Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LET’S SHOW THE PLUCK OF THE IRISH
Mullen wants another big Newry show
DARREN MULLEN wants his Newry City side to replicate Saturday’s superb performance at Windsor Park in tonight’s Mid-ulster Cup final against Glenavon.
An early Andy Waterworth goal gave the Irish Cup holders eventual victory, but not before they were well and truly tested by a spirited Newry team.
“The boys were excellent throughout, especially so in the last 20 minutes when Linfield were visibly rattled and were forced into defending deep,” said Mullen.
“Had John Boyle’s header not been cleared off the line in the last minute, I think we could have gone on to win the tie in extra-time.
“Although I don’t really subscribe to the view that in the end it was a moral victory, given how far the club have come in a short time, it’s not a bad achievement to go to the home of the league and cup holders and come away disappointed that you didn’t get a win.
“The key thing for us now is that we take that same mentality and performance into tonight’s final against Glenavon.”
Newry will have home advantage in the game, which kicks off at 7.45pm, but Mullen is not sure what the make-up of the visitors’ line-up will be.
“Glenavon have used a number of their younger players in previous rounds so it will be interesting to see whether they stick to that policy tonight,” said the Newry boss.
“That said, Gary Hamilton has a really talented squad at his disposal at Mourneview and no matter who lines out for them it will be a big test for us.
“Thankfully everyone came through Saturday’s game unscathed, although Darren Noonen is out as he played in an earlier round for Lurgan Celtic. However, on the plus side we have Jimmy Walker available.
“Unfortunately Jimmy took ill on Saturday morning and wasn’t fit to play, but it’s good to have him back in the plans for tonight.”
For all concerned with Newry, tonight’s final will bring back some bitter-sweet memories of the 201112 season when they last won the trophy (right) – beating Glenavon 1-0 at Mourneview Park thanks to a Darren Freeman goal – only for the club to go into liquidation that same year.
“I was part of manager Pat Mcgibbon’s coaching team back then and remember that we not only won the Mid-ulster Cup, but also the Intermediate Cup, before the club imploded,” recalled Mullen (right).
“For so many reasons it would be great to lift silverware this evening, but ultimately promotion from the Championship is our main aim.
“We’ve 10 really big games ahead of us and, irrespective of how tonight goes, they are what will ultimately define our season.”