McIvor learned from his past mistake to secure cup

McIvor missed a spot-kick against Strabane in the quarter-final of the North West Senior Cup and he made his mind up early, that lighting wasn’t going to happen twice, as he stepped up to face Institute keeper Michael Doherty.

“To be honest what happened in the quarter-finals against Strabane when I tried to dink their keeper meant I was going to pick a corner and put my foot through it this time and thankfully it worked,” stated McIvor.

The midfielder, who has been with United for nearly 14 years, was thrilled Gary Simpson’s side secured the win over the much fancied ’Stute.

“I think it would have been a long time since at Intermediate side has won the North West Senior Cup.

“To be honest to beat ’Stute and Moyola is a great achievement for us and hopefully we as club can now go on and build from the Senior Cup success.”

The 32-year-old, who spend one season at the Riverside Stadium, knew how important winning the cup would be for the village.

United, who are flying high in the Intermediate League, will want this cup success to be a spring board for the rest of the campaign.

“I know how much winning the Senior Cup meant to not just everyone contacted with the club, but the entire village,” admitted McIvor.

“The crowd were excellent and to be honest they were our 12th man and they inspired the players on, particularly when we were 2-0 down, they still didn’t stop cheering us on and in the end that really helped us.

“We all had a great night in Villas and celebrated, but we still have a lot of big games coming up starting with Crumlin Star this Saturday, in the Irish Cup.

“They are flying at the minute in their league in Belfast, so we know it’s going to be another tough game.”