Sky Blues back in action with matches this week

The Sky Blues are in action in a charity match this Wednesday evening, July 7, against local church Green Pastures, as part of a series of events hosted by the Galgorm facility (see page 55).

Then on Saturday, Roy Walker’s side entertain Scottish Division One side Cowdenbeath, now managed by former Northern Ireland full-back Jimmy Nicholl.

The game will kick-off at 3pm but it is not yet known whether the match will be played at the Showgrounds, where maintenance work is ongoing ahead of the Milk Cup, with Seaview a possible venue. Check the club website later in the week for confirmation.

“When I heard that the Showgrounds might not be available I offered to find Cowdenbeath another team to play but ‘Jimmy Nick’ insisted he only wanted to play Ballymena, wherever it may be.

“It’s a bit earlier than we would usually start but it’s the only game they are playing over here. We will have had up to 10 sessions by that stage so we will be physically ready to play.”

Meanwhile, Walker continues to run his eye over Glenavon winger Eamon Murray in training.

“He was up three times last week and looked good.

“I have said to him if he’s happy with the travelling aspect - he doesn’t drive and lives in Downpatrick - then we will sit down and talk.

“It’s not a done deal by any means and even if it doesn’t come to pass, I would have no qualms about starting the season with Mo McDowell and Michael Smith II, if we can call him that, both of whom can play with both feet and on either side,” added Roy.

Walker also plans to have a look this week at Paul Ballard, a Canadian professional who is coming to Northern Ireland to undertake mission work.