Collins chuffed with win over former club
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It’s always nice to get one over your former club but when it’s a cup game and you’re captain, it’s even better. That’s how Cherry Orchard’s Paddy Collins felt on Sunday afternoon when his side knocked First Division leaders Longford Town out of the FAI Cup.
Orchard’s 2-0 win was a huge upset and speaking to Extratime.ie after the game Collins was thrilled with the result.
“I have to say it’s great. Personally when I got the draw I was absolutely chuffed with it. Longford Town are flying. We hoped and expected that they’d come here thinking ‘it’s a junior league side. We’ll get through the 90 minutes and go back to Longford.’ Obviously we’ve been pumped for it, especially me. I’m captain of the side so I really got the lads geed up. It was a great win.”
Trailing by a goal at the break the Town dominated proceedings in the second half but couldn’t put away the chances they created. Collins admitted the game could’ve gone either way.
"They hit the bar and Sean (Brazil) had a few great saves. We’re going to call ‘a spade a spade’ it could’ve gone either way. It’s brilliant. It’s great for the club, great for Cherry Orchard and all the people behind us.”
It was a rather lacklustre performance from the Town who are four points clear at the top of the First Division table. Collins was surprised with the Town’s display but believes their main priority is the league.
“Maybe we had a bit more desire. Longford are top of the First Division and obviously their focus is the league and to get promoted; get Longford back to where they should be. The Cup could be deemed a distraction. We’re ecstatic to get through.”
After the disappointment of losing the Intermediate Cup Final to Avondale United two weeks ago Collins was delighted to have the tie with the Town to look forward to. Although this win doesn’t make up for the Avondale defeat, it definitely eases the hurt.
“We had the Intermediate Cup and we lost with two minutes to go. It was devastating. This was a great game to have, a real gee up game before the season ends. We said in the dressing room before it that it was the last game of the season so everyone go out and give it your best shot. Sure at the end of the day you might never get to play in the FAI Cup again,” said the defender.
Orchard now look forward to a third round tie but unfortunately Collins will miss the next game; the student is heading off to America for the summer.
He said, “I’m away in New York for three months so I’m going to miss the next round. I’m on a J1. I’d love if they got Bohs or Rovers; one of the big clubs. Whoever we get, preparation will be right. It will be the exact same preparation again. Sure we’ll be the underdogs, whoever we play.”
