Peter Collins believes Saturday’s win over Banbridge YCOB was evidence of what a fully-fit Glenavy side can do in Division One.
The Aghalee Playing Fields outfit earned an important 3-0 win at the bottom end of the table, easing them nine points clear of Banbridge who remain rooted to the basement.
Collins is acting as interim manager for the rest of the season after being appointed back in October.
His initial time at the helm was spent counting the walking wounded, with almost as many players on the treatment table as available for selection.
But on Saturday he was missing just one player, and the strength in depth was evident to see.
“It was very difficult when I came in, and since then we have had a lot of injuries which hasn’t helped matters,” Collins told Match on Tuesday.
“But on Saturday we had close to a fully fit squad. We were only missing one on Saturday, and it makes a big difference having a full squad to pick from.
“Before that, the team was basically picking itself because we barely had enough available players.
“If we have a fully fit squad, I think we can compete against at least two thirds of the league. The top four are probably out on their own, but everyone else you hope to get something off them.”
Goals from Nick Kennedy, Jordan Calvert and Connor Grogan earned Glenavy their win on Saturday.
It was their first clean sheet of the season, and a welcome win for manager Collins.
“I was very pleased with Saturday’s win. It has been a while coming,” he said.
“We have been putting in some good performances without getting the results, but things clicked against Banbridge.
“To score three goals and keep a clean sheet is pleasing as a manager. It is our first clean sheet of the season so that was important.
“If you can keep clean sheets then you have a chance of winning games.
“We knew how important this game was, given the league positions of the two sides. It felt like an important game, a big game. And the lads stood up and were counted.
“We were six points ahead of Banbridge going into the game, so if they had won then that gap would have been cut to three points.
“Now we have a bit of daylight between us and Banbridge which is good. It gives us a bit of breathing space.”
Collins (circled) is confident his side can continue picking up wins and points, and ultimately climb the table in Division One.
“For me, it is a very difficult league to play in. There are about four teams at the top end of the table who are ahead of the others, so there are two leagues within a league,” he added.
“We are trying to do the best we can out of the other teams, and it is a challenge.
“Survival is the minimum target for us this season. We also have a cup to play in and we will see how we do in that.
“As far as Division One is concerned, we want to survive, but survive well.”
