Smith keen to move on from Annagh league setback

A first season in second-tier football for the Tandragee Road outfit suffered a setback on Saturday with defeat to the league leaders.

However, the Ards result arrived off the back of a draw against Dergview and win away to Bangor in the two previous league tests.

“If we had been offered four points from three away games at Dergview, Bangor and Ards then that is not a bad return,” said Smith. “Ards sit top on merit but we were in the game up until half-time and then did not perform across the second half.

“The final scoreline is the most difficult to take as 4-0 looks bad on paper and came about because we failed to make the most of our best spells then got punished for mistakes.

“Ards dominated the second half and at this level you need to take advantage of whatever opportunities you can create.

“However, we went into the game with a good run of results and must use those positives moving forward.

“We start again this weekend against Lurgan Celtic.”

Kick-off at Tandragee Road will be 3 o’clock.

“It is a derby and we have played Lurgan Celtic so often in recent seasons that there will be no real surprises on Saturday,” said Smith. “Bryan Pentland is out due to suspension but we should have Steven Park back in the squad and basically go in with a full panel.

“Adam White and Adam Neale, two of our January signings, both came off the bench against Ards.

“Jaime Gardiner and Adam White have both been selected for Regions’ Cup trials.

“Adam has just joined the club so it comes as a nice boost as he works back to full fitness following injury problems.

“Jaime offers so much to our side and it is fitting recognition of that ability.”