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Paul Kirk
Picture: Spike Hill
Tommy Wright
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Ryan Catney
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Kevin Kelbie
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Francis Murphy
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Gary Smyth
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WHITE HOT AT BALLYSKEAGH
06/02/2006
SPIKE Hill takes a look at Lisburn Distillery v. Ballymena United, IrishFA.com's Nationwide Irish Cup 'Tie of the Round'.
Calling in to Ballyskeagh on a 1st team training night, I was met with laughter and jokes with 'gaffer' Paul Kirk in the middle of it, a player’s brand new pair of boots were getting some stick, and trying to explain the purchase simply met with various jibes and howls of derision from all. And of course big Kirker had to have the last word when he said "They won’t look too good in the reserves, will they son?". A run of 4 unbeaten games, of course helps the jovial atmosphere, as does the fact that its Irish Cup week.
The Whites disposed of Institute in the last round with an impressive 3-1 victory at Drumahoe, and had a major Christmas present in securing the services of Northern Ireland youth international Ryan Catney from Reading.
The Ballyskeagh boss says: "Ryan’s enthusiasm is infectious, he has a great range of passing and makes things happen for us, Francis Murphy is also back to his best and unlocks doors for us, he’s a bit special, I watched Ballymena play Linfield in the shield final and they gave a very good account of themselves, we certainly will not underestimate them. It’s two premier teams going head to head but we are happy with the home advantage.
"We also had a good win at Shamrock Park last Saturday, with Gareth McKeown scoring an absolute 'wonder' goal, he hasn’t stopped talking about it, he’s actually given me earache. We played Sligo Rovers in a friendly on Monday night and won 1-0 so we have had a good weeks preparation and are ready to go."
In the Ballymena camp, Kilmore Rec were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline in the 5th round. Coach Jim Grattan says: "Against Kilmore we scored very early in the game, which settled us down, and we went on from there.
"Scotsman Kevin Kelbie has been ‘on fire’ scoring freely of late and in Gary Smyth and Albert Watson the 'Sky Blues' have a good blend of youth and experience, at the back, the cup is always special, and we are looking forward to our visit to Lisburn."
The Braidmen saw of Armagh City 3-0 at The Showgrounds at the weekend, and in the County Antrim Shield Final on Tuesday evening they gave a very strong positive performance, although very unfortunate to go down 2-1 to Linfield, so it’s nicely set up.
Boss Tommy Wright, the former Northern Ireland goalkeeper says: "We’ve been on a good run of late and even in defeat on Tuesday, we can take a lot of positives into the Irish cup-tie. It’s important for us to get back on track as soon as possible.
"Lisburn Distillery are on a good run themselves, Paul Kirk has turned them around, but we will be looking for a similar attitude and application from the staff and players as Tuesday night and it should be a good game."
It’s a long time since either of these two clubs troubled the engravers of the Nationwide Irish Cup, The Braidmen’s last success was in 1989 and you have to delve further back into the archives to 1971 before the 'Whites' name appears on the Trophy.
Lisburn Distillery have won the Irish Cup 13 times, to Ballymena’s six and both camps are eager to change these statistics. Watch out for any new boots on show.
The man in the middle is Bangor whistler David Malcolm and he will be assisted by David Redfearn and David Todd.
Kick off at Ballyskeagh is 3pm, Admission is £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children.
If a replay is required it will take place at the Ballymena Showgrounds next Tuesday with a 7.45pm kick off.
The draw for the next round of the Nationwide Irish Cup will be made on Saturday evening at 5.10 pm at Stangmore Park, Dungannon by Northern Ireland goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings and Brian Parkes from sponsors Nationwide.
Look for pictures, match report, post match reaction and news of the draw on Saturday night on irishfa.com
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