‘When the hurt stops, the fight kicks in’ Irish League boss view as champions tackle champions
Life on the Irish League main stage has provided newly-promoted Limavady United with the full spectrum of experiences – best encapsulated across added-time drama on successive weekends.
Having been hit with a sucker-punch setback on 94 minutes in a single-goal defeat at Glentoran, Paul Owens’ men picked up a point on Saturday as an own goal on 92 minutes secured a share of the spoils against Carrick Rangers.
Starting off with four consecutive defeats after promotion as Championship champions, tonight Limavady visit last season’s top-flight title winners Larne aware a win would result in a jump from outside the relegation zone to inside the top six.
"We're in that wee bunch...two wins puts you in a really, really promising position but, ultimately, two defeats you're technically looking over your shoulder again,” said Owens on BBC Radio Ulster Sportsound after the Carrick draw played out against the backdrop of Storm Boelo. "You just have to dust yourself down in this league and make sure you're ready to rock the next week.
"With the heartbreak last week in the 94th minute, we scored in the 92nd minute today.
"For our players and for the profile of player we have, we dug in well in conditions as bad as I've ever seen.
"You have to be at your best in this league to get points."
Owens points to performance levels offering cause for optimism even if the end product has failed to deliver the desired outcome at times – with mental strength strong across the board.
"Even in the first four games (four successive defeats) I think we were really unfortunate,” said Owens. "We were really competitive and had opportunities but, you know, luck does swing around.
"We were really disappointed coming down the road last week (Glentoran) and, you know, there's no hiding the fact that late goal by Portadown (3-1 defeat) probably hurts you a wee bit.
"And you could probably start looking over your shoulder, younger players especially.
"I'm just trying to keep pushing this group as much as we can and keep looking forward.
"I do let it hurt for a little bit but, you know, an old saying somebody told me years ago is 'when the hurt stops, the fight kicks in'.