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Ballymena United
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Ballinamallard United
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Appearances & Goals To Date
Starting Lineup
| Youngest Player: | Michael Ruddy (20 years 69 days) |
| Oldest Player: | Allan Jenkins (32 years 9 days) |
| Average Player Age: | 25 years 69 days |
| Domestic Players: | 9 (81.82 % of starting eleven) |
Matchday Squad
| Youngest Player: | Michael Ruddy (20 years 69 days) |
| Oldest Player: | Allan Jenkins (32 years 9 days) |
| Average Player Age: | 25 years 161 days |
| Domestic Players: | 14 (87.50 % of matchday squad) |
BALLYMENA United bounced back into form in style on Tuesday evening, defeating Ballinamallard United by three goals to nil at the Showgrounds in a NIFL League Cup third round clash.
United captain Allan Jenkins, winger David Cushley and Shane Dolan were all on the scoresheet as the hosts ran out comfortable winners on a chilly October night in Ballymena.
In a scintillating first half display, the Sky Blues exerted revenge for the Mallards' Danske Bank Premiership victory on Friday night. First to threaten was David Cushley with five minutes on the clock but his 20 yard volley flew just over the bar. Allan Jenkins came close moments later but the big Scot could only direct Michael Ruddy's superb cross against the woodwork.
Jenkins atoned for his earlier miss on 19 minutes when he side-footed home Shane Dolan's deflected effort after a spell of mounting Ballinamallard pressure. The opener seemed to take the wind out of the visitor's sails allowing the home side to dictate the course of play. Michael McLellan was unfortunate not to double his side's advantage on 25 minutes but his effort nestled just inches wide of Alvin Rouse's far post.
David Cushley and Shane Dolan then both went close before the Mallards' resistance finally cracked. It was Cushley who took the plaudits on this occasion, a superb finish from a seemingly impossible angle gave United a comfortable lead heading into the break. Aaron Stewart almost added further gloss to the half time scoreline but his effort from all of 50 yards bounced just wide, despite troubling the exasperated visiting goalkeeper, Alvin Rouse.
The second half was a tamer affair but the hosts still maintained control. Fancy footwork and a classy finish inside the box from Shane Dolan on 54 minutes put the result beyond doubt, much to the pleasure of the goal deprived Showgrounds faithful. The visitor's best chance fell with just over an hour on the clock, Ryan Campbell broke free of the home defence before a harsh offside call from the assistant referee nipped his promising attack in the bud.
With the Sky Blues in cruise control, there was time for an audacious 40 yard chip from Michael McLellan, but despite being off his line, Alvin Rouse managed to scramble back in time to prevent an embarrassing fourth. Ballymena deservedly progress to the quarter finals whilst Ballinamallard are left soul searching in wonder of how they turned in a performance so unlike the one of Friday past when they ran out winners in this particular fixture.
Next up for the Sky Blues is a crucial home derby against arch rivals Coleraine in the Danske Bank Premiership (3pm) where all eyes will be on how United go about improving their recent dreadful derby record.
Match report written by Jordan Miller