By Rory McKee
ARDS manager John Bailie lauded the commitment levels of his players after they booked their place in the final four of the Irish Cup last weekend.
Having already taken the scalp of Premiership side Ballymena United in the fifth round, Ards got past third-tier Moyola Park in early February before Saturday’s 2-0 win against Loughgall.
Three weeks tomorrow, Windsor Park will play host to a semi-final between the Red and Blues and current Irish Cup holders Cliftonville – who on Saturday afternoon beat north Belfast rivals Crusaders to reach the final four.
Summing up his thoughts after they confirmed their place in the semi-final line-up, Ards manager Bailie said: “This was a terrific day and certainly, we’ll be excited for a semi-final but the players have to continue showing what they showed here.
“Because if we’re doing that every week, we will win a lot more games than we lose.
“We know we have a bit of quality in our group, but what we’ve tried to emphasise this year is there needs to be an energy and desire about how you play and I think we’re starting to see that. The players are buying into it,” he added.
“Sometimes you will lose games, but if supporters can see that the effort is there, then they will come back. I think we have a group of players whose commitment levels are well up there and Saturday was really pleasing.”
Bailie went on: “I’m delighted for everybody involved with the club, especially the players because they put a hell of a lot of work into that and to a man they carried out their instructions.
“Probably the biggest part of being a footballer and in management is being able to back it up. I tell them every week that they’re good players, it’s another good result against a top team and they have to take the confidence and grow from it now.”
