Match sharpness key in comeback – Doherty

BEN Doherty insists he is ‘feeling good’ after making his return from injury in the recent wins against Warrenpoint Town and Portadown…

The midfielder was a used substitute against Warrenpoint Town before making his first start since early January against Portadown on Tuesday night.

Doherty’s two goals helped the Bannsiders record a 2-0 success against the Ports and the ex-Derry City ace revealed he and his team-mates are simply taking it one game at a time.

“It’s been a long eight weeks out,” he said.

“I’ve been working hard with Alan Millar and the doctor since the surgery to get the strength back into the arm.

“I’m feeling good, I got 85 minutes against Portadown and around 20 against Warrenpoint, so it’s all about getting minutes back into the legs.

“I’ve been doing a lot of running away from the club but there’s nothing that prepares you for it than being out on the pitch and getting that match sharpness back.

“It was a good three points against Portadown.

“It’s about ticking the games off and taking them one at a time.

“We had to work hard and whilst I don’t think the first-half performance was good, we fortunately went in with a lead at half-time.”

Doherty’s brace against Matthew Tipton’s side came from the spot and the 23-year-old revealed that he sets his mind where he is placing his penalties before a ball is kicked.

“It’s a bit of a stick or twist hitting two penalties in the same game,” he continued.

“The keeper probably thinks you’re going to go the same way again or he could try and fool you and make you go the other way.

“It’s not the first time I’ve hit two penalties in the one game and I would know myself in the changing room before the game starts where I’d be going.

“I usually have it decided and I stick with it.”

The former Northern Ireland under-21 international will be hoping to impress once again as Oran Kearney’s troops face Dungannon Swifts tomorrow afternoon.

“They beat us at Stangmore Park earlier in the season,” Doherty concluded.

“There has been a change of management so there’s probably a weight off the shoulders for the players up there.

“They are a young group, players are probably looking for contracts and to remain in the team.

“It won’t be easy but if we want to do anything we need to take all three points and move onto the next one.”