Anderson relishes underdog tag as Mallards seek a cup upset

Editorial Department • Published 9 Feb 2012 13:00 0 Comments

Ballinamallard can put the pressures of a title challenge behind them this weekend as they travel to Premiership Coleraine for the sixth round of the Irish Cup.

The championship leaders go into the tie as underdogs against a Coleraine side that lies fourth in the Carling Premiership and are fresh from defeating league leaders Linfield, but rather than approaching the tie with apprehension, Ballinamallard manager Whitey Anderson and his team are relishing the opportunity to upset the odds and continue their cup run.

"Our focus is the league so there is no pressure on us and all the pressure is on Coleraine because they're the Premier league side," said Whitey. "Coleraine are going well this season and they've put together a good squad and are a good footballing team, but the pressure is on them to beat us. We are top of the championship and we know that on our day if we give 100% and a bit more and they are a bit below par then anything can happen. We are going up there full of confidence and we will certainly not be found wanting for desire and commitment. It would be good to get through on the day, but even if we don't beat them it would be good to get a draw and get them back home again. That would be a boost for the club and keep the treasurer happy!"

While the league is undoubtedly the number one priority for the team, Whitey is still keen to claim a big name scalp and he has no intention of fielding a weakened team for the tie.

Striker Andy Crawford is a doubt for the game having picked up a knock at the weekend and he will have a late fitness test. Although the front man will be a big loss for the visitors if he does not make it, the manager is hoping to field the strongest possible side. "The league is the most important thing for us but I have no intention of resting anyone," he said. "We will be going into the cup game with as strong a team as possible and we will not be holding back. I will pick what is the best team for the day because we have a couple of weeks rest before the next league game anyway."

Ballinamallard have been doing their homework on the opposition, but Whitey reckons his side can pose just as many problems to their high flying opponents. "We will play to our own strengths and concentrate on what we do, because it's more important how we play than how the opposition plays," said Whitey. "We had someone up at the Irn Bru cup final looking at them and I know a good few of their players, so I have a reasonable idea about them. To be honest I'm not going to get too hung up on them."

The prospect of taking on the top sides in the province could become a regular occurrence if Ballinamallard can continue their charge to the championship title, however Whitey is not looking at this tie as a dress rehearsal for next season. ""I'm not even thinking about that," he admitted. "All I'm concerned with is getting to end of this season, and I genuinely don't think any further ahead. We'll just be taking one game at a time, and that means just thinking about this game against Coleraine."

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 09 Feb 12

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