Manager anxious for Reds clash to go ahead

The Ballymena Showgrounds pitch - seen here on Monday afternoon - has held up well despite the recent wet weather.

The Sky Blues boss is anxious that tonight’s rearranged Danske Bank Premiership home game against Cliftonville (7.45pm) goes ahead.

If the match is played, it will enable David Cushley and Allan Jenkins to serve one-match suspensions, thereby making them eligible for this Saturday’s Irish Cup sixth round tie at Linfield.

If, however, tonight’s game is postponed due to the weather, the pair will miss the trip to Windsor Park, when they will instead complete their bans.

“I don’t know what the weather forecast is like but hopefully the groundsmen can get the Showgrounds pitch playable,” said Ferguson.

The loss of two key players against the defending champions - who can go top of the table if they win at the Showgrounds - is a headache for Ferguson, whose side are equally in need of the points as they attempt to secure a top six finish when the league splits at the end of March.

“It will be a chance for players who were rested on Saturday to come in for Tuesday night.

“We have another massive game on Saturday so there will be a bit of rotation and different shapes to the team in midweek,” the manager added.

On the plus side, defensive strongman Johnny Taylor completed his two-game ban in the weekend defeat by Portadown and is free to resume.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport to Saturday’s Irish Cup tie leaves Henry Street car park at 1.45pm.