Ferguson to make changes in Shield tie

Glenn Ferguson is likely to make changes to his Ballymena United side for tonight’s (Tuesday) Toals County Antrim Shield quarter-final at Crusaders (7.45pm).
Matthew Tipton is suspended for Ballymena United's County Antrim Shield quarter-final at Crusaders after being sent off against Dungannon on Saturday. Picture: Press Eye.Matthew Tipton is suspended for Ballymena United's County Antrim Shield quarter-final at Crusaders after being sent off against Dungannon on Saturday. Picture: Press Eye.
Matthew Tipton is suspended for Ballymena United's County Antrim Shield quarter-final at Crusaders after being sent off against Dungannon on Saturday. Picture: Press Eye.

The Showgrounds boss already has one eye on forthcoming league games as he attempts to steer the Sky Blues up the Danske Bank Premiership table, but he is also keen to prolong United’s interest in the knockout competitions.

“We might have to rotate a few players going into the Shield game,” said Ferguson.

“We have big games coming up against Carrick and Glentoran, teams in and around us, so we have to be mindful of that as well.

“But the next game is always the most important and we will see after training on Monday night what team we can put out.”

The manager will definitely be without leading goalscorer Matthew Tipton, following his straight red card in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Dungannon - a decision that left the United boss somewhat bemused.

“I wonder which tackle was the more dangerous - Matthew Tipton’s on Saturday or Alvin Rouse’s for Ballinamallard when he nearly carried the head off Matthew Shevlin. It’s the same referee and nothing happened. I can’t understand the inconsistency of some of the decisions.

Seven Towers SC Club transport for tonight’s game leaves Henry Street car park at 6.45pm while the bus for Carrick on Saturday departs at 1.45pm.