Suspended Haveron misses Cup clash with Glentoran
Thursday, 30 October 2008
In-form Gary Haveron: out of Wednesday night’s CIS Insurance Cup first round first leg with Glentoran at the Showsgrounds through suspension.
Ballymena United will be without centre-half Gary Haveron for Wednesday night's CIS Insurance Cup first round, first leg, match with Glentoran at the Showgrounds (7.45pm).
The Sky Blue defender is serving a one-match ban - after picking up five cautions.
Haveron, who was forming a very solid partnership with Albert Watson, sits out the visit of the League leaders, but will be ready for recall for Saturday's JJB Sports Premier League visit of Cliftonville (3pm).
While it is bad luck for Haveron, it is good news for teenager Aaron Stewart.
The 18-year-old gets a call-up to face Glentoran.
Stewart, a most promising prospect, was in the first team starting line-up to face Linfield a couple of weeks ago in Ballymena, but was involved in a car crash, which claimed the life of his mother Lorraine, who was taking him to the match.
United boss Roy Walker spoke at length to the lad afterwards and it was Aaron's decision that he wanted to get back into football as soon as possible.
On Wednesday night young Stewart will line-up alongside Watson in the centre of defence, his aim to keep the eager Glens forwards at bay.
A couple of weeks ago United drew 1-1 with Glentoran at the Showgrounds.
Prior to that the Glens hammered out two thrashing to the Sky Blues, 6-1 at the Oval in the County Antrim Shield back in September and 4-1 in the League, at the end of that month.
But the last encounter, with United playing with a bit of belief, ended 1-1
Kevin Kelbie bagged the United equaliser after some brilliant work by winger Stuart King.
The Cup clash will be another chance for Kelbie to shine.
His strike partner Neil Teggart, who leads the way at United with six, is due another goal or two.
Glentoran, who are through to the Setanta Cup final where they meet Cork on November 14, beat Glenavon 2-1 at Mourneview Park at the weekend.
United, who were unbeaten in their last three games, made the trip to Ballyskeagh at the weekend and lost 1-0.
But boss Walker believes they should have got something from the game, which was played in terrible weather conditions.
Ballymena trained on Monday night - while Walker went to Solitude to watch Cliftonville v Linfield in the JJB Sports League match.
United take on the Reds this weekend - "I hope to pick up one or two details as I prepare for our game this weekend against Cliftonville," Walker told Guardian Sport.
Seven Towers Supporters Club transport to Solitude on Saturday leaves Henry Street car-park at 2pm.
Season tickets will be valid for Wednesday night's CIS Insurance Cup match, featuring United and Glentoran, at the Showgrounds (7.45pm).
United Reserves take on Crumlin United in the WKD Intermediate Cup first round on Saturday, November 8 (1.30pm).
Ballymena United Girls Under-16s were beaten 6-1 in the PDQ Solutions Invitational League by Linfield at Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday night.
