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Cup for grabs

Joe Gormley has golden memories of his first trophy-laden spell with Cliftonville and would love to sign off from his first season back by delivering the Tennent’s Irish Cup to Solitude.

The Reds tackle Coleraine at Windsor Park on Saturday, where Gormley – who returned to the Club last year following spells with Peterborough United and St Johnstone – became the first Cliftonville player to hit an Irish Cup Final goal since Tony Bell’s 1979 winner when he opened the scoring in the 2013 decider with Glentoran.

That particular afternoon ended in disappointment, but the striker is fired up to atone and complete his personal medal collection this weekend.

“There’s nothing better than winning a trophy together as a team as it can really drive you on,” he says.

“I remember winning the League Cup in 2013 and we went on to win a couple of League titles and four League Cups in a row. When you win silverware, it motivates you to win more.

“We’ll be out there to win it and I know it would mean a lot to lift the Cup, especially to our fans. They have waited a long time to see Cliftonville win it and hopefully we can repay them in the Final.

“I’ve won everything with Cliftonville except the Irish Cup so it’s a big motivation to add it to my CV.”

Standing in the Reds way is a formidable Coleraine team that has not tasted defeat in four meetings between the sides this term and Gormley is acutely aware of the serious danger they will pose when the action gets underway.

“Coleraine are a great side and Oran Kearney has them playing some great football,” he says.

“I’ve scored in a few Finals, but that’s what I’m there for. Hopefully I can continue to do so this weekend.”