Newry City's BetMcLean Cup upset sends out a message says Stuart King as he prepares from showdown with old friend
Newry City dumped Premiership outfit Portadown out of the BetMcLean Cup at the first round stage
Stuart King was full of pride for his Newry City side as they pulled off a major shock in the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night by knocking out Portadown.
Lee Newell's 62nd minute goal was enough to secure the upset for the Premier Intermediate League side against their Premiership opponents.
King hailed his side for executing their game plan saying the win over Niall Currie's men "sends out a message".
"The lads were absolutely outstanding, they were really good," said the Newry City boss.
"I've so much respect for their squad, their staff and what they've done, it's been phenomenal.
"It was a massive test for us and every single player was outstanding. I'm so proud of them, and I don't use that word very often.
"We showed our quality and scored an unbelievable goal. Our shape, discipline and commitment to the cause was everything we asked for.
"We had worked on everything we did in the game and as a coach or a manager when players take what you've asked them to do onto the pitch there's nothing better.
"I'm so proud and it sends a message out there, I'm not getting carried away but I am so proud because that's a quality team we played.
"I've watched them plenty, I've played against Niall's teams plenty and he's one of the best."
Newry are back in cup action again on Saturday as they take on Linfield Swifts in the Intermediate Cup.
King will be coming up against his former club and good friend Michael Gault, but all he is focused on is getting the win.
"Michael is one of my best friends, he's someone I really respect, and he has done an unbelievable job at Linfield Under-20s," said King.
"It's a tough job but he's developed so many players and is probably one of the best at that level, and the team is one of the best at that level.
"We know it's going to be tough, there's a lot of young boys in their team, but we have to stand up and be counted.
"The Linfield first team don't have a game so there's an option for David to bring in some senior players if he wants.
"With the greatest respect I care about Linfield but I don't care about them when I'm playing against them. I have a job to do, my boys have a job to do and they have to deliver again.
"More performances like the one against Portadown in front of our home crowd will keep us driving forward."