Manager Glenn Taggart acknowledges the massive challenge facing his Wellington Rec side against Irish Cup giants Linfield, but believes a victory would be the competition's biggest ever shock.
Glenn Taggart believes beating Linfield in the Irish Cup would probably rank as the competition's biggest ever shock, but he accepts his Wellington Rec side face a formidable challenge against the 'best side in the country'. The Blues have lifted the famous trophy 44 times, including two under current boss David Healy.
Wellington Rec currently ply their trade in the Ballymena and Provincial League, highlighting the seismic gulf between the sides as they prepare to lock horns in Saturday's fifth round. Taggart said: 'It is a massive challenge. I look back to the 1976 Irish Cup final when Carrick Rangers beat Linfield. Being a Carrick man that stands out. 'That was probably the biggest shock in a final. Then you have the likes of Newington beating Glentoran, and Queen's University getting a couple of big results, including that one against Linfield a couple of years back. 'If we were to win on Saturday, I can't think of a bigger shock. That just adds to it. 'But we are under no illusions. If you get ahead of yourself then you can come in for a nasty shock. The game can get away from you very quickly. 'I had a couple of finals under Gary Haveron at Carrick, and I remember losing a quarter-final to Cliftonville 2-1. That was a real hard one. 'As a manager, I managed against David Jeffrey when I was at the PSNI. I also managed against Linfield in the County Antrim Shield a couple of times. 'So this will be up there with anything I have done as a manager. It is exciting, but I know how big a challenge it is.' Taggart admits he finds some of the criticism aimed at Linfield and manager Healy this season as being 'incredible'. The Blues currently lead the Irish Premiership title race and hold a hefty 10-point advantage over second-placed Glentora
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