Co Antrim Steel & Sons Cup final: Willowbank v Derriaghy CC (Christmas Day, Seaview, 10.45am)
WILLOWBANK manager Decky McCrory will be on-call during the Steel & Sons Cup final on Christmas morning – but is hoping he won’t be dragged away from the dug-out on the greatest day in the club’s history.
McCrory works as a radiographer at Musgrave Park Hospital and is hoping his mobile phone stays silent during the 90-plus minutes against finalists Derriaghy CC at Seaview, and that he can reach the “holy grail” with the west Belfast club.
Willowbank swept the boards at junior level before moving into the intermediate ranks and have already experienced some Christmas cheer at Seaview, winning the Border Cup at the north Belfast venue last season.
But the Steel & Sons Cup is the one every club wants to win.
“It’s such a big event and there are a lot of things that need done in preparation for it,” said McCrory.
“I like the actual football side of it but there are obligations and responsibilities associated with the Steel Cup final, but it’s an honour to be involved in it. It’s the holy grail for many clubs.
“I’ve a one-year-old son at home and my partner has been very good in ensuring we get an extra bit of time to be out and get the things that need done ahead of the final.
“And I’d like to thank the players’ and the coaches’ families too because we are infringing on their time on Christmas Day.
“Even people who aren’t involved in football, people I work with, they can’t believe we’re going to be running about in the cold on Christmas Day.
“So I need to get Santa sorted early. I’m also a radiographer in Musgrave Hospital and I’m on call. You’re on-call something like once every 10 years and it’s my turn this year.”
Even though Willowbank play in Division 1A of the Amateur League – one below Derriaghy – they’d be regarded as one of the top sides in the amateur ranks.
Last season, they swept aside Comber Rec 6-1 in the NAFL Border Cup final - which is traditionally played on December 27 – in what was one of the most complete performances you’ll see in at intermediate level.
“That experience will help,” McCrory said.
“We’ve played so many junior finals at Seaview so we’re able to draw on that experience as well. It’s home away from home for us. It just settles the boys down knowing the surroundings. They can properly perform and dominate if we’re on our game.”
McCrory doesn’t anticipate as open a game as last season’s Border final and knows Derriaghy are a canny opponent.
“I thought Comber were a bit naïve in last year’s Border Cup decider by coming and pressing us hard, but I know Derriaghy will be a bit more pragmatic, they’ll sit in and make it tight for us. This is a different obstacle.”
McCrory rarely allows himself to dwell on big cup final occasions – but, for once, he wants to soak up some of the pre-Christmas Day build-up.
“Our last training session was on Monday, so my influence stops. After that it’s up to the players.
“I’ll try and take in some of the occasion because I can be guilty of washing over some of the successes we’ve had. Sometimes it’s good to stop and reflect on where we’ve come from and where we are at the minute rather than constantly thinking ahead.”
Meanwhile, in a quirk of fate two brothers will be playing against one another at Seaview on Christmas morning – Joe Reid is lining out for Derriaghy and brother Matt for Willowbank.
“That Christmas table is going to be split down the middle,” quipped McCrory. “There is no in-between. I don’t know how you sort that one out.”