Big boys beckon

Big boys beckon

9 January 2013

SATURDAY can’t come quick enough for giant-killing Ballynahinch United when they travel to take on Irish League giants Coleraine in the fifth round of the Irish Cup.

There has been an air of excitement around the Millbridge ever since the draw was made three weeks ago and now the players are ready to face the biggest challenge in the club’s history.

This is the first time United have reached this stage of the competition. A big day out in Coleraine lies ahead with a bus load of supporters also set to enjoy the occasion.

Manager Colin Murray, the most decorated player in the local game, has masterminded wins over Loughgall and Ballymoney United in recent times and he is not going to the Coleraine Showgrounds on a damage limitation exercise.

Murray had a glittering playing career at Killyleagh YC, Ballyclare Comrades and Dundela which brought two Steel and Sons Cup medals, eight Amateur League titles, three Border Cup and three Clarence Cup medals, three Division B titles and three Smirnoff Cup medals.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s big game, he said: “We will keep it tight at the back and not leave ourselves open to being hit on the break.

“I just hope our lads go and enjoy the occasion as chances like this don’t come around that often,” he said.

Murray and his assistant, Keith Hamilton, have yet to decide on what formation to employ. In reality, he knows his players are on a hiding to nothing.

“We must make things hard for Coleraine,” he stresses. “There is no point in even travelling if we didn’t think we can do that.

“I don’t believe the occasion will faze the players. We have loads of experience in Ross Hayes, Scotty Brashaw and Adam Heron.

“We will be taking a panel of 19 players to the game and won’t divulge the formation or the players to start the game until closer to kick off. It is a must that we stick together as long as we can and battle as long as we can.

“If we can do that and Coleraine their guard, then who knows what will happen?”

Hamilton won an IFA Harry Cavan Youth Cup medal with Kilmore Rec and played at Glenavon and Killyleagh YC before finishing his career at Ballynahinch.

He too doesn’t feel that United are travelling to make up the numbers. “The boys are playing well at the minute, but we must be realistic and just can’t go gung-ho on Saturday. Coleraine will destroy is if we attempt to throw caution to the wind,” he remarked.

“Parking the bus is one option, but we have too many good players just to defend in numbers. We will certainly keep it tight at the back and hope that we can create something at the other end.

“Whatever happens we will enjoy the day and hope we can do ourselves justice.”

Kilmore Rec are also in Irish Cup action on Saturday and will be hoping to book their place in the last 16 when they travel to Tobermore United. Definitely missing for Kilmore will be player manager Gary Kennedy and goalkeeper Michael McKenna, who are both suspended, but it is hoped that Niall McCarthy, who missed Saturday’s defeat by Malachians, will return in time for the big game.