Eamonn McConigley has backed his Letterkenny Rovers to find a real scoring touch in the coming weeks.
Rovers had the lion’s share of the play and could have made life much easier, but for some glaring misses in the opening half.
“We weren’t up for the game and we should have had the game over at half-time,” McConigley said.
“We left ourselves with a lot to do. Players got tired and things went out of shape, but that’s typical of the first game of the season.
“You have to take your chances. We had 90 per cent of the play and should have scored more goals. We will have to work on that. If we keep working hard and creating chances, that will eventually come with a bit of time.”
Banda struck gold after Matthew McLaughlin levelled following a Lee Toland free-kick that put Rovers into the lead.
It was Banda who proved Rovers’ match-winner in last year’s final against Cockhill Celtic.
McConigley said: “It was a super goal. It was as good a goal as you’ll see. BJ has that ability and he will score goals.
“We were pushing on and wanted to put them away. We just made a bad mistake for the goal. Fanad got a bit on top towards the end, but a wonder goal won it for us. We should never have left ourselves in that situation.”
Rovers made a fine start to the last USL season and were leaders until the Christmas break. With the opening day out of the way, the Cathedral town men will hope to make a similarly promising start to this term.
McConigley added: “We have six players to come back now. There will be competition for places and hopefully that will change the attitude.”
