‘We’re fortunate still to be in Cup,’ - Walker
Thursday, 21 January 2010
United’s Aaron Steweat clears his lines in the JJB Sports Irish Cup tie with Ards at the Showgrounds on Saturday.
Ballymena United 0 Ards 0
A relieved Ballymena United manager Roy Walker admitted they are fortunate to be having another crack at seeing off Ards in tonight's (Tuesday) Cup tie replay.
Walker looked on as the Championship side made all the running in Saturday's match at the Showgrounds.
The United boss - like many at the match - is still wondering how James Wright missed a point blank header three minutes from time which would have sent United crashing from the competition.
Ballymena are thankful to 'keeper Sean O'Neill who made a number of very good saves which kept United in the competition.
Two minutes into the game Gary Haveron, back after breaking his leg against Coleraine earlier in the season, fired a free kick over the crossbar.
Then Mark Surgenor glanced a header from a David Cushley free, off target.
At the other end Ards' Aaron McKee shot well over the Ballymena bar.
Aaron Stewart threaded striker Nathan McConnell through but Paul Dickson put in a solid block tackle to deny him an effort on goal.
Ten minutes before the interval Haveron's shot on target hit a surprised Ards 'keeper Andy McDonald on the chest before he gathered.
On the stroke of half time Dickson set up a chance for Darren Stirling, who controlled neatly before cracking a shot just over the bar.
Early in the second half the visitors almost got the breakthrough. Dickson set up Craig McMillan but O'Neil in goal made a super save.
Walker tried a double substitution in the hope of finding the spark for the opening goal - George Stewart and Philip Carson coming on for Cushley and Surgenor.
Thirty-six-year-old Darren Lockhart - back playing after being given the all-clear following a heart scare - almost became hero of the afternoon.
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