Facing Reds is a tough challenge but we have no fear, insists Tipton

WARRENPOINT Town boss Matthew Tipton believes the Tennent’s Irish Cup fifth round clash against Cliftonville at Solitude does neither team any favours.

With so many Championship and Intermediate sides involved, the former Linfield and Portadown striker was hoping for a quieter afternoon.

In one of only two all-Premiership clashes, Reds boss Barry Gray has the early chance to kick his former team’s Cup aspirations into touch.

“First of all, you hope for a home draw,” said Tipton (above). “Failing that, you then hope for one of the lower league teams as there are so many involved.

“But it is what it is. Cliftonville at home is one of the toughest draws for any side, but we have to deal with it and get on with it.

“The Irish Cup is always a great day out for everybody. It’s a day that everyone looks forward to. I know my players are looking forward to it. I hope we can get a result and be in the hat for the next round.”

Although Town are just above the bottom two in the league table, Tipton believes his boys will come good in the second half of the season.

“On our day, I don’t fear any team,” he said. “We recently got a draw against Linfield at Windsor and I don’t think anyone could say we didn’t deserve it. Our problem has been leaking too many goals. We are working on it. It’s a relatively young group, most of them are still learning the game.”