GLEBE Rangers boss Derek Donaghy called on his players to dig deep ahead of Saturday’s match against Armagh City - and they did just that edging the hosts out 1-0.
Donaghy questioned some of his players’ commitment following the heavy defeat to Ba
llymoney United the previous week.
But they stepped up to the mark on Saturday - having been spurred on by the Republic of Ireland’s performance against France in midweek.
“I watched the Republic of Ireland/France game last Saturday and the Republic were poor,” Donaghy told Times Sport.
"But they turned it around on Wednesday and put in a fantastic performance.
"I said to our players that if the Republic of Ireland can do that from Saturday to Wednesday then surely we can change things from Saturday to Saturday.
"I said the reason the Republic caused France problems was because they were hungry, worked hard, had the right attitude and the right commitment.
“If a team is better than you on paper then the only way to change that is to work hard and show more commitment.
“Football is a working man's game and if you don't work hard you won't get anything from it.”
Glebe fielded a new-look centre-half pairing against Armagh with Stuart McCallum partnering William Wharry.
And Donaghy was delighted with how the duo performed.
"It was good to have Wharry back and Stuart McCallum making his debut,” he said.
"Stuart will be able to draw on his experience in the game to talk others through matches.
"He brings something different to the table and will be an important player for us.”
A Trevor Parkhill goal proved enough for visitors Glebe to claim the points from this crucial clash at Holm Park.
The 26-year-old struck after 14 minutes when he was allowed the time and space to fire home from close range.
City, with just two points to their credit, almost responded within a couple minutes through Peter McNeill only to be denied by a superb Brian Kane save, one of a number of fine stops he made throughout the game.
His opposite number, William McFrederick, wasn't to be outdone and denied the visitors on no fewer than three occasions to keep City in the game.
However, their hopes of salvaging something were dealt a body blow just before the hour mark when Shea McGerrigan was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.
“Saturday was a big three points but we won't be shouting from the rooftops,” said Donaghy.
“It gives us something to build on.
“It was a big three points and keeps us five points off the bottom team.
“We had enough chances to win five matches.
“Brian Kane made two excellent saves at the other end but we missed three one-on-ones with their goalkeeper.”
Next up for Glebe is a potential banana skin WKD Intermediate Cup tie against minnows Rathfern Rangers.
Stuart Moore should return to the fold following his suspension after being dismissed against Ballymoney.
"On paper we should win the game,” said Donaghy.
