We’re in it to win it - Ferguson

Glenn Ferguson insists that Ballymena United won’t be content with simply reaching their first Irish Cup final in 25 years.
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 boss says that the celebrations of qualifying for the showpiece event in local football must now give way to focusing on the May 3 decider against Glenavon.

“We will enjoy the day out but we’re going there to win that trophy and we’ll be very disappointed if we don’t,” said Ferguson, after Saturday’s semi-final win over Queen’s.

“It will give the whole town a lift and something to look forward to over the next few weeks.

“Hopefully word will spread and more and more people will travel to Windsor on the day because it’s well documented that it’s a quarter of a century since Ballymena have been in an Irish Cup final.”

United resume their Danske bank Premiership campaign this Saturday with a trip to Coleraine, minus the suspended Tony Kane and Jim Ervin.

“There will be players coming into the team over the next three or four matches and I want to have a look at another couple of young lads but it doesn’t mean we want to lose tempo because ultimately we need to keep on top of our game for the final,” said Ferguson.

“Five or six are probably guarnateed because of circumstances but players need to perform to stay in the team.

“Anything could happpen in four weeks, people could take ill or pick up silly injuries or suspensions.

“Before the final, we still have another target. We’re on 44 points and we want to reach the 50-point barrier with four games to do it,” added Ferguson.

* Seven Towers SC transport to Saturday’s game leaves Henry Street car park at 2pm. Anyone wishing to travel on Towers bus to the final must obtain a bus ticket from Tommy Patterson or Uel Allen.

* Paradise SC holds a table quiz in the Knockeden Bar this Friday night, April 11 (8pm).