Sporting aim to retain Ironside Cup

SPORTING Lisburn will be hoping to become the first team to retain the Ironside Cup since it became part of the South Antrim League and moved from the old Lisburn League where Suffolk were the dominant Ironside Cup force.

Last season Sporting won two of the three knock-out trophies, including the Ironside, and were runners-up in the third. It will be interesting to see if they can become “knock-out’’ specialists.

But, they will have their work cut out against a Lambeg Rangers team starved of success, even though they can be counted among the top few sides. The lack of silverware, probably from the 90s, will make Rangers more determined and the game promises to be one of the best in recent years.

In the end it will all come down to which of the pair wants the trophy most and both have very strong reasons to win. Sporting just have the edge, if only because they are the holders.

The final kicks-off at 11.00 a.m. at Stanley Park (Lisburn Rangers home ground).

The Ironside finals have been a big success at this venue during the last two years and the League committee extend their thanks to Lisburn Rangers for again allowing their ground to be used for this showpiece final.

Lambeg Rangers

Adam Bradford goalkeeper - Came to the club last year to play for Seconds but forced his way in to Firsts, big lad, great shot stopper, good dealing with anything in the box.

Davy Brady defender - Arrived last year and started well but had a bad injury, back to full fitness pre-season and is now ever present both at full back and centre-half. Good in air, very quick, chipped in with goals.

Joe Gill, captain, defender - Three years at club, very rarely has a bad game, plays anywhere in back four, good tackler, reads the game well. His father, Trevor was manager of a trophy winning team in the 90s.

Conor Ellis defender - An old-fashioned centre-half, great tackler, excellent in the air, great passer, joker of the team keeping the lads amused on Saturday and training nights.

Paul Hobson defender - Joined last year from Sporting Lisburn, has played every position except goalkeeper in his first season but has made left back slot his own.

Neil McCall defender - Also came from Sporting Lisburn, can play on either flank, great crosser of the ball, on his day can turn the best defender inside out.

Grant MacPherson midfield - Great touch, plays the game simple and calm, good in the air, puts in a good shift in middle of the park.

Jonny Nixon midfield - Elder statesman of the team but you wouldn’t think it, very good in the air even though not the tallest. Very fit, rarely misses training, great example for the younger players.

Tommy McMichael midfield - Around the team for years, fantastic attitude but very unlucky with injuries. Can use both feet, good in the air, just back in time for the final.

Davy Dowling midfield - First season, has good first touch, struggled a bit to break into the team.

Dayne Lucas midfield - Signed from Wesley end of last season, full of running, great attitude.

Graham Stitt midfield/attack - Great servant to the team, on his day can be the match winner, last season’s leading goalscorer, another with good attitude.

Matty Briggs forward - Recently signed from South Antrim, has been unlucky with injury, chipped in with a fair share of goals Good touch when on the ball.

Mark Coates forward - Only played a handful of games, still finding his way. Got the winner in semi-final, will be good asset to the team as season goes on.

Ryan Nixon forward - Second season with club. On his day one of the best strikers in the league, good work rate on and off the park.

Sporting Lisburn

Stephen White goalkeeper, 26 - Excellent shot stopper who commands his area well.

Darren Henning defender, 24 - Tough tackling, no nonsense defender, thrives on these games, a threat in the air.

Davy Flanagan defender, 23 - Dependable defender strong with both feet, great range of passing always puts in a good shift.

Stephen McDonagh defender, 17- Quick young defender who is full of running, great ability.

Simon Walsh defender, 23 - Club captain, consistent performer, complete defender who reads the game well, a threat at set pieces.

Andy Ginn midfielder, 21- Box to box centre midfielder, great stamina, strong in the tackle and the air always gives 100 per cent.

Ashley Parker midfielder, 24 - Hard working all round steady midfielder who moves the ball well.

Steven Smyth midfielder, 28 - Good man marker with a great engine who covers a lot of ground.

James Campbell midfielder, 24 - Quick winger who is always a threat when on the ball, loves to take on defenders and currently leading this season’s club goalscoring chart.

Craig Armstrong midfielder, 26 - Confident on the ball who always works hard for the team, can break up opposition play and settle the team.

Matty Patton midfielder, 26 - Recent new signing steady 90 minute midfielder, can also play at the back.

Ryan Graham midfielder, 19 - Skillful, fast and dangerous winger, creates a lot of chances with an eye for goal.

Alan Murdough striker, 25 - Hard working centre forward who never gives up, a threat in the box and strong with both feet.

Chris Cairns striker, 24 - Tricky striker with an abundance of pace and energy, always shows great movement, can create a chance from nothing.

Scott Parker striker, 23 - Strong centre forward who has a great strike and dangerous from distance.

Jason Hamilton striker, 26 - Club all time top goal scorer non-stop runner with lots of pace who only needs half a chance to score.