Intermediate Profile: Oxford Sunnyside

Club: Oxford Sunnyside

Home Ground: Knockramer Park, Lurgan

Colours: White and red

Manager: Paddy McCrory

Captain: Peter McCann

League: Mid Ulster Intermediate A

Oxford Sunnyside have certainly taken to life at a higher level. Having raced to the Intermediate B title last season, pipping Rectory Rangers to the silverware, the Lurgan side have started this season as they ended the last. Indeed the top two in the top flight are the two promoted sides, with both having secured three league wins from three. A further pair of cup wins, 3-2 over Rectory in the Premier Cup and 3-0 over Barn United in the Irish Cup, has seen the club complete five wins out of five.

Manager Paddy McCrory reflects on the impressive weekend victory at Barn United, which sets up another away trip, this time to PIL side, Tobermore United:

“We were very happy with the performance yesterday, winning 3-0 away to Barn United. Yesterday was our 5th win out of 5 competitive games this season and our 4th clean sheet, which is particularly pleasing. Barn United proved stubborn opposition on the day and fought for everything until the final whistle.

“On reflection, our fitness levels really stood out and our ability to move and keep the ball under pressure. Whilst our focus this season is being as competitive as we can in our league, it’s great to be in the hat for the next round of the Irish Cup and we now look forward to the draw.”

Originally known as Oxford United, the name coming from nearby Oxford Island, the club were one of the most decorated in junior football across the province. In 2002, the club amalgamated with Lurgan boys side Sunnyside Boys and the link-up has seen the club go from strength to strength. Promotion to Intermediate A was the next step for the progressive club, who continue to build for the future.

“We gained promotion to Intermediate A this year having won Intermediate B last season”, Paddy continued, “There is a very noticeable increase in standard in the A division with each and every team being competitive. There are no easy games and that is evidenced via some of the results across be league so far.

“Our aim this year was always to come into the division to solidify and be as competitive as possible. Winning our first three league games has been a great start for us and we have played some of the divisions top teams. However we know it’s very early days and given the quality in the league, we are under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead.

“The big games come thick and fast and next week we are away to a strong Valley Rangers team, who have also started the season well and will be a real tough proposition, especially at home.”