Hotshot Conor McMenamin opened his aim account for the brand new Danske Financial institution Premiership season on Friday evening — and he’s hoping it’s the primary of many!
The Northern Eire worldwide was just too scorching to deal with as he helped Mick McDermott’s crew rack up their first win of the league marketing campaign towards Crusaders on the BetMcLean Oval.
It didn’t begin nicely for the east Belfast aspect, who fell behind early on to a Ross Clarke strike. Ruaidhri Donnelly levelled earlier than McMenamin despatched Jonny Tuffey the unsuitable manner from the penalty spot.
Former Crusaders defender Aidan Wilson then sealed the cope with a thumping header late on to ship the followers dwelling joyful.
McMenamin insisted as soon as referee Raymond Crangle pointed to the spot after a handball offence by Philip Lowry, he wasn’t giving any of his team-mates the prospect to tackle the accountability.
“I suppose there was a little bit of stress, as a result of the sport finely balanced at the moment with the scores degree,” mentioned McMenamin.
“When Raymond awarded the penalty, I grabbed the ball right away, I used to be assured I'd put it away.
“The sensation by no means adjustments, I like to see the ball hit the again of the online. I’m delighted I’m up and operating once more on the scoring stakes within the new season.
“I set the bar excessive final 12 months when it comes to objectives, however I simply attempt to assist the crew as a lot as I can. If I don’t get on the rating sheet, I need assist others and be concerned in as many assists as I can.”
McMenamin insists his crew needed to present he ugly aspect of their sport to win the bodily battle.
He added: “We knew what to anticipate from Crusaders, they're an incredible aspect. They bought although a spherical in Europe they usually got here to us filled with confidence and rightly so. They began the season by successful the Charity Defend they usually carried that kind into their opening sport within the league marketing campaign, the place they'd a very good win towards Dungannon Swifts.
“We knew that we must be at our greatest to get the factors.”
McMenamin limped off close to the end following a reckless lunge from Crusaders substitute Josh Robinson, however shall be match for tonight’s journey to Dungannon Swifts.
“I don’t suppose it was as dangerous as I first thought,” he added. “We now have a fast turnaround towards Dungannon. They've fairly just a few new gamers on board which is able to take time for them to settle.
“They might have been overwhelmed of their two opening video games, however we’ll be taking nothing without any consideration. We should go there and be skilled to get the job accomplished.”