Tennents Irish Cup sixth round: Linfield v Armagh City (Windsor Park, 3pm)
ARMAGH City goalkeeper John Connolly has urged his team-mates to savour the moment as they take on Linfield at Windsor Park this afternoon.
The Championship Two outfit, managed by Marty Rice, are rated 16/1 to cause a major Irish Cup upset.
Connolly, who signed for the club this season from Larne, is a veteran of such occasions after enjoying successful spells with Premiership sides Cliftonville and Glenavon.
“I probably enjoy these games more now than maybe when I was playing for Cliftonville because it was the norm to be playing against all the big teams and at the best grounds," said Newry-based Connolly.
“There’s a real buzz about the club and a lot of our players were saying that it’s the first time they will have played at Windsor Park. I just hope they are able to enjoy the occasion without being overawed by it."
They might be the wrong end of the Championship One table due to a backlog of fixtures, but after today’s David-and-Goliath clash at Windsor Armagh City have two cup finals – Mid-Ulster and Bob Radcliffe - to look forward to this season.
“I’ve really enjoyed it at Armagh City. I was at Larne last year and I was enjoying my football there too, but the travelling was getting a bit much, so I thought Armagh would be better for me.
“It’s only 20 minutes from my home. It’s great set-up at Armagh and they’ve one of the best 4G pitches I’ve played on. So things couldn’t be better.
“I’ve been really impressed by the manager Marty Rice. He’s got the team very well organised.”
Connolly enjoyed two spells with Cliftonville, making his debut 11 years ago for the Solitude club. He eventually made way for current Reds ‘keeper Conor Devlin, but has nothing but fond memories of his time there.
“I was at Solitude recently and it’s great to see the changes at the club. The fans were brilliant to me. I remember I was on a family holiday in Santa Ponsa and there was a group of Cliftonville fans there, so they decided to serenade me [laughing].
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of the club’s fans. The highlights for me were playing in Europe with Cliftonville and I remember we won the Co Antrim Shield against Linfield at Windsor Park under Eddie Patterson.”
Connolly also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Mark Farren whom he played with during his stint at Glenavon. The 33-year-old former Derry City striker passed away earlier this week after battling cancer.
“I played with Mark at Glenavon and not only was he a brilliant goalscorer, he was just a great fella, a gentleman. Even after he’d been diagnosed [with a brain tumour], he was still scoring goals. It’s just tragic for him and his family.”
