Derby game next Tuesday

This local derby should be an entertaining affair with several Ballymoney natives in the United line-up.

The Toon will be looking to cause an upset and will be well motivated as you would expect for this fixture.

Last season the teams drew two all at the Showgrounds with Martin Cutmore and Shane Jennings on target for the Roesiders. David Patton scored the only goal in the return fixture.

Ballymoney haven't had the best starts to their league campaign after picking up just two points from their three games.

They also crashed out of the Steel & Sons Cup last weekend losing by a single goal the H&W Welders.

Despite the visitors not having the best start to the season United boss Oran Kearney is expecting a tough battle.

"These games are always tough encounters and I don't expect this one to be any different," said Kearney.

"They will be well motivated for this game and they will be looking to cause an upset against us.

"With there being so many Ballymoney men involved, including myself, there will always be that little bit of extra needle.

"It's a derby game as well and in derby games you have to expect a bit of blood and thunder from it.

"We will be working hard in training on Tuesday and Thursday to make sure we are ready for this game.

"We may well do a session on Friday night as well and then come out with all guns blazing next Tuesday night.

"Cookie will be back for this game and the rest against Strabane will have done him good before we step him up to the next level.

"We are almost back to full strength now and hopefully we can build on our recent results in this game," concluded Kearney.

Going into this game United will once again be without the services of Shane Jennings with a dislocated shoulder.

Michael Walsh is also a doubt after missing the Strabane game with an injury he picked up against Coleraine.

Michael Doherty has returned to the starting line-up and will give Kearney a selection dilemma between himself and Robert Robinson.

Niall Cooke will also return to the squad after he missed the last game through suspension after being sent off in the North West Cup.