Ferguson to shuffle squad for trip to Ballinamallard

Ferguson made five changes in last week’s team at Coleraine from the side which won the Irish Cup semi-final the previous week - although all of them were enforced through injury, suspension and ineligibility.

Some of those players are likely to return for Saturday’s trip to Ballinamallard, with Ferguson aiming to maintain momentum ahead of the cup final on May 3.

“It’s about keeping all the boys in the squad on top of their match fitness so that come the cup final, if they are called upon they are ready to play.

“It will be a bit trickier selecting a team this week when Jim Ervin is back and Darren Boyce is available again and we will see how the boys go who are coming back from injury.

“Aaron Harris was in the squad at Coleraine and will play before the season is out along with two or three others.

“I have five or six names I have asked Davy Dorrian who has been doing well in the Reserves and Macauley Cairns will play again in goal before the season is out,” added Ferguson, who will again be without Tony Kane, who completes a two-match suspension.

* The final Paramount Supporters’ Club monthly table quiz of the season takes place this Friday evening, April 25, in the Bowling Club (8.30pm). All teams welcome.

* Ballymena United Reserves continued their good run of form with a comprehensive 7-1 victory over a weakened Glenavon Reserves side.

Leroy Millar scored a hat-trick, while Jason Johnston, Neil Lowry, Jake Carson and Zach Barr were also on target for David Dorrian’s side.

* Anyone intending to travel to the Irish Cup final on Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport is reminded that they must obtain a bus ticket from Tommy Patterson (2564 8732) or Uel Allen (2564 2903).

The Seven Towers club was also saddened to learn of the passing of honorary club member Bobbie McVeigh last week and extends its condolences to Bobbie’s daughter Elieen and the family circle.