, S/M, Barn United; Martyn Stirling, S, Wellington Rec; David McCormick, M, Wellington Rec; Stephen Harbinson, G, Chimney Corner; Stephen Tierney, D; Rab Steele, M, Rathfern Rangers; Matthew Hyslop, D, Wellington Rec; Uel Morrow, S, Larne Tech OB; Colin McClean, M, retired; Noel Dean, D, new manager Temple Rangers; Tony McCune, M; Gareth McConnell, M; Chris McConnell, D/M, Wellington Rec; Paul Tumilty, D, Whitehead Eagles; Aaron McGrath, G.

Key player: Matt McDonald.

Last season: 5th in 1c, 44 points (26 matches)