RYAN Campbell is back doing what he does best at his hometown club – banging in goals for fun.
On Saturday the sharpshooter took his tally for the season to nine with a splendid brace in the 9-0 thrashing of lowly Annagh United before departing at half-time to attend a wedding.
In the last home game the former Mallards striker also struck twice in a 2-0 win over Larne and in the previous game at Darragh Park left with the match ball following a hat-trick against Loughgall United.
The striker’s return to Darragh Park along with Ivan Sproule and the signing of Kyle Friel-Curran has, just six games in, fired Dergview to the top of the Championship.
It’s early days of course, but Campbell believes the current crop at Darragh Park is a force to be reckoned with. “The team is beginning to gel, hopefully we can push on,” said the striker known affectionately as Rocket. “We have a lot of options in attack at the minute and Ivan (Sproule), Arnie (Aaron Arkinson) and Kyle Friel-Curran were all super on Saturday.
“There is a good atmosphere about the place, they’re a good bunch of fellas and everybody is biting at the bit and pushing each other on. It’s going well.
“As for my own form I’m happy enough, I’m not fully fit yet but I’m getting there. “Playing up front and scoring a couple of goals has got the confidence going again. I’m getting used to hitting the net and really enjoying life back at Dergview.
“I suppose at Ballinamallard I wasn’t always used as a striker and in recent seasons I never knew from one week to the next whether I was in and out of the team. “I’m an out-and-out striker and now that I’m getting a run and bagging a few goals the confidence is coming back.”
On Saturday the free-scoring Derg outfit face a real test of their credentials when they make the short journey to north west neighbours Institute. Kevin Deery’s side has also made a decent start to the season and Campbell, who had a stint at ‘Stute, insists he and his team-mates face a difficult assignment at the Riverside.
The last time Campbell played at the Drumahoe venue was for the Mallards against Institute in the first leg of that infamous Premiership promotion-relegation play-off.
There was little between the sides on that occasion and come Saturday, albeit playing for a different team, the hotshot believes a goal either way will prove decisive.
“A few weeks back we beat Loughgall 6-2 and then we went away and got beat by Warrenpoint, we just never turned up that day,” added Campbell.
“We can’t rest on our laurels, we have to turn up this weekend or else we’ll get beaten. “I always get a good welcome at Institute. I had good times down there as well and it’s always good to see the old faces again. “I mightn’t be as welcome if I hit the net!”
