Friday 30th September 2022
Kick Off 7.45pm
Following last week’s enforced international break, we’re pleased to welcome Ballymena United to the Bet McLean Oval tomorrow night.
It has been a difficult start to the campaign for David Jeffrey’s Ballymena; they did pick up four points from their opening two league fixtures but have lost the last five games in a row and failed to score a goal in the last four of those. This has left them languishing in 10th place in the early season table, sandwiched between the two sides they have earned their current points total against, Glenavon and Dungannon Swifts. In addition to their troubles in front of goal, the Braidmen have also conceded fifteen times in their opening seven games, with only bottom two sides Dungannon and Portadown having a worse defensive record to date.
Goalkeeper Jordan Williamson missed last week’s 3-0 defeat at Crusaders, following his (notably) unusual substitution early in the previous weeks home loss to Carrick Rangers to enable him to rush to the birth of his new daughter. He was replaced by experienced ex-Crusaders man Sean O’Neill between the posts. O’Neill is likely to retain his place for tonight’s game. Former Larne and Cliftonville striker David McDaid, so often a scourge of the Glens in recent years, is likely to lead the line for Jeffrey’s side, with summer signing from Carrick Jordan Gibson and David Parkhouse likely to compete for a place alongside him, having all missed the game at Seaview. There may also be a doubt over the availability for this game of defender Dougie Wilson, ex Glens midfielder Kym Nelson and summer signing from Coleraine Evan Tweed.
United will be hoping for a better outcome than their two visits to the Oval last season, which both ended in heavy defeats. A Conor McMenamin hat trick last September helped condemn them to a 4-1 defeat, before an even worse outcome 2 months later, when a brace from Jay Donnelly and one each from McMenamin and Ben Cushnie secured a 4-0 outcome in favour of Mick McDermott’s side
Mick McDermott: “In our last game v Coleraine we deserved to win, no doubt about it. We were patient and organised and the work rate of the players was excellent, So when our chance came we took it and looked confidence in protecting our lead, So a hard earned and deserved three points.
One of our aims this season was to make it difficult for teams visiting the Bet McLean Oval and so far the players have worked tirelessly to make that a reality. There’s a lot to work on, which is good. The players know that as well, so I think we’ll improve.
Ballymena. United have always been a tough opponent and had a good record at the Oval until quite recently. Although it appears they have started with a poor run this season it definitely does not mean we can take them lightly. I recall a couple of seasons ago that Ballymena came to the Oval with a heavily depleted team and took all three points! We have to remember the past and learn from it.
Finally, congratulations again to the three international call ups - Conor, Terry and Aaron. All were hard earned and well deserved. Terry Devlin, at only eighteen, has shown his abilities in a very short period at the Oval and it was no surprise that he was considered ready for the Northern Ireland U21s at such a young age. Unfortunately, Terry was injured by a really poor tackle against Scotland so he’ll miss this one. The good news is he’s likely to be back next week.”
Friday’s Match Sponsor is Box-It Ireland
Box-it Ireland Limited have over 25 years’ experience in manufacturing of bespoke corrugated boxes. Based in Belfast & Newry, the company covers all of Ireland, supplying boxes into multiple sectors, including Food, Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical, Medical and Online Retailers.
For a free quotation, as well as additional information about any of our packing material supply services, contact us using the details below.
Unit 11, 40 Montgomery Road Belfast BT6 9HL
Email info@box-it.uk.com
Phone 028 9002 5543
Opening Times
Monday - Thursday: 7am - 5pm
Friday: 7am - 1pm
Ball Sponsor is Willowfield Private Funeral Home
Willowfield Private Funeral Home has been serving East Belfast and the surrounding areas for a number of years. Our continuing desire is to offer you and the rest of the community the best service possible by constantly improving all components of our business.
We are a family owned and family run, fully licensed member of the British Institute of Funeral Directors. As independent funeral directors we have earned a reputation for a personal, sympathetic and caring service.
Phone 028 9045 1933
24 Hour Service
https://willowfieldfuneralhome.com/
