Sky Blues aiming to cross cup 'Bridge

BALLYMENA United put their Carling Premiership exertions to one side this weekend in the chase for cup glory.

The Sky Blues will tread new ground when they travel to Banbridge Town in the second round of the Co-Operative Insurance Cup on Saturday (3pm).

The visit to Crystal Park will be the first time the sides have met in a competitive fixture and Walker is in no doubts about the importance of a good run in the competition.

"There are two cup competitions left for us after we went out of the County Antrim Shield last week – this is 50 per cent of our opportunities to win a knockout competition.

"I think any cup competition should be an open draw, provided the grounds are up to standard, and we want to go down there and get a good result."

Walker is aware of the dangers posed by the Championship One side, who are managed by former Glenavon boss Colin Malone.

"We've had them watched and had full reports. It's a long, narrow pitch down there and it will be tough match.

"We had them watched the previous week against Limavady in a fairly dour 0-0 draw.

"They have a few players who have played senior football such as Paul Evans and Collie Malone's son Dale plays in the middle of the park.

"I've been kicking around a few ideas about changes but equally we've been thinking about leaving well alone.

"Do we leave the boys who have the shirt and who are playing well or do we make a tweak – it certainly won't be wholesale changes because there are teams developing within the team, such as Denver Gage and Albert Watson in the centre of defence and Aaron Stewart and Eamonn Murray down the left.

"Our bench from Saturday, with the probable exception of Mo McDowell, will play for the Reserves on Tuesday night.

"We're also hoping to have give Ryan Berry 45 minutes in that match after his hamstring strain," added Roy.

However, full-back Lee Colligan remains sidelined, while Andy Smith will visit a consultant on Wednesday in an attempt to get to the bottom of his groin injury.

The match will be played to a finish on the day, with extra-time and penalties if required – and having missed twice from 12 yards in Saturday's win over Newry, United will hope the tie won't have to be settled from the spot!

Seven Towers Supporters' Club transport to Saturday's game leaves Henry Street car park at 1.30pm.

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