Russell: UCD have 'winning factor'

UCD boss Martin Russell was thrilled that his side managed to get their season off to a winning start against new boys Cork City because it has instilled the ‘winning factor’ in his young side.

The students finished eighth last season, 28 points ahead of bottom side Galway United with a total of 34 and with eight of their 10 wins coming at home, their form at Belfield again this year is sure to be crucial.

 “Delighted with that win, all things considered,” Russell said. “We had a young team out there and a couple missing as well but for the ones that played their part in getting the win, they had to battle hard.

“Cork came at us in the second half but I’m delighted with our commitment and effort throughout the game.”

Russell was without star man Paul Corry in midfield but he singled out 19 year-old James Kavanagh for special praise, while insisting that his only aim for this season is to improve on last year and continue to provide up and coming stars with plenty of experience.

“James Kavanagh is still in school and he showed so much maturity with his performance and Chris Lyons up front is still in school too.

“Last season is gone and this is now. Today is gone as well and we’ll look forward to the next one. We don’t dwell on things.

“(Our aim is) To achieve more than we did last year in terms of getting more points and whatever comes in the other competitions and just offering a stage for these lads to make prospects in their careers.”

On the terrible surface at the UCD Bowl, Mark Langtry’s first half strike proved enough in a game of few chances but the College boss added that he believes the pitch is in better condition than it was at the beginning of 2011.

“Always at this time of the year but it’s probably better now than it was at the same time last year. It’s not perfect and it was bobbly while the wind got up in the second half and it probably got a bit patchy.”