Westport Utd prepare for trip to Tipp’

Ger Flanagan

WESTPORT United interim manager Padraig Burns insists his side will need to better their recent performance against Usher Celtic if they are going to progress into the quarter-finals of the FAI Junior Cup.
Westport were drawn away to Tipperary outfit Peake Villa in the last 16 stages of the competition, and Burns says he’s fully aware of their capabilities.
The game will be played on Sunday week next, February 3 at 2pm.
“They’re a very, very good team,” he told The Mayo News after hearing the draw.
“They’ve been in the business end of the competition in the last few years and they beat a very strong Greencastle side in the last round on penalties.
“They’re in second place in the Tipp’ league, right behind St Michael’s, who would also be one of the favourites to win the Junior Cup this year. And they play very good, very expansive football that we will need to match.”
Westport booked their spot in the last 16 draw with a famous 1-0 win over tournament joint-favourites Usher Celtic last Sunday week at United Park.
And although they outplayed the Dublin-based outfit, Burns feels an even bigger and better display will be needed to get the better of Peake Villa.
“Anyone who thinks our performance against Usher will be enough is wrong,” he said. “Because we are going to have to up it again and the lads are very aware of that.
“There was a lot of euphoria around the Usher game, but in the cold light of day, when we watched it back on the tape, we realised that we got away with stuff that we won’t get away with again.
“We could have conceded three goals from set-pieces, we got sloppy at times, and we didn’t take our chances. So we will need to improve that if we’re going to get through the next round.”