Nelson hoping to avoid long injury lay-off

Linfield striker Matthew Tipton scores after clashing with Ballymena United goal keeper Dwayne Nelson during Saturday's Danske Bank Premiership match at Ballymena Showgrounds. Picture: Press Eye.

The Ballymena United goalkeeper sustained a blow to the face in the lead-up to Matthew Tipton’s opening goal in the Sky Blues’ 4-1 defeat by Linfield.

Initial X-rays proved inconclusive but Nelson will see a consultant this week hoping that the injury is merely soft tissue damage rather than a fractured jaw, which had initially been suggested.

Nelson also sustained bruising to his hand in the incident and will miss Wednesday night’s County Antrim Shield semi-final against Crusaders at Seaview.

That will open the door for veteran keeper Stuart Addis - the penalty shootout hero of United’s Shield final success last season - to stake his claim for the number one position.

“Thankfully Stuart Addis came through the reserve team game at the weekend, and we might have to look at bringing someone in as cover for a couple of months, but we will get the final verdict before making any decisions” said manager Glenn Ferguson.

“We will be underdogs. I am sure all the other three sides would have wanted Ballymena.

“Whoever we put out, we will want them to put in a spirited performance. We are the holders and we want to win the Shield - simple as that,” added Ferguson.

United will be without the suspended Tony Kane and Shane Dolan for the trip to the Shore Road.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport leaves Henry Street car park at 7pm.