Injured Jenkins out for rest of season

ALLAN Jenkins will miss the remaining three games of Ballymena United’s season after sustaining ankle ligament damage in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Donegal Celtic.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Apr 2013, 12:20 BST
Donegal Celtic's Ciaran Burns tackles Ballymena captain Alan Jenkins, a challenge which led to Jenkins being stretchered off with ankle ligament damage. Picture: Press Eye.Donegal Celtic's Ciaran Burns tackles Ballymena captain Alan Jenkins, a challenge which led to Jenkins being stretchered off with ankle ligament damage. Picture: Press Eye.
Donegal Celtic's Ciaran Burns tackles Ballymena captain Alan Jenkins, a challenge which led to Jenkins being stretchered off with ankle ligament damage. Picture: Press Eye.

The Sky Blues captain was stretchered off in the second half after being caught with a late challenge by DC’s Ciaran Burns as he made a defensive clearance.

Jenkins was carried off in some discomfort, leaving United to play the final 15 minutes with 10 men, having already made their three substitutions.

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However, Jenkins was later able to limp out of the dressing room having been diagnosed with ligament damage rather than any fracture.

“I suppose there’s relief in a way that it’s not more serious but that’s certainly the season over for me,” said Jenkins.

“There’ll be no point rushing back for the last couple of games so I’ll concentrate on being fully fit for the start of the new season,” the Scot added.

United boss Glenn Ferguson added: “Ankle ligaments are usually at least four weeks and there are only a couple of weeks left so we’ll just have to plan without Allan.”

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Jenkins will one of a number of absentees as United make their final away trip of the season to Lisburn Distillery tonight (Tuesday).

“Gary Thompson is suspended, while Tony Kane has had a death in the family and won’t be available.

“Mark Surgenor nipped his knee in training and it could well be cartilege or ligament so he will definitely be out and probably won’t play again this season.

“David Cushley is also carrying a knock from Saturday but knowing him, he’ll want to play.

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“We will be down to the bare bones on Tuesday night but hopefully the players coming in will want to show they can do the business as well.”

Ferguson is aware that a United win at Ballyskeagh could condemn his former club to relegation, if Donegal Celtic beat Dungannon tonight.

“People might think we’re just fulfilling fixtures in these games but I’m not – I want to win games, get as many points as possible and finish as high up the table as possible.

“We won’t be going to Ballyskeagh to do anybody any favours – if Distillery get relegated, it won’t be because of what happens on Tuesday night,” added Ferguson.

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* Paramount Ballymena Unted Supporters’ Club holds its final monthly table quiz of the season in the Bowling Club this Friday evening, April 19, at 8.30pm.

* The ball sponsor for Saturday`s home match against Glenavon is Gordon McCartney, The Hollies Sports Injury Clinic, Ballymena Showgrounds.