Sadler’s Peaky Blinders Irish Cup sixth round: Queen’s University v Glentoran (today, The Dub, 1.30pm)
QUEEN’S University manager Peter Thompson says his Irish Cup giant-killers had no interest in forfeiting home advantage to make a “quick buck” as they prepare an ambush for Glentoran at The Dub this afternoon (1.30pm).
The Belfast-based students caused one of the greatest upsets in Irish Cup history by defeating Linfield in the previous round of the competition and have the chance to take down the other half of Belfast’s ‘Big Two’.
When the fifth round draw was made Queen’s turned down Linfield’s offer to switch the tie to Windsor Park and they also declined the same offer from Glentoran officials to move today’s clash to The Oval.
Thompson said both offers were non-starters.
“We’d absolutely no interest switching the game to the Oval,” said Thompson, who famously guided Queen’s to the Irish Cup semi-finals in 2014.
“We want this to be a day - win, lose or draw - to be remembered and it will be at our normal surroundings. If we went to Windsor or The Oval there is no incentive for us and we’d definitely lose because they’re used to the pitch, they’re in their own environment and they’ll have a big support.
“It wouldn’t be an occasion for us because we’d be going there simply to make a quick buck. That’s certainly not in the make up of this club. It’s not what sport is about.”
Thompson, who took charge in December 2012, added: “What happens on Saturday will live forever in the minds of the players, their families, the coaches and supporters. Money is spent very, very quickly. There are so many people that have invested a lot of time into Queen’s, we’re a community club. So going to the National Stadium or The Oval, no thanks.”
Marc McKenna and Jonah Mitchell (penalty) were the goal heroes for Queen’s in last month’s epic encounter at the south Belfast venue.
McKenna, who also plays Gaelic football for St Gall’s, is suspended for today’s historic match with the Glens.
Since their incredible win on January 4, Queen’s have beaten Knockbreda and lost back-to-back games to Newry and Ballyclare.
Despite the losses, Thompson has been comforted by the manner of their performances.
“The players are really enjoying it, they enjoy being in the spotlight and rightly so.
“Our performances have been good since the Linfield game. Sometimes performances can slip after the Lord Mayor’s Ball, you can suffer a lull, but we’ve played well since the cup win.”
Thompson and assistant James Lavery attended Glentoran’s 4-0 mid-week win over Glenavon and the wily Queen’s manager is under no illusions of the size of the task that awaits his men today.
“The difference between the two games against Linfield and Glentoran is the fear factor in being beaten by us will create a greater impetus in the Glentoran team - for their players more than anything. The Linfield coaching staff certainly didn’t underestimate us but maybe their players did.
“Because of the media interest that followed the Linfield game I think the Glentoran players will be thinking: ‘We cannot let this happen.’
“So I don’t think that will work in our favour. But we’ll give it as best a shot as we can. To have a second day like this is great for us.”
Glentoran moved to top of the table and on current form look the best bet among the title chasing pack to claim the Gibson Cup this season.
Thompson also feels Glentoran’s style of play will be harder to combat than Linfield’s.
“I think one of the big differences between Linfield and Glentoran is Glentoran play through the lines. They try and exploit areas of the pitch with the ball on the ground and by getting their best players on the ball.
“They also like to play out from the back. Not that Linfield don’t like to do that, but Linfield are a bit more physical, a bit more direct. I think Linfield’s style is maybe a bit easier for us [to handle], but I can’t see us tweaking too much.
“Glentoran are practically a full-time club. Like most clubs in Northern Ireland, we train Tuesday and Thursday night. You’ve three hours contact with your players, but we’ll give it our best shot and everyone is looking forward to the day.”
Irish Cup sixth round (3pm unless stated)
Knockbreda v Ballinamallard United (1.30pm)
THE ‘Mallards hammered Knockbreda 4-1 on their home patch back in December. The margin of victory won’t be as wide but last year’s cup finalists should come through to reach the last eight.
Odds: H:7/2 D:16/5 A:1/2
Prediction: Ballinamallard United
Queen’s University v Glentoran (1.30pm)
QUEEN’S will be well drilled, as always, but their surprise element is totally and utterly gone after dumping Linfield out of the cup. The Glens have been warned.
Odds: H:15/2 D:4/1 A: 2/9
Prediction: Glentoran
Ballyclare v Larne
BALLYCLARE have won two on the bounce in the league and kept clean sheets in those wins over Queen’s and Dergview. But Larne are starting to motor having claimed Glentoran and Linfield’s scalp in recent weeks.
Odds: H:9/2 D:10/3 A:2/5
Prediction: Larne
Carrick Rangers v Crusaders
THIS is the proverbial banana skin game for Crusaders. One of the most under-rated coaches in the top flight, Niall Currie and his Carrick side will be a tricky puzzle for the Crues to solve especially at Taylor’s Avenue, but they should come through.
Odds: H:5/1 D:7/2A:4/11
Prediction: Crusaders
Cliftonville v Rathfriland Rangers
Lisburn Rangers, Brantwood and Loughgall have fallen to Rathfriland so far, but the best the Amateur League Premier side can hope for is to give a good account of themselves at Solitude today, especially with Paddy McLaughlin livid after the Reds failed to get a shot on target against Coleraine last Monday night.
Odds: H:1/33 D:10/1 A:25/1
Prediction: Cliftonville
Coleraine v Banbridge Town
THE odds say it all here. The cup draws have been kind to Banbridge until now, with wins over Dunmurry Rec, Ballymacash Ranger and a penalty shoot-out win against East Belfast in the last round. The Bannsiders will over-power Banbridge who are rock bottom in the Premier Intermediate.
Odds: H:1/20 D:9/1 A:20/1
Prediction: Coleraine
Dungannon Swifts v Newry AFC City
DARREN Mullen’s Newry won’t be too perturbed by travelling to Stangmore which they will see as a winnable game. The Swifts have tried to shore things up at the back and look more secure after keeping Linfield at bay at Windsor recently.
Odds: H:8/11 D:13/5 A:11/4
Prediction: Draw
Warrenpoint Town v Ballymena United
BALLYMENA badly need to find some form but Warrenpoint won’t be easy even if Barry Gray’s men have suffered a couple of 4-0 home defeats in the last month. Ballymena can’t buy a win in the Premier and must be vulnerable heading to Milltown today.
Odds: H:21/10 D:5/2 A:10/11
Prediction: Warrenpoint
