Derg skipper insists the same attitude is required

Dergview skipper Blaine Burns insists he and his team-mates must adopt the same attitude against St James’ Swifts as they did in defeating rivals Ballinamallard United in the first round of the Irish Cup last weekend.

The Castlederg outfit defeated the Mallards 9-8 on penalties to land a home tie against Ballymena and Provincial League side Swifts. The intermediate side received a first round bye because HW Welders pulled out of this year’s competition and they are considered the lowest ranked team left in the premier cup tournament.

While acknowledging Saturday presents Dergview with a great opportunity to reach the last eight, the Darragh Park captain warned that he and his fellow players must show their opponents maximum respect.

“We need to treat this game as if we are going to play Linfield. I’m sure St James’ Swifts will also be thinking this is a good opportunity having drawn a Championship side instead of a Premiership side,” said Burns.

“They’ll be thinking the same as us and they’ll be confident.

“We need to make sure we plan the exact same way, as if it were Ballinamallard or some of the big teams like Linfield or Glentoran.

“That will be the main task, getting the mentality right leading up to it.”

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S ULSTER HERALD