Murphy desperate for treble of his own
Saturday, April 26, 2008
By Ruth Gorman
It's not just Linfield who are aiming to make it three trophies in a row
next Saturday.
Blues stalwart William Murphy is going for his own treble as he sets out to
win the Irish Cup for the third successive year.
Having lifted the prestigious piece of silverware for the last two seasons
after defeating Glentoran and Dungannon respectively, Murphy is eager to
taste the same success again.
"We are all really looking forward to next week, there's something very
special about the Irish Cup Final," explained the central defender.
"It would cap off a fantastic season for the club and it would be a
great personal achievement being part of the winning side three years in a
row."
Coleraine will have other ideas come the big day as they aim to repeat their
2003 heroics when they beat Glentoran 1-0 in the Final.
Two convincing wins over Marty Quinn's side already this season means
Linfield will start favourites but Murphy is aware that anything can happen.
"We beat Coleraine 4-0 and 4-1 in our two league games this year but
they were both very hard fought encounters and to be honest the scoreline
doesn't reflect how well they played," he continued.
"Everyone knows Marty has been there and done it and he has a squad
full of experienced players as well so we are expecting it to be close.
"You only have to look at last year to see how Cup Finals can turn out,
nobody gave Dungannon a chance against us and yet they took us to penalties."
Whatever the outcome memories will flood back to Murphy as he has been
involved in both scenarios.
"I have experienced both sides of the coin, I've played in three finals
and lost one of those to Glentoran.
"It's very hard to take but no matter what happens it will be a great
day out, especially for those who haven't been in a cup final before."
Although the season will officially end come next Saturday, Murphy and the
rest of the Blues have one final match left to play.
On Saturday May 10, Rangers Legends Select will be visiting Windsor Park in
aid of Murphy's Testimonal match.
"Rangers and Linfield have a great relationship and it's a team I've
always held close to my heart so I thought it would be a fitting end to my
testimonial year," added the 34- year-old.
Tickets are now on sale for the match, priced at £10 (£5 concession), at one
of the following outlets:- Linfield Superstore (Windsor Park & Shankill
Road), MC Sports (Shankill Road), Sandy Row Rangers Supporters Club, East
Bank Rangers Supporters Club (Londonderry, Tel: 07825041881), Station News
(Bangor), Party Time Shop (Glengormley, Tel: 028 90833373), Steeple True
Blues Linfield SC, Monkstown True Blues Linfield SC, York Star Linfield SC,
Star of the North, Londonderry Linfield SC, District Bar (Glasgow), Union
Jack Shop (Belfast), Alex & Jessie's Shop (Belfast)
