United must ‘kick on’ in Moyola cup tie - Ferguson

Glenn Ferguson insists that the time is right for Ballymena United to “kick on” after their disappointing start to the season.
JBE League Cup.JBE League Cup.
JBE League Cup.

The Sky Blues claimed their first point of the campaign in Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Carrick Rangers, easing some of the pressure on the manager.

“It’s like a top-class cricketer when he comes in to bat. He doesn’t want to be out for a duck - the most important thing is getting off the mark and then kicking on from there.

“This is where you’re tested as a manager, trying to find the answers. You can chop and change your team and change formations but basically it’s down to hard work.

“The coaching staff work their socks off to get it right and we try to transfer that on to the players in training and then onto the pitch. Sometimes it doesn’t work but we won’t stop working until we get it right.

United will attempt to claim their first win of the season tonight (Tuesday) when they travel to Moyola Park in the opening round of the JBE League Cup.

“We took a pre-season friendly against them, unbeknown that this was going to happen, and it was a 3-3 draw so we know what 
Moyola are capable of.

“The majority of the players know what to expect, they know what the ground is like and how difficult it is going to be

“Moyola are going to be up for it because in a cup tie, it’s the underdogs’ cup final, to try to get into the next round.

“They will certainly give it everything they have to try to get into the next round so we have to be prepared for that.

“When you put in a good, battling performance, the players should look forward to the next game no matter what it is.

“Whether it’s a friendly or a cup final, they should want to be involved in that one as well,” added Ferguson.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport to Moyola leaves Henry Street car park at 7pm, while the bus for Saturday’s game at Glentoran departs the same venue at 2pm.