Semi-final will be acid test of United’s progress under Ferguson

As he approaches a year in charge at the Showgrounds, the statistics suggest that Ferguson has undeniably got the Sky Blues moving in the right direction.

A win percentage of 50 per cent (17 wins from 34 matches, if you include the ‘victory’ over Newry City in last season’s Irish Cup) would be the envy of many more seasoned managers.

Throw in the fact that out of just SIX defeats in those competitive matches, four of them came in Ferguson’s opening first five league games – at a time when United were in total disarray – it’s a record which isn’t to be sniffed at.

The excitement is tempered somewhat by the number of draws, which illustrate that while Ferguson has made United difficult to beat, they lack that extra spark of quality required to win games on a more regular basis.

However, it would be churlish to suggest that Ferguson hasn’t revived Ballymena’s fortunes in a positive manner.

And yet, the flip side – and no-one will tell you this more than the man himself – is that Ferguson hasn’t achieved anything tangible as a manager yet.

Turning a struggling side into a competitive unit has been the biggest hallmark of his time in charge thus far – yet Ferguson, like Ballymena, might soon be ready to take the next step.

The County Antrim Shield may be looked upon by some of its participants as the poor relation of Irish football’s trophies – little more than an opportunity to give some squad players some game time.

Try telling that to supporters of a club which hasn’t won a major piece of silverware in close to a quarter of a century.

Success in the Shield would see Ferguson immediately catapulted into ‘legendary’ status.

Having eliminated holders Cliftonville in the quarter-finals, the semi-final draw couldn’t have been any kinder to Ballymena.

Short of having a good hoke around in the bag with the benefit of having both eyes open, picking out Donegal Celtic as opponents rather than Crusaders or Linfield would have been the choice of any Ballymena fan.

The fact that United have home advantage – something which Ballymena are finally beginning to exploit after years of failure in front of their own fans – is a further boost.

Of course, the very fact that Ballymena will be in the unusual position of favourites to progress to a rare final appearance will merely serve to add to the disappointment if it all goes pear-shaped for the Sky Blues tonight.

That’s why this game will go a long way towards determining whether United’s progress under Ferguson can continue at the time when they need it most.

* Follow Ballymena Times Sports Editor Stephen Alexander on Twitter (@Stephen_Bmena)