United face crunch week in league and cup

As pivotal weeks in a season go, the next seven days certainly fall into the 'crunch' category for Ballymena United.

First up tonight (Tuesday), the Sky Blues entertain title-challenging Cliftonville in a match postponed from January 2.

United themselves need something out of the game to keep a comfortable cushion between themselves and the teams in the relegation scrap below them and manager Roy Walker is seeking an improvement on Saturday's 2-2 draw at Institute.

"We could and should be doing better and we will have to do that to get anything against Cliftonville," Roy told Times Sport.

The manager will be without the suspended Philip Carson - although the midfielder would have missed the game through injury in any case - while Noel Anderson remains on the treatment table.

Striker James McLaughlin is eligible for the first time, having completed an elongated three-match suspension for the Reserves.

Tonight's match will also see striker Andy Smith complete his six-match suspension and the former Northern Ireland striker will come into consideration for Saturday's JJB Sports Irish Cup sixth round tie at home to Ballinamallard United (3pm). McLaughlin, incidentally, isn't eligible for that game, having played in an early round of the competition for former club Mosside.

"I'm pleased we have more absentees coming back in because it's a busy time with a lot of midweek matches to get caught up on," said Walker, who will have his players well versed in what to expect from the Fermanagh side in the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.

It took United two attempts, including extra-time in a replay, to struggle past another Championship side, Ards, in the previous round and Walker is aware that another potential banana skin lies in wait.

"We've had Ballinamallard watched a couple of times and we've got reports from a few Championship managers about them.

"They are a decent team, with the likes of Andy Crawford, who used to play for Linfield, and they have a bit of pace in wide areas.

"Every team that comes to the Showgrounds is lifted by the surroundings and we have to be lifted as well.

"You don't lose games against lower-ranked opposition because, one to 11 they are better players – you lose it if you don't do what you should be doing," added Walker.

If a replay is required after Saturday's game, it will take place at the Showgrounds next Tuesday night (7.45pm) as Ballinamallard's Ferney Park ground - although capable of hosting daytime matches against senior opposition - doesn't have floodlights.

[email protected]