Getting sent off on my debut was stupid, admits Hagan

Tuesday 08th January 2008

Irish midfielder Conor Hagan had a mixed debut for Maidstone United last Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Belfast born 25-year-old received international clearance on the eve of the Stones 2-1 defeat against AFC Wimbledon, in front of the largest crowd at Bourne Park. The crowd of 1,224 saw all three goals arrive in a whirlwind opening 13 minutes of the Ryman Premier League clash, with the big-spending visitors racing into a 2-0 lead through Mark De Bolla’s penalty and Tony Finn’s header.

But despite that set-back, Maidstone United striker Mo Takaloo steered home his eleventh goal of the season and had a goal ruled out for offside, and defender Ben Lewis struck the crossbar, as the Kent side dominated proceedings.

Hagan, who started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers before playing in his native Northern Ireland, impressed before his two moments of madness.

Speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk after his debut, Hagan said: “Today I got my first taste of the Ryman League and overall I think the first 15 minutes we done really poor, we let in two sloppy goals and I got sent off for two stupid yellow cards.”

After his 56^th minute departure, AFC Wimbledon dominated proceedings and had chances to kill the game off.

Having moved to Rainham to live with his uncle’s family, Hagan has been impressed with the matches that he’s watched so far, following his free-transfer switch from Irish side Portadown.

He said: “I think the Ryman’s a good standard. Back in Ireland it’s related more towards the Conference (Blue Square Premier).

“We train four nights a week and some boys are full-time as well as part-time.

“It’s my first game in the Ryman League and for the boys it’s probably their first game in front of a big crowd.

“I’ve played in front of big crowds myself but I think the boys done really well for themselves and should be proud of themselves.”

With the Stones sitting in mid-table they are more than capable of rising the tight table.

And Hagan added: “I’ve signed until the end of the season so I’m just looking forward to getting my head down, trying to get Maidstone up the table and hopefully if the play-off’s are too far, we’ll stay in the league.”

Maidstone United travel to Boreham Wood on Saturday, 12^th January (3pm).

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk