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  • 22/05/13
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Ballymena United boss Glenn Ferguson warns of slip-up - Irish Cup review

FOCUSED: Glenn Ferguson

FOCUSED: Glenn Ferguson

Ballymena United boss Glenn Ferguson has warned his Premiership stars of the pitfalls that potentially lie in wait against Warrenpoint Town.

Championship 1 underdogs Warrenpoint have lost just twice in 10 league fixtures this season.

“Warrenpoint knocked out Cliftonville a couple of seasons ago when they won on penalties, so they are more than capable,” Ferguson said.

“We have had them watched in recent weeks and we know their strengths and weaknesses.

“We have prepared thoroughly and we will have to be on top of our game on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Gary Hamilton believes Glenavon have to be “100 per cent focused” on the visit of Harland and Wolff Welders.

The Lurgan Blues are 4/11 favourites to progress to the sixth round of the Irish Cup at the expense of the Tillysburn outfit.

“I believe if we play to our capabilities then we should progress,” player/manager Hamilton said.

“We should have the better players, and if they all turn up and are switched on then we should be okay.

“But we know we have to have the right attitude if we want to be in the hat for the next round.

“We are certainly not taking the Welders lightly.”

Killymoon Rangers manager Steven McIlhatton is hoping to expose any weaknesses in Glentoran’s make-up.

The Glens travel to the Mid-Ulster Sports Arena with the odds and expectations weighing heavily on their shoulders.

“Glentoran are a quality team and have some very good players, but they are not perfect,” McIlhatton said.

“We have watched them recently and they have weaknesses, like any team has.

“We have to try and exploit those weaknesses if we want to get any joy against them.

“It is a challenge.”

Elsewhere, Portadown boss Ronnie McFall is under no illusions ahead of Saturday’s all-Premiership showdown with Dungannon Swifts.

The Ports have been installed as heavy odds-on favourites to dispose of their Mid-Ulster rivals at Shamrock Park.

A place in the sixth round of the Irish Cup awaits the winners, but McFall is taking nothing for granted.

“There were easier draws out there but we are one of only three all-Premiership ties,” he said.

“Dungannon will be a tough test for us. They can beat anyone on their day so we know we have to be on top of our game.”

Institute boss Paul Kee is hoping momentum can carry his side into the sixth round of the Irish Cup.

Stute go into Saturday’s fifth round tie with Rathfriland Rangers on the back of an unbeaten four-game run.

Kee has urged his players to continue their impressive form at Drumahoe.

“The lads have been in decent form recently and it is important we continue that on Saturday,” he said.

“They have shown a lot of spirit and character and Saturday will be another tough test for them to hurdle.

“Rathfriland will be up for this tie and we have to make sure we are as well.”

Meanwhile, Lisburn Distillery manager Tim McCann hopes the Irish Cup will be a welcome distraction from the club’s relegation battle.

The Whites continue to labour in bottom spot in the Irish Premiership.

On Saturday afternoon they are seeking what would be a welcome win against Coagh United in the fifth round of the Irish Cup.

“We know we need to get the win,” McCann said.

“The cup is a welcome break from the league but we want to progress in this competition.

“We want to try and enjoy a decent run in the cup and it starts against Coagh on Saturday. We can’t wait.”

Elsewhere there are a number of other intriguing cup ties taking place in the fifth round.

Dundela entertain Queen’s University while Knockbreda take on Rosario YC.

Tobermore United play host to Kilmore Rec while Championship 1 leaders Ards face Immaculata.

Ballyclare Comrades meet Bangor while Larne take on Lurgan Celtic.

In the other game of the day Loughgall entertain Donegal Celtic.

 

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