We deserved Irish Cup result – now time to back it up

PACEMAKER BELFAST. 04/01/2025 Andrew Scott Ballymena United and Bobby Deane of Ards

 

Bailie wants Ards to use Ballymena win as catalyst for league campaign

Rory McKee

r.mckee@ardschronicle.co.uk

JOHN Bailie has spoken about the need for Ards to ‘back up’ their impressive Irish Cup win over Ballymena United with a consistent run of good form in the Championship.

Despite still missing a host of key players, the Red and Blues masterminded a fifth round victory against top flight opposition for the second time in as many years, on a day when second-tier colleagues Limavady United and Annagh also conquered Premiership teams.

Bailie was quick to heap praise on his side afterwards and stressed how important it is that they carry the feel-good factor from this result into the second half of the season.

“We fully deserved our win. I thought there were really good performances all over the pitch and everyone, to a man, worked really hard,” he said.

“In the last 20 minutes Ballymena threw the kitchen sink at us and we defended solidly which was pleasing.

“I was a bit surprised that they didn’t come on to us earlier, we had a massive chance to make it three-nil with about 20 minutes to go and that would have put the nail in it, but we showed a bit of character on Saturday which sometimes can go missing.”

Bailie continued: “I might be the guy that stands on the touchline and shouts and bawls, but football is all about players and the players have shown again with this that they’re well capable of competing with the top teams in this country.

“Twelve months ago the club won this tie against Crusaders and after that the season spiralled out of control.

“We have told the players to enjoy this and all the adulation that comes with it, but we have to move forward from this and it’s about now delivering that consistently.

“We can’t just dwell on a couple of good results here and there. We have set a few markers down this season that we’re there or thereabouts, but you have to back that up with four or five wins and that has been the frustrating thing on my part.”