Wing wizard Jack Smith has got Newington in his sights as Derriaghy bid to book a place in the Irish Cup fifth round.
The former Crusaders and Carrick hotshot is in fine form in his debut campaign at Seycon Park, with his double on Saturday against Crumlin United in the Intermediate Cup taking his tally for the session to 15.
Next up for DCC is a trip to Solitude for the second time this season after the Ton ousted the NAFL Premier Division men from the Steel Cup back in September.
And for Smith and co, there’s some unfinished business.
“I think the last time, we were hard done by there,” said the 24-year-old forward.
“We scored a good goal which was disallowed, and dominated the first half, the second half we panicked a bit, but if we play the way we played then, I think we’ll give it a good go.
“They are a good side, but I think we’ve beat better sides. Going up to Solitude, it’s going to be hard but I think we can match teams at this level.”
Smith admits he’s back in love with football having come so close to walking away from the game after frustrating spells in the Irish League at the Crues and Carrick,
His hunger was reignited in the Amateur League at Comber two years ago where, switching from midfield to the wing, he had 29 goals in all competitions before the season was stopped.
And he’s carried that form into his debut campaign with Derriaghy, currently seventh in the league and with a Border Cup semi-final against Killyleagh on the horizon next Wednesday.
“We’ve a great group there, Owen (Forsythe), Andy (Rea) and the coaches care about us, that drives us on, and I think this year is the year for Derriaghy to do something because it’s been a while,” said Smith.
“I’m really enjoying my football again.”
Should DCC prevail it wouldn’t be their first foray to the fifth round.
Ten years ago, they progressed further, even taking the lead at Ballymena United before eventually crashing 3-1 at The Show- grounds in the sixth round, with current player Jordan Baker among the line-up that day.
