From supporter to player, Mid-Ulster star looking to keep firing after completing Irish League dream
Going from the Shamrock Park stands to representing Portadown was the ultimate journey for Sam Cochrane, but now back at Richhill, where his senior career began, the young striker is keen to hit new heights after starting the new season in style.
It was fantastic form for the Mid-Ulster Intermediate A outfit that originally earned Cochrane his move to the Ports, a club he has supported all his life, scoring 35 goals across competitions in what was a first full senior season.
The 21-year-old had previously spent time in Portadown’s youth ranks, making a number of reserve team appearances before departing for Richhill, and manager Niall Currie secured Cochrane’s return ahead of the 2023/24 Championship campaign as they chased top-flight promotion.
Cochrane ultimately made 13 league appearances, during which time the highlight was undoubtedly scoring his maiden goal in October’s 3-1 home win over Knockbreda, celebrating in front of supporters that he used to sit amongst.
"Portadown had offered me to train during pre-season like a trial...I'm a lifelong Portadown fan and I couldn't say no,” he reflected. “I loved playing under Niall. He's a fantastic coach and a great guy.
"I feel like I played well every time I came on but just with the situation the club was in, he had to play players who he knew what he was getting out of them - it wasn't a time to try something new.
"You get some high off it (playing for Portadown). I'd be singing at every match and be up there with them...when I came on for my first game they were chanting 'he's one of our own' and you can't wipe the smile off your face.”
With opportunities limited at both Portadown and during a loan spell with Annagh United, Cochrane made the decision to return to Richhill this summer and has began the season by netting 11 times, including a hat-trick in last weekend’s Intermediate Cup win over Windmill Stars.
Guided by manager Marty Rice, who spent seven years in charge of neighbouring Armagh City in the Irish League, Cochrane feels he’s getting back to his best.
"There's a bit more pressure now...two years ago I was just a wee kid but now teams know who you are and you have to score,” he added. “If I didn't play well for Portadown people would say you're doing well to be there, but now if I'm not playing well I'll know about it...there's a bit of expectation which I like.
"As much as it's nice for me to score goals, I couldn't care less about how many I have - I get more of a buzz off winning.
"I've found the groove again. I nearly feared I'd lost the touch because it took a while to come back. I was getting a lot of chances and missing some easy ones, but once you get those goals you can really get going. It's all about confidence.
"I see it as any striker in top form will score goals, but the best strikers are the ones who can have a shocking game but still find a way to score. I've had a couple of those games where it feels rewarding when you're playing badly but still find a way to put the ball in the back of the net."