What’s not to look forward to – Dergview boss Tommy Canning

DERGVIEW boss Tommy Canning believes Monday’s eagerly-anticipated Boxing Day clash against rivals Ballinamallard United will in some respects look after itself.

On paper the Mallards will start as slight favourites. Harry McConkey’s team has steadily climbed the table in recent weeks and are firmly in the promotion mix in second place.

Thus far Dergview have also had a decent campaign and look capable of finishing in the top half of the table.

While Canning and his improving team have recorded some disappointing results, by the same token they have produced some eye-catching displays, most notably in defeating both Ards and Newry City in their own backyard and turning over Loughgall United at Darragh Park.

It would be a brave man or woman who would predict the final outcome of the traditional Boxing Day clash and, while Canning is plotting a victory for the Derg man, he accepts that in a derby other factors can sometimes come into play.

“The game looks after itself in terms of there is little need to motivate people,” said the Strabane man.

“Some people say that it’s the same three points up for grabs than it is against any other team but they are not. It’s bigger than that, more than that and it should be bigger than that because it’s a derby. There is often a push to take the emotion out of games like this – to play the game and not the occasion.

“That’s right and proper but there is space and room for derby games and they shouldn’t lose their passion and be void of emotion.

“There’s not a lot of work to do in terms of getting people pyschologically ready for it but it’s important we are.

“We have a lot of players who have come into the club this season, haven’t been around the Championship much, around Dergview enough to understand the full context to a derby game. It’s important they understand that and bring that along with our game plan to the pitch on the 27th.

“What you don’t want is a passionless, dour derby game. It’s about controlling and channelling that emotion and keeping a lid on it, yet, allowing the pot to bubble at the same time.”

The last time the sides met it finished all square at Ferney Park (1-1) and back in May a fifth round Irish Cup tie ended 2-2 with Dergview winning a dramatic penalty shootout 11-10.

Knowing Canning and McConkey it goes without saying that neither manager will leave no stone unturned in trying to gain an advantage. The stage is set for a mouth-watering encounter which will draw it’s fair share of neutrals to Darragh Park.
Canning said he and his players were looking forward to the occasion immensely.

“These are usually tight affairs, it’s a difficult one to call. Like a lot of derby games it all depends on who turns up on the day and who can manage all the emotion and energy that goes along with a derby game,” he continued.

“They (Ballinamallard) will not give any quarter, we will not ask for any quarter and the same will go for them. That will mean two teams going at it and I’m looking forward to it. I can safely say the players are relishing it too.

“There should be a good crowd.Both teams will go at – what’s not to look forward to?” Kick-off 3pm