PETER HOPING TO PROVE POINT

Kennedy wants his Crewe to cause cup upset

PETER Kennedy knows his side will have to be the so solid Crewe if they’re to have any chance of an Irish Cup giant-killing this weekend.

The Glenavy men travel to Warrenpoint Town as the lowest-ranked team left in the competition.

They’re rank outsiders to cause the upset which would take them into the quarterfinals.

But they weren’t expected to even reach this stage and, cup football being what it is, nothing can be ruled out.

While the club might not have the experience of the big occasion, the same can’t be said for their manager.

Kennedy (right) played 20 times for Northern Ireland and scored goals in the Premier League with Watford.

That’s a bank of experience he has already tapped into in his short time in charge of Crewe.

And he has one simple message for his Mid-ulster men as they run out for the biggest game of their careers: Enjoy it.

“Whatever happens,” said Kennedy, “the whole club can be very proud to be in the last 16 of the Irish Cup.

“It’s brilliant for the club to be at this stage of the competition.

“I’m not stupid, I’m under no illusions that it is going to be a very difficult match for us.

“Warrenpoint are a very good side and they’re looking good to win the Championship and go back up.

“On the day we’re going to need them to be poor and we will need to be at the top of our game.

“We need to try and frustrate them and keep it as tight as possible and you never know.

“It’s an exciting game and one we’re definitely looking forward to.”

Crewe earned their passage to the last 16 thanks to a shock win away at Championship side Knockbreda.

Prior to that they had come through a 4-3 cracker at Windmill Stars and beaten Ballymoney United in routine fashion at home in the third round.

They hit five in the second round against Ardglass and started their passage with the same tally at Chimney Corner.

That’s 19 goals so far in this season’s Irish Cup and they’re going to need to keep them coming if they’re to have any chance of knocking out Warrenpoint.

Matthew Tipton’s border side are on course for an instant return to the Premiership, sitting pretty at the top of the table.

There’s no getting away from the fact it’s a huge challenge for Crewe. But one they’re well up for.

Kennedy told Match on Tuesday: “With the league games coming thick and fast we hadn’t really had a chance to think too much about the Warrenpoint game.

“The standard in our division is very strong and you’ve seen that in evidence already in the Irish Cup.

“We went to Dollingstown a couple of weeks back and got turned over. They’re a very strong side.

“We played Windmill Stars in the Irish Cup and they were tough to beat too.

“I’ve only had three league games in charge so far and three cup matches so I’m still getting an idea of what Intermediate A is like.

“From what I’ve seen so far I think it’s a league that probably surprises quite a few because the standard is high.

“We’re certainly under no illusions that facing

Warrenpoint is a tough ask but anything can happen in the

Irish Cup.”