Town playing down their chances ahead of Stute semi-final clash

They meet Institute in the semi-finals of the Coca-Cola Intermediate Cup, knowing that they are potentially 90 minutes away from booking a spot in the biggest cup competition in Northern Ireland.

It’s a massive occasion, one which is being felt right throughout the club up to boardroom level but everyone is doing their best to keep their feet on the ground.

“Everyone is very excited at the prospect, but at the end of the day we can’t get too carried away,” Town Chairman Andrew Cully said.

“Stute are a division above now and we will be going in as underdogs. But as Millwall proved the other night in the FA Cup, and even Barnsley in the League Cup earlier this year, sometimes dreams do come true in football.

“It will take a lot of hard work but Brian Adair will have his team well prepared and up for this massive game.”

Town have not been in the final of the competition since 1986, which, coincidentally, was the last year they won it.

“We have some great memories of times gone by and it would be the icing on the cake if we could get there this time round, given the season we have had,” Mr Cully added.

“Everyone is delighted with how things are going and we’re all hoping that there’s more to come.”

There’ll be places in the squad for Timmy Grant and Chris McGrath, who have both returned to action for their club after taking part in Northern Ireland’s successful Junior International campaign in San Marino.

“Everyone at the club would like to send their congratulations to Timmy and Chris as well as to the rest of Harry McConkey’s squad, including the two local boys, Jeff Brady and Ryan Moffatt, who captained the side.”

On Saturday Town make the trip to Moyola Park to resume league action (kick off 3pm)