By Kieran Lynch

BRYANSFORD have played three and lost three in this year’s championship, and despite the fact that they face an unenviable relegation eliminator against Rostrevor this Sunday, joint-manager Conor Gribben remains upbeat about his side’s chances.

“For me, over the last few weeks it’s been about trying to stay as positive as you possibly can. In each of the games we’ve played, we have had really good parts and there’s been lots of positivity in terms of the way we played.”

How can Gribben keep his squad’s morale high following defeats against Glenn, Warrenpoint and Loughinisland, and ultimately keep them in the senior championship for next year?

“It’s about man management making sure that the lads are staying as positive as they can. But we’re also letting them know exactly what our expectations are, and the standards of Bryansford in general.”

When searching for answers as to why they’ve not had much success this year, Gribben explained how in knockout football games are often won and lost on the smallest of margins.

“There’s no one key factor. I suppose it’s a combination of a lot of small things where we maybe just made a wrong decision here or there, in critical moments during the games. It’s not because we’re playing poorly, or that there’s anybody not giving it their all, it’s just that combination of different small things that matter in championship football. So, hopefully we can get that right on Sunday.”

If they’re to win this weekend, Bryansford must reflect on the previous few weeks and learn from their mistakes.

“We’ve done a lot of video analysis on each of our games and making sure that we’re trying to correct any wrong decisions that we have made. And that comes from both the players and the management. We’re all working together, and that’s what our key message to the squad is: We’re all in it together.”

Rostrevor, of course, have struggled themselves this year and are in the same situation, but Gribben is full of compliments for his opponents.

“I’m expecting a real tussle. Rostrevor like to play football the right way and they like to move the ball fast through the hands. The teams will be very evenly matched; whoever wants it most on Sunday is going to come out on top.”

Rostrevor boss Pete McGrath is a man Bryansford know very well, and Gribben’s respect for his opposite number is clear to see.

“Pete managed myself and my joint-manager Chris Branagan when he was with Bryansford and he got us to the county final. So, we know that they’ll be very hard-working as all Pete McGrath’s teams are. We’ll need to be ready for that.”

He continued: “We know, and Bryansford knows, that a Pete McGrath side is going to be hungry, they’re going to be wanting the ball, they’re going to be positive and they’re going to try to do all the good things that he coaches.”

As for Gribben’s verdict? “We’re looking forward to the tussle.”