Captain Haveron hopes to send Glens crashing
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Fully committed ........ United captain Gary Haveron, who hopes to guide his side to victory over Glentoran in tonight’s County Antrim Shield quarter-final at the Oval.
Tough-tackling Ballymena United captain Gary Haveron leads his side into battle tonight (Tuesday) at the Oval in the quarter-final of the County Antrim Shield (7.45pm).
The centre-half is aware United must all give a committed performance if they are too see off Glentoran.
“We had a brilliant result at the Oval on January 1 this year," recalled the 27-year-old.
On New Year's Day United romped to a 4-2 victory.
Haveron, a soccer grass roots development coach, said the Glens will want to play football, and stressed Ballymena must be fully alert to match them.
He hinted that they are not far from hitting top form.
Hopefully tonight will be their night.
Meanwhile, there have been numerous changes since that first day of 2008!
Roy Walker is the new manager and quite a few new players have joined the Showgrounds side.
But as yet United have failed to click for Walker, and a recent heavy 5-1 home defeat by Cliftonville and a 3-0 beating by Dungannon Swifts have left him scratching his head in wonder.
At the weekend United had a 1-1 draw with Institute at the Riverside Stadium - a match they really should have won. Striker Kevin Kelbie, still not fully match fit, was on the scoresheet for Ballymena.
But a later lapse in concentration in defence let Institute in to sneak an equaliser.
Boss Walker does not fear the Shield clash at the Oval.
“The only fear we should have if the fear of losing," Walker told Guardian Sport.
He intends taking the same squad from the weekend to Belfast.
Left-back Liam Hogan gave a good account of himself, while at right back was Albert Watson, who a couple of weeks ago was relieved of the captain's role, to allow him to concentrated fully on his own game.
In attack will be ex-Glens man Kelbie and summer signing Neil Teggart, who has enjoyed a few goals in recent games.
Walker said the match with Glentoran will be a real test of character.
The boss noted a few positives from the weekend encounter with Institute - but he is keen for United to stop gifting goals.
Walker is keen to change the mindset of his players, making it quite clear to them that when they pull on a Ballymena jersey they must prove they are worthy of wearing it.
Ballymena United Allstars, and desire by Debenhams, host a fashion show on Friday, October 10, at the Des Allen Suite at the Showgrounds (7.30pm).
Compere will be BBC sports presenter Jackie Fullerton.
Tickets are on sale, priced £5 each.
To book tickets contact 07717182243 or 07733283895.
Seven Towers United Supporters Club transport to the Oval tonight (Tuesday) leaves Henry Street car-park at 6.30pm.
United play Glentoran in the quarter-final of the County Antrim Shield.
Saturday's Ballymena United v Glenavon League match is being sponsored by the McLarnon Group Hotels - Leighinmohr House Hotel, Adair Arms Hotel, The Fort Royal Inn, O'Neill Arms, Toome, and The Old Thatch Inn, Castledawson.
Match ball sponsors are Norman and Ian Armstrong of the Kiosk Newsagents at Ballymena Railway Station.
Ballymena United's postponed League match with Lisburn Distillery will take place on Tuesday, September 16, at the Showgrounds. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
In the IFA Premiership Reserve League the Crusaders Res. v Ballymena United Res. - originally on Saturday, September 13, - will now be played at Seaview, Belfast, on Wednesday (September 17) 7.45 p.m.
