United aiming to be stars in stripes in cup final

The Showgrounds club has unveiled a new one-off sky blue and white striped kit for the May 3 decider against Glenavon - United’s first appearance in the showpiece fixture for 25 years.

Cup final referee Raymond Crangle deemed, however, that the striped kit clashed with Glenavon’s royal blue shirts, with the Lurgan club also hoping to wear their normal colours for the Windsor Park clash.

The two clubs eventually tossed a coin to decide who would wear first choice colours, with United official Don Stirling winning the toss.

Ballymena had hoped to wear black shorts in an Argentina-style kit but will instead wear white shorts, with Glenavon wearing their change colours of orange shirts and black shorts.

United’s decision to opt for stripes - similar to those worn in United’s 1981 cup final triumph over Glenavon - has been broadly welcomed by the club’s supporters.

The special edition cup final shirt will be launched at the Des Allen Suite at the Showgrounds tonight (Tuesday) at 7pm.

A limited number of replica shirts will be on sale between 7pm and 9pm.

All shirts will have “ Irish Cup Final 2014” embroidered on them. Shirts are priced £40 for Adult sizes and £30 for Child sizes.

Supporters are advised to attend as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

A decision on which stand United supporters will occupy for the final will be taken at a safety meeting involving officials from both clubs today (Tuesday)