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Ballymena United
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Cliftonville
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Appearances & Goals To Date
Starting Lineup
| Youngest Player: | Jamie Davidson (18 years 274 days) |
| Oldest Player: | Dwayne Nelson (28 years 27 days) |
| Average Player Age: | 22 years 340 days |
| Domestic Players: | 11 (100.00 % of starting eleven) |
Matchday Squad
| Youngest Player: | Jamie Davidson (18 years 274 days) |
| Oldest Player: | David Munster (33 years 222 days) |
| Average Player Age: | 23 years 266 days |
| Domestic Players: | 16 (100.00 % of matchday squad) |
BALLYMENA United bounced back into form this evening with an impressive 1-0 victory over holders Cliftonville in the County Antrim Shield.
Manager Glenn Ferguson made four changes to the line up from Saturday's debacle at Coleraine and his selection paid dividends as United looked a completely different outfit from that of just three days ago.
David Cushley went close as early as the fourth minute when he cut in from the right and struck a rasping shot which flew just past the post. Cushley again tried his luck on six minutes with another drive which again came agonisingly close to reaching the target.
United continued to impress, with that man Cushley once more going close with a header from a Ross Black free kick. The tricky winger was having an inspired night, and it was no surprise when he finally found the target and opened the scoring on 32 minutes. James McCabe found space in the box and squared the ball for Cushley to run on to and confidently strike home to give United the lead.
United begun the second half in the same positive mood as the first, McCabe failing to connect with a pinpoint Cushley cross on 48 minutes, a wasted opportunity to double the home side's advantage. Gavin Taggart then connected with a loose clearance, his powerful volley from some 30 yards flashing just over the frame of the goal.
Cliftonville were disjointed, and only really began to threaten as the half wore on. A superb goal line clearance from Johnny Taylor prevented The Reds from scoring a somewhat undeserved equaliser.
United saw out the rest of the game with relative comfort to record their first victory in five games, and a thoroughly deserved one at that.
Match report written by Jordan Miller