Platt pleased with Irish Cup draw
Thursday, 25 December 2008
Coleraine manager David Platt faces a difficult task in motivating his players following a dismal run of form lately.
COLERAINE manager David Platt says he is pleased with Monday's fourth round JJB Sports Irish Cup draw which saw the Bannsiders drawn at home to IFA Championship club Ards.
All 12 Premiership clubs were kept apart in the draw which sees holders Linfield at home to the PSNI and big two rivals Glentoran host Joe McBrearty's Limavady United.
There were also plum draws for Joe McCall and his Ballymoney United side who travel to Seaview to face Crusaders and Trevor McKendry and Portstewart who take on Premiership club Newry City at the Newry Showgrounds.
Speaking to Constitution Sport only moments after learning of the draw, David Platt said that he was pleased to have been drawn out of the hat first.
“The main thing is we're at home," he confessed.
“I haven't had too much time to think about the game but I'm sure it'll be a tough game.
“Ards are a decent team.
“They're in the final of the Paddy Power Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day and are doing quite well in the Championship.
“They have a lot of experienced players including the likes of Dean Fitzgerald and Dean Stirling who have top league experience while their goalkeeper Andy McDonald has been around with a lot of senior clubs.
“They'll come here with nothing to lose so we've got to approach the game in the correct way and ensure we're in the draw for the next round."
Last year, of course, Coleraine made it all the way to the final where they pushed Linfield all the way before two Peter Thompson goals broke Bannsiders' hearts. The first step on what everyone hopes is a return journey to Windsor Park takes place on Saturday January 17.
Meanwhile, Portstewart manager Trevor McKendry admitted Monday's draw 'could have been better' for the Seasiders.
“Geographically, we wouldn't be any further apart, Portstewart and Newry, so it could have been a lot better from that point of view," laughed Trevor.
“You're always looking for a big club that you take a few supporters to and maybe make a bit of money out of so Newry away isn't ideal for that.
“But we'll just have to get on with it. It'll be great experience for some of the younger lads and we're looking forward to the game."
In contrast to Trevor McKendry, Ballymoney Utd boss Joe McCall was pleased with his club's outcome - a trip to north Belfast and JJB Sports Premiership contenders Crusaders.
“You're always looking for a senior club or a tie where you are expected to progress so I'm happy with the draw," said Joe.
“It's going to be a difficult game. They're a big, strong side who are going really well at the moment but you never know what can happen on the day.
“The club will get a wee bit of publicity out of it, hopefully make a few quid as well, and the players will be happy to test themselves against one of the top teams in the country.
“We'll go there and give it a go anyway, that's for sure," added the Ballymoney boss.
Meanwhile, back on the league front, there are a number of local issues to be sorted out this weekend, starting with Ballymena United versus Coleraine at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Boxing Day.
