ROY FACES NEW BAN

ROY Walker has spoken of his frustration at the weekend dismissal which will lead to a lengthy ban from the dugout over the holiday period.

The Ballymena United boss was ordered from the dugout during Saturday’s 2-1 win at Dungannon Swifts following a spat with fourth official Dessie Loughery, after Walker had hurled a water bottle in frustration at a decision.

Walker was still seething at the decision by the end of Saturday’s game when he refused to speak to reporters, and the incident was clearly still rankling with him yesterday (Monday).

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“I had a drink bottle in my hand and I threw it against the wall behind me.

“It was the only way I had of letting off steam - I didn’t shout at anyone or cause any problems - but Dessie Loughery became involved and I’m very disappointed in him.”

Walker now faces a three game ban from the dugout, which could be increased if IFA chiefs take into account a suspension incurred by the United boss earlier in the season.

“I don’t even want to talk any more about it, save to say that I didn’t think (Dungannon boss) Dixie Robinson’s comments (he was highly critical of the match officials) were too far off the mark.”

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The result - United’s first win over Dungannon in 13 attempts - was the only saving grace, with the manager openly critical of his team’s performance.

“It was a poor performance. We should have won it more comfortably, especially in the circumstances, playing against 10 and then nine men.

“Nine men can’t beat you by getting around you or through you, but if you give away a succession of stupid free kicks, as we did, then anything can happen once they put the ball into your penalty area.

“We kept doing stupid things like that and our ball retention was pathetic - when we got to the dressing room I closed the door and ripped into the players.”

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Walker has called for a marked improvement as United aim to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Co-Operative Insurance Cup tonight (Tuesday) when Crusaders are the visitors to the Showgrounds (7.45pm).

The manager is still without suspended midfielder Nathan Hanley, while he will also monitor the fitness of defender Mark Surgenor, who came off on Saturday with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Walker wants a speedy resolution to Michael Smith’s future or otherwise at the Showgrounds, with Linfield having written to Ballymena to express their intention to talk to the player, whose contract expires in the summer - a perfectly legitimate course of action.

“I believe Michael is going to talk to Linfield but we will be forcing the issue because it serves no benefit to us if it’s allowed to drift - we are the only ones who stand to lose in the situation,” added Roy, whose side are scheduled to be at home to Glentoran this Saturday (3pm).