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Steven Crawford

Paul Harbinson lays down Irish Cup challenge to Dundela

Paul Harbinson has challenged his Dundela players to make Irish Cup headlines and create the shock of the fifth round against Cliftonville this evening.

The Duns boss knows it will be a tough test against the Reds, who are only off top spot in the Premiership on goal difference.

But the East Belfast side have already shown their quality this season with wins over both Crusaders and Carrick Rangers as well as pushing Linfield and Larne close.

Read next: David Healy hoping for squad boost ahead of busy January schedule

And Harbinson knows Paddy McLaughlin's men will not relish their trip to the 'Hen Run'.

"We talk amongst coaches and one of them said to me recently 'It's the Irish Cup...there's always one'," he said.

"We have to have in our heads that we can be that one shock.

"If we go out with the mindset that it's Cliftonville and we're just making up numbers then we will get hammered.

"We have to have the mindset that this is our home patch, we're there to defend it, and prove to everyone that we are as good as we have proven up until now.

"I think we have proven the Hen Run is a really tough place for anyone to come to, there's no club that looks forward to coming here.

"I'm not saying in any way that we're going to better Cliftonville, but we are going to make it difficult for them.

"That's what our entire night has to be about.

"We have to stop them from playing the type of football they're capable of.

"I've watched Cliftonville four or five times this year and I think the style of football they play is fantastic.

"We know the job, we have to stop them from doing that and fingers crossed we can frustrate them.

"Let's make a spectacle out of it and enjoy it.

"The boys did phenomenally well against Linfield in the League Cup, then they went to Carrick in the Co Antrim Shield and beat them convincingly.

"Then Larne came to us in the next round and I thought we played really well on the night and matched them in so many areas."

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