Take two for United in semi-final bid

A place in the last four of the competition against either Portadown or Crusaders – who also play again after a 1-1 draw on Saturday – is the reward that's on offer to the winners of tonight's clash at the Showgrounds.

But before the Sky Blues can even think of that April 10 clash, they have to see off the stubborn resistance of Glenavon, who came from 3-1 down at Mourneview Park to set up tonight's second instalment.

"It felt more like a defeat than a draw after the match on Saturday with a lot of people in the dressing room asking 'why' and 'how'," admitted United boss Walker.

"But the reality is, we're still in the competition and now we have to do it all again.

"With the exception of our first meeting (a 0-3 home defeat in September) the games between ourselves and Glenavon have been fairly close this season and I'm expecting another tough encounter.

"Provided we can get through tonight Saturday's draw will have been the best result because the finances will be boosted by an extra gate, but we have to go and do the business or else it will count for nothing," added Roy.

The manager checked on his walking wounded at training last night (Monday) but doesn't expect to be able to add midfielders Darren Lockhart and Philip Carson to his thinking.

"Albert Watson had his stitches out and might well get the all-clear after his recent facial injury but I don't know whether I would risk him as he hasn't trained since he got injured at Dungannon," added Roy.

Tonight's match has an 8pm kick-off - after United agreed to a request from Glenavon to facilitate the arrival of the Lurgan side's Dublin-based players - and will be played to a finish.

After tonight's game Walker will turn his thoughts to Saturday's home game against Portadown (3pm) – United's final appearance at the Showgrounds before the league 'split', with away games at Lisburn Distillery, Crusaders and Linfield still to come before that point.

Ballymena, on 34 points, are currently 12 adrift of sixth spot and even if they win those four remaining games, it's virtually mathematically impossible that they can gatecrash the top six, making tonight's cup replay even more critical to the club's season.

Saturday's match will see the last of the hugely successful corporate lunches take place.

A total of 33 tables has been sold for the event, which will be sponsored by Dungannon-based company Principal Cooling.

William Caufield is guest speaker, while Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson and former United player Alex Donald will be the special guests. Mayor, Councillor James Currie and Deputy Mayor, Alderman PJ McAvoy, will be the Ballymena Borough Council representatives.

The match ball for Saturday's game will be sponsored by Progressive Building Society and the programme sponsor is Cheltenham-based United fan Trevor Ritchie.