By Michael McMullan

NEWBRIDGE joint-manager Gary Hetherington has praised the group consistency as they face the final step of their title defence on Sunday.

They race Magherafelt in the decider, having come the longer route of needing a Qualifier after losing their opener to Dungiven.

Newbridge won both the senior and reserve leagues but were pushed into the championship backdoor.

“We had a blip against Dungiven if you can call it a blip,” said Hetherington, who manages the O’Leary’s alongside Kevin Brady.

At the time, he admitted his side didn’t deserve anything from the game, with Dungiven the better side.

“We’ve been consistent all year and without putting much effort into the league, we won the league and winning is a super habit,” he said.

“People say the league in Derry doesn’t really count because the main men don’t play but every time you go out you have a point to prove.

“We’ve tried to instil that and we’re winning matches; we haven’t lost too many matches this year so we’re happy enough.”

“We’re absolutely delighted,” Hetherington said about being back in the final.

“This club doesn’t get to too many finals and to be in two in two years is top drawer and it makes a lot of people in Newbridge very happy.”

The game goes ahead as planned after Sleacht Néill’s unsuccessful appeal following Sunday’s replay wasn’t taken any further.

Newbridge have had one day less to prepare with Magherafelt’s semi-final win over Saturday giving them an extra 24 hours ahead of the season’s biggest game.

“There’s many a team who’d love to be in our position this evening,” Hetherington said, minutes after their semi-final win. “Where else would you want to be if you’re in a club in Derry at the minute rather than preparing for next Sunday in Celtic Park.”