Owens confident ahead of ‘Stute clash

Limavady United boss Paul Owens is looking forward to the Craig Memorial Cup Boxing Day clash with Institute.
Player manager Paul Owens playing for Limavady United against Queens. INLV0315-134KDRPlayer manager Paul Owens playing for Limavady United against Queens. INLV0315-134KDR
Player manager Paul Owens playing for Limavady United against Queens. INLV0315-134KDR

The final at Fortwilliam Park (KO 11am) has the potential to be a outstanding encounter.

United finally got a game under their belt, as it was a case of third time lucky, but they lost their Irish Cup tie 2-0 at Larne, on Saturday.

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“To be honest I’m completely fed up because we haven’t had any football for the past few weekends,” he said. “We have been preparing during the week for games then for them to be called off on the Saturday.

“That’s frustrating for the coaching staff but also for the players because they are set-up for the game.

“The players lose a little bit of the edge when they aren’t playing games.

“However going into a cup final there should be no motivation required because of the chance to win a trophy.”

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One bonus of not having games over the last few weeks’ means players have returned from the treatment table.

“For a change I have all eighteen players fit although there are a few minor knocks but nothing to worry about.

“We had a situation in November were we were missing six players leaving us with only thirteen available.

“That’s not what I want at all so to have the full squad to choose from gives me a nice headache.

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“A few players will miss out but that’s football, we just have to make sure that we pick the right team to win it.”

Having already won the North West Senior Cup, Owens is looking to grab his second piece of silverware this season.

“I know that I’ve said this quite a few times but the league really is our focus this season, no matter what.

“However since the end of November the league has been put to bed because of the cup games.

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“It will be nice to have a second trophy in the bag coming Boxing Day afternoon and that’s what the focus will be.

“It’s always nice to pick up trophies and this game gives up another chance to add to the collection.”

Having already beaten Institute earlier in the season, the former Coleraine player feels this may give them a little help.

“Yes we know that we can beat them because of the result earlier in the season in the North West Cup.

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“However they did beat us 4-1 earlier in the season so we just have to be too careful getting too far ahead of ourselves.

“They are a Championship one side so in my opinion they will go into the game as favourites.

“However we will go into the game full of confidence and I’m sure that we can get the result that we are looking for,” he ended.

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