Knockbreda’s Ashton McDermott heads to Loughgall tonight dreaming of adding an Irish Cup scalp to his career CV.

Having enjoyed past promotions, plus a track record of knockout tests against higher-ranked opposition without success, the 34-year-old is hoping to finally experience the elusive big moment when stepping out under the Lakeview Park floodlights.

"I have had two league promotions with PSNI and another with Carrick Rangers under Niall Currie in 2019 when we beat Ards over two legs,” said McDermott before the Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth-round tie previously postponed due to adverse weather. "Whilst I probably haven’t been a part of a shock in the Irish Cup, I’ve managed to play against three Premiership clubs during my time at Knockbreda.

"I remember playing against Dungannon Swifts in my first year here and it’s one we should’ve won.

placeholder image — Knockbreda’s Ashton McDermott is hoping for Irish Cup joy at Loughgall this evening

“Then we’ve also played against Glenavon and Crusaders.”

Third-tier Knockbreda make the trip to Championship-based Loughgall in a venue switch due to Loughgall’s floodlights.

"We were obviously drawn at home for the original tie which would have given us an advantage,” he said. "It was quite a late call-off and we know it’s going to more difficult going to Lakeview Park now.

"But we’ve had a good run in the Irish Cup as we’ve navigated through the rounds.

"We will go there and try and give it our best shot...Lakeview Park is a nice ground and you never get it easy.”