Bev on red alert for crucial cup replay

COLERAINE captain Howard Beverland is rallying the fans ahead of tonight (Tuesday’s) crucial Irish Cup fifth round replay against Cliftonville.
Howard Beverland is looking forward to another tussle with Cliftonville's Liam Boyce. Darren Kidd /Presseye.comHoward Beverland is looking forward to another tussle with Cliftonville's Liam Boyce. Darren Kidd /Presseye.com
Howard Beverland is looking forward to another tussle with Cliftonville's Liam Boyce. Darren Kidd /Presseye.com

Beverland told Times Sport the home support will having a vital role to play in helping their team see off the champions.

“I’d urge the fans to come out in force on Tuesday night and really get behind us,” he said.

“They made a big difference up at Solitude and I know they can drive us on at The Showgrounds.

“We’ve had some great cup games down the years at home and I want this to be another memorable night for the right reason.

“I think the fans and players feed off each other, if they see us giving our all they respond and vice versa. All the fans who have stuck by us and supported us through the hard times nights like this are for them.”

The Ballymoney man knows his side will have to be on top of their game to see off the Reds. And Beverland in particular will have to keep out Liam Boyce and Joe Gormley, who are closing in on 50 goals for the season.

“I relish playing against the like of Liam Boyce and Joe Gormley, who I think are the best strikers in the league,” he said.

“I thought we did well against them up at Solitude, but we will have to be on the top of our game again on Tuesday night. If you keep them quiet you keep Cliftonville quiet. They have conceded a few goals this season and we have players who can harm them. It has the makings of another great game.”