Moore: Islanders have a point to prove against Donegal Celtic

The Islanders go into Saturday afternoon’s third-round clash against the Championship side on the back of a best-forgotten 5-0 Border Cup defeat at Drumaness Mills.

“It’s a big game and I think it’s the first time DC have been down at our ground. Hopefully we can get a good crowd down to create a bit of atmosphere and get in their faces and cause an upset,” said Moore.

“If we play like we know we can, we’ve every chance. On our day, at home, I think we are capable of beating most Championship teams. Maybe not the top two or three, but going from fifth or sixth and down I think we could beat most of those teams on our day.

“Having them at our place, a tight ground that they are not used to, hopefully means we can make it uncomfortable for them.”

Asked if the Islanders will go for the jugular and attack Nicky Maye’s side from the off, Moore was diplomatic in his response.

“That’s up to the management but, personally speaking, I’d fancy our chances just going at them. In the last round against Comber Rec we were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes and it was three by half time. It finished six and it could have been more.”

Moore believes the Wilbourne Park outfit’s physicality and their ability to mix it when necessary, could also be an important factor come Saturday’s clash.

“I spoke to Gary Haveron (Carrick boss) who said they are a good side who like to play it a bit. They are young but he said they are not the most physical team. We have three or four six-footers and a bit of physicality about us. They might not like it - especially away from home,” added the skipper.

“Hopefully we can set the tempo early on. At the end of the day we’re not going to up against the likes of Donegal Celtic and try to outplay them. They are a Championship 1 side for a reason. We have to play to our strengths and try and play on their weaknesses and cause an upset.

“After Saturday’s performance I know the players, myself included, have a point to prove to the manager and I think the DC game has come at the right time for us after our display against Drumaness. We will be working hard this week in training and everybody will be up for it come Saturday.”