LISTEN: Newport’s Marc Barry previews crucial FAI Junior Cup game

Galtee Fuels Division 1B side Newport Town AFC are contesting a New Balance FAI Junior Cup fifth round clash with Carbury FC of Sligo on Sunday afternoon at Derryleigh Park (2pm). It is one of the biggest games in the club’s history and Sporting Limerick’s Adrian Finnin caught up with manager Marc Barry ahead of the game.

Newport are currently third in 1B and are three points behind the promotion places with a game in hand. Barry is hoping that the team can take their league form and confidence into Sunday’s encounter. “Yeah the boys should be confident. We had a bad result last week (league loss to Kilfrush) but you just put that down to an off day. Up to that point we had been doing very well. Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem so I think if we eliminate any stupid errors on our own behalf, I think we can give Carbury enough to think about.”

Reaching the latter stages of the FAI Junior Cup may be unknown territory for Newport but they do have experienced players among their ranks including former Limerick FC duo Dave Ryan and Jimmy Fyffe. Barry is happy to have such experience at his disposal. “We do ( have a lot of experience). We also have players that would have played at premier level prior to the lads coming in. Their experience has been invaluable because the age demographic of the side is very young in general. It helps keep the young lads focused too.”

Carbury have won 15 games in a row locally and are dominant in the Sligo/Leitrim area. “We have got information on them from other sources. Their record up there speaks for itself. They have won 15 games in a row. They have been in Connacht finals two years in a row. They have that advantage.”

Barry also speaks about developments both on and off the field. To listen to the full interview, click on the play button below.