Bailie’s message to players for Irish Cup semi-final
ARDS boss John Bailie insists ‘all the pressure’ will be on Irish Cup semi-final opponents Cliftonville when his side look to spring a surprise on the compeititon holders tomorrow night (Friday, 7.45pm).
The north Belfast club have already claimed one piece of silverware this season after a 1-0 win over Glentoran saw them lift the BetMcLean Cup earlier this month. Jim Magilton’s men are out to make it successive Irish Cup triumphs and as arguably the strongest team left in the last four, they will be fancied by many to do just that.
But standing in the Reds’ way are an Ards side who have lost just once in their last 13 games.
Bailie’s charges toppled both Ballymena United and Loughgall to book their spot in Friday’s semi-final. And if they can upset the odds once more with a hat-trick of wins over top flight opposition, it would set up a first Irish Cup Final appearance since 1993 when Ards lost to north Down rivals Bangor in a second replay.
“We have to believe that we can win the game,” said Bailie.
“Cliftonville are a quality side and player by player they’re going to be better, bigger and stronger than us. But that doesn’t mean to say they’re going to win the game.
“Yes, we’re going to need some luck, maybe a big bit of luck, but it can be done. If we can manage the game the way that we have done other games this season, we might surprise a few people. “That’s what we have to try and drum into the players.
“We have to approach it positively and give the players as much confidence as possible. All the pressure is on Cliftonville – they’re expected to win two, three or four nil.
“The players know they may never have this 90 minutes again in their lives, so you might as well empty the tank and give it all you’ve got.”
