Cabinteely's Rob Manley: 'We're always told nobody wants to play us, so we always want to go out and prove people wrong'

Cabinteely forward Rob Manley admits that the chance for his side to prove others wrong has been a strong source of desire as the promotion hunt intensifies this week for Cabo. 

The Green and White’s face Drogheda United on Friday evening in the second leg of their promotion playoff, with the tie locked at one-goal apiece ahead of the United Park showdown.

“We get a lot of stick,” the former Bohemians forward told extratime.ie.  

“But, it’s just a credit to the lads and how we react to that. The stuff that we do in training, we’re always told nobody wants to play us, so we always want to go out and prove people wrong and want to win.

“It’s been a good season (personally). I just really wanted to put last year behind me. I was delighted with the amount of games I’ve got this year and I’ve just taken it from there and each game really.

“I was always thought I was good enough, but it just didn’t happen (before). I don’t know – maybe it was the lack of game time or whatever, so I was just delighted to get the game time with Cabinteely this year and I’d like to think I’ve paid them back.

“It’s one thing thinking you’re playing well but to be voted in to the (PFAI team of the year) by teammates and the players who have been playing against you is always a good feeling.”

However, the First Division’s top goalscorer notes that he is well aware of the challenge that Tim Clancy’s side pose to both he and his teammates.

“It goes back into a nil-all kind of game. We’ll start from scratch; we’ll have to reset so we’ll be looking forward to it.

“We’ve played Drogheda enough times to know what they’re about and they’ve played us enough times to know what we’re about so it should be a cracking game.”

The 22-year-old added; “It’s a tight pitch, and on small pitches there’s always going to be more opportunities for both teams. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will be an advantage for us, but it suits both teams really.

“It feels good when you beat a team in the playoffs so we’re hoping we can continue that momentum for the second leg.

“The big games are the ones you want to play. It’s where everyone wants to be and there’s a few teams that are probably kicking themselves that they’re not in our position so we’re looking forward to it.”