Ballymena United v Crusaders

THE CAPTAIN

Even at the age of 33 Philip Lowry has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his life.

The Crusaders star has been there and done it all in Irish League football, winning major honours with Linfield and the Crues. Getting his hands on a trophy is nothing new to the former Derry City midfielder, but the experienced operator has produced a vintage season far beyond his expectations when it comes to finding the back of the net. Lowry has helped himself to more than 20 goals in a season when Stephen Baxter’s side have flattered to deceive at times in their league campaign, however the Irish Cup holders have shown no signs of being ready to give up their cup crown. Dergview, Bangor, Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts have been dispatched along the way, leaving the north Belfast men just one game away from retaining the famous trophy. Victory over Ballymena United in a repeat of last year’s final would mean the lucrative reward of European football next season, but for Lowry and his team-mates it’s all about the glory of silverware after failing to mount a serious title challenge. “It’s been a brilliant season for me personally. I’m enjoying every minute of every game and the accolades seem to keep coming. You have to keep enjoying these things,” said the free-scoring midfielder. “I’m just enjoying my football and going into every game not fearing anyone and just loving every second of it. I’ve managed to put the ball in the net nine times out of ten this season. “When you get a run going, it’s sometimes hard to get off it and the chances have just presented themselves and I’ve got to credit my team-mates for that.”

The midfielder said that, for him, silverware is what represents a successful season. He pointed out: “We sort of fell off in the league but we performed admirably with the number of injuries and suspensions to key men. "The Irish Cup is the big one. It's the one cup competition that means so much to the players, fans and it's always a fantastic occasion. "It would round off a great season for us if we can turn over Ballymena but we know it will be a difficult game.” Even though the Hatchetmen are favourites going into this afternoon’s showpiece match, given Ballymena’s difficult league campaign, the north Belfast men will be without influential captain Billy Joe Burns today. Burns was sent off on the night Larne clinched the NIFL Premiership title, and a subsequent three game ban ruled him out of the biggest day of the season. But Lowry believes Burns’ misfortune can provide an opportunity for someone else to be a hero. He said: “You have to look at it in the cold light of day. Billy Joe isn't playing. As big a mate as he is and as good a player as he is, it's done and dusted now and you can't turn back the clock. He won't be here so we will move on. "One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity, and there will be that added incentive where players will want to do it for Billy. "However, you don't need any more incentive when it comes to an Irish Cup Final and being the holders we will do everything in our power to try to retain the trophy.” Words Mark McIntosh, The Sun

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