Rec ready for cup replay

No-one gave the minnows a chance last Saturday but a combination of dogged determination, great goalkeeping by 24-year-old Philip Warnock and a huge chunk of luck, the Amateur League side upset the odds. Now can they do it all again?

“After Saturday’s draw at Windsor the boys now know they can compete with Linfield if they all play as well as I know they can,” said Rec manager Moore. “We didn’t win, but it felt like it. “I have no doubt that David Jeffrey will have Linfield fired up for the replay and will be determined to put us in our place, but equally we at Dunmurry will be anxious to prove that last Saturday’s result was no fluke. The most important thing to remember for the players is that before Monday’s replay we have a league game against Islandmagee and this fixture is always very competitive and it is only after this match that we will turn our attention to the Linfield match.”

The odds will once again be stacked against Dunmurry - but you never know in the cup.

David Jeffrey admitted Monday night’s cup replay with Dunmurry Rec is a game they could have done without.

“The games are piling up, but we only have ourselves to blame for the replay,” said Jeffrey. “When you look at the gulf between the teams it was a match we should have won. But as we see all too often if you don’t fully prepare then it can bite you. These ties are not won on paper, you have to deliver on the pitch. Again, we take nothing for granted, it is not a foregone conclusion, it is a game we are fully focused on to win.”

Before Monday Linfield will aim to put the Setanta Cup defeat behind them and pick up three points from the visit of Newry Town on Saturday.

HAVING to make the journey to Ballinamallard for their replay on Monday night is not giving Lisburn Distillery boss Tommy Wright too many concerns.

“We have the second best away form in the league and I think the big pitch up there will certainly suit our style of play,” said Wright.

“I know we can play better than last Saturday, but can they play any better? We have to look at it as still a great opportunity to get into the next round and a home tie, so plenty to aim for.”

On Saturday the Whites will aim to prevent an unwanted hat-trick having lost twice already to visitors Donegal Celtic.

“They may be bottom, but they have beaten us on two occasions,” added Wright. “Our performances in those two games were poor. We are trying to secure a top six place before the split and it is getting very congested for that sixth spot. If we are to put pressure on Ballymena we must win on Saturday.”