Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup second round: Ballinamallard United v Crusaders (today, Ferney Park, 3pm)
BOSS Harry McConkey promises Ballinamallard United will play on the front foot against Irish Cup foes Crusaders at Ferney Park this afternoon in what is a re-run of the 2019 final meeting between the sides.
McConkey has mixed emotions of their 3-0 defeat to the Crues in the showpiece decider – and hopes that his much-changed outfit can be a more difficult opponent in today’s intriguing match-up.
“For us to bring the crowd from both sides of the community that we did to Windsor Park for the final will stay with me forever,” McConkey said.
“It was a wonderful thing to witness. From a purely football point of view, it was a very tough day. We conceded early, popped our own balloon. At 1-0 it was still not beyond us but then we conceded early in the second half and the game was effectively over.
“Crusaders were a very strong, experienced outfit – but they didn’t have to work too hard on the day to beat us.”
Eight of the 'Mallards side that featured in the 2019 Irish Cup final have since moved on, but the experienced McConkey is excited by his panel of players.
Rees Byrne, Sean McEvoy, Patrick Ferry, BJ Banda and Josh McIlwaine add plenty of creativity while former Linfield and Glenavon defender Mark Stafford has returned to his former club.
Evan Tweed, on-loan from Coleraine, is also in the shake-up, but club captain Richard Clarke is suspended for today’s second round clash.
Sitting joint second in the Championship, eight points behind leaders Newry City, winning a place in the Premiership remains the key objective for McConkey – but he's relishing the challenge of causing a cup upset.
“I’m not saying we’re going to be gung-ho but the emphasis will be to play on the front foot and to give our supporters a bit more to cheer about than we did in the cup final.”
