“We will enjoy cup tie” says minnows

Holders and Irish League giants Linfield take on little Dunmurry Rec in a game that brings back memories of the only other time they met in the competition 52 years ago when even The Beatles had not performed at the famous Cavern in Liverpool.

It’s a daunting task for the Dunmurry club, but no matter what the outcome they are going to enjoy every second of the big occasion.

After beating Kilmore Rec 5-0 in the last round the spotlight has fallen on Ashley Park after they landed the plum draw. It’s a financial boost for the amateur club who can expect to lift around £6,000 in prizemoney and split gate receipts.

“It is undoubtly the biggest game for Dunmurry since the last time we played the Blues over 50 years ago,” says Rec chairman Cliff Coburn. “Everyone connected with the club is looking foward to visiting Windsor and seeing the boys competing against the reigning league champions and cup holders. It goes without saying that Linfield of course are big favourites but I know manager Ivor Moore and Stevie Farr will have the Rec well prepared and hopefully we will give a good account of ourselves.”

Manager Moore, born in the shadow of Windsor and from a ‘Linfield family’ says no matter what they will enjoy it.

“Playing Linfield is a daunting enough task for an Irish League club, for an amatuer club such as us it is even more so, but I know the players are looking foward to testing themselves against the Blues. Hopefully they will not be overawed by the occasion but will play as well as I know they can but most of all enjoy themselves.”

If ever a team deserved their big moment it certainly is Dunmurry Rec.

After beating Kilmore in the cup replay rather than take their share of the gate, they gave it back to Kilmore. “In these hard times we felt it was right to do. We had assured ourselves a handsome payout with the win so we decided not to take our share. We have a great relationship with Kilmore, we might kick lumps out of each other on the pitch, but outside the game we get on really well,” added Dunmurry chairman Coburn.