Ferguson hopes rest will benefit players ahead of run-in

Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson hopes his side’s enforced weekend break will benefit his players as they embark on the crucial run-in, in their bid for a top six place in the Danske Bank Premiership.
Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson. Picture: Press Eye.Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson. Picture: Press Eye.
Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson. Picture: Press Eye.

The Sky Blues had the weekend off as scheduled opponents Cliftonville were playing in the League Cup final.

“Some of the players have needed a rest,” admitted Ferguson.

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“We’ve had a busy January with a lot of games and the Irish Cup replay against the Welders was an extra one as well.

“It’s a time of year when pitches are heavy and players expend more energy so we gave them the weekend off and we’ll start back on Tuesday to prepare for this weekend’s game at Portadown.

“We want to make sure we have the players’ fitness levels right up and get them in the right frame of mind to compete in what will be another difficult game,” the manager added.

United have seven matches left before the league ‘split’ after 33 games and Saturday’s match is likely to be an important one in United’s quest to finish in the top six since the current format was implemented.

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Ferguson will have defender Tony Kane and Gavin Taggart available for the trip to Shamrock Park after both served one-match suspensions in the midweek cup replay win against the Welders.

But key defender Johnny Taylor remains on the sidelines as he completes the second of a two-game ban after accumulating 10 yellow cards.

* Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport to Saturday’s match leaves Henry Street car park at 1.30pm, with the club’s Joker promotion being drawn prior to departure.

* Paramount Ballymena United Supporters’ Club holds its monthly table quiz in the Bowling Club this Friday evening, January 31.

The quiz starts at 8.30pm and all teams are welcome.

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