Anderson seeks big cup performance

Editorial Department • Published 11 Feb 2010 09:53 0 Comments

Tuesday night's results were proof, if any was needed, of the task that lies ahead for Ballinamallard United on Saturday when they take on Ballymena United at the Ballymena Showgrounds in the sixth round of the JJB Sports Irish Cup.

Premiership contenders Cliftonville travelled to the Showgrounds on Tuesday but came home empty handed as Ballymena claimed a 2-1 victory and Mallards manager Whitey Anderson was in attendance to see the home side's win.

The Mallards will go into the cup tie on the back of last Saturday's 4-0 hammering at Donegal Celtic while some key personnel are doubts for the clash.

"David Kee is out suspended while Conor McGuigan is a major doubt. We also have concerns about James McKenna after he came off on Saturday having picked up a knock to the knee although we will wait and see with James and we are hopeful that he will come through alright," said Anderson.

Anderson offered no excuses for his sides defeat to Donegal Celtic on Saturday although he feels that a lack of match practise did play a part in the loss to one of the Championship favourites.

"We've only played two games since Christmas and we were maybe missing a bit of match sharpness. It is nothing to do with the fitness of the players but that is different to being up to speed with regards playing matches. That is not taking anything away from Donegal Celtic though. They are a very good side and they were much better than us on the day," he said.

He does though feel that performance will act as motivation for the players on Saturday.

"The important thing is to bounce back from last week. We know that we can play a lot better than that and they boys were disappointed with their performance so they will want to show that on Saturday. In fairness this is the sixth round of the Irish Cup so I shouldn't have to say anything to get the players up for this game," he stated.

And although Ballinamallard will be big underdogs when they take on Ballymena, Anderson is adamant that they are not just going to the Showgrounds to make up the numbers.

"This is the last 16 of the Irish Cup and we're looking forward to playing at the Ballymena Showgrounds. They have a great structure up there and they have a lot of good players. They are a Premiership side but we want to go up there and give a good account of ourselves. We know that we will have to play at our best and hope that they are a bit below par if we are to win but we will be looking for a good performance and see where that takes us. We are going to give everything we have and give it a good crack," he added.

Anderson gave a debut to new signing Seamus Quigley last Saturday and the striker could feature in some capacity again this week.

"He came on at half time and did well. He got into good positions, put himself about in a measured way and was comfortable on the ball," said Whitey.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Feb 10

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