Homers and Carniny lock horns again in final

The two firmus energy Ballymena Saturday Morning League rivals clash in the final of the Mortgage Solutions Top Four Cup final at Broughshane this Saturday.

It comes less than two meets after the sides locked horns in the semi-final of the IFA Junior Cup, with Homers romping to a 4-0 victory to book their place in the May Day final for the fourth year in a row.

However, it is likely to be a much-changed Carniny squad on Saturday as manager Robert Young will have a full squad at his disposal for this final as he welcomes back no more than five players into the squad after they were ineligible to play in the Junior Cup Semi Final.

Macauley Cairns gives him added strength in the goal keeping department while the return of Zach Barr could provide the goals which could fire Carniny to their first trophy in four seasons.

Carniny were defeated in last year’s final by Ahoghill Thistle, but gained some salvation for that defeat when they sealed a place in this years final with a convincing 4-0 victory in the semi final away back in August.

Homers saw off Clough Rangers in the semi final back in August with a hard fought 3-1 victory, and they will be hoping they can continue their fine form over rivals Carniny over recent years to clinch another trophy and keep their pursuit of a clean sweep on track.

Manager Robert Duddy will be without the cup tied James Gracey, but as in the Junior Shield Semi Final, Marcus Spratt should prove an able deputy.

Homers will also have their Captain Gary Bonnes available once again, and he has proved to be the difference between these two sides on many occasions.

Kick-off at Knockan Road is 1.30pm, with a £3 admission fee.