Ballymena United v Crusaders

BALLYMENA UNITED SQUAD

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Jordan Williamson Goalkeeper

Sean O’Neill Goalkeeper

Marcus Thompson Goalkeeper

Ross Redman Defender

In his fifth season with the club. Signed from PSNI and had previous experience with Crusaders and Knockbreda. He played in last year’s final and this season has been competing with Sean O’Neill for the number one jersey. Jordan will be eager to get the nod for a starting place this afternoon. Fine shot stopper.

Sean is back at the Showgrounds for the second time in his career having previously played with the Sky Blues under then manager Tommy Wright before joining Crusaders with whom he won a number of honours. Commanding keeper who likes to keep his defenders on their toes. Despite carrying an injury he was one of the heroes of the excellent semi-final victory over Larne last month.

After signing from Linfield in January of this year, Marcus made his senior debut last month with an excellent performance in a league game against Portadown just short of his 17th birthday. Highly regarded at the Showgrounds, he looks to have a promising career ahead of him.

Former Portadown and Glentoran player Ross has vast experience in the Irish League and has been a vital member of the side since joining three seasons ago. United’s Player of the Year two seasons ago. Played in last year’s’s final and will be aiming to go one better this time around by getting a winner’s medal.

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Robert McVarnock Defender

Craig Farquhar Defender

Douglas Wilson Defender

Scot Whiteside Defender

Robert was signed at the start of January from Newington after impressing when they played United earlier in the season in the League Cup. With his all-action style and resolute defensive qualities, Robert has quickly established himself in the team and has become a firm fans’ favourite at the Showgrounds. Loves to get forward and join the attack. Looks to have a bright future in the Irish League and would love to get his hands on a winner’s medal in his first season with the Sky Blues.

Ballymena lad Craig made his breakthrough to the first team at the start of March and since then has grown in confidence with some assured performances. A product of the United youth academy, he spent last season on loan at Dundela to get experience and has benefitted from that stint. Craig got his first senior goal when he scored United’s opener in the semi-final against Larne and was outstanding in an excellent defensive display in that game.

Dougie signed from Dungannon Swifts at the start of the 2021-22 season but missed a large part of last season, including the Irish Cup final, with a serious injury. Fully recovered, he has displayed very good form this campaign and scored a superb free-kick against Larne to secure a place in today’s showpiece. Dougie previously had spells with Grimbsy Town and Hull City before returning home. Has shown he is a man for the big occasion and hopefully can repeat this today.

Scot came back into the side this term after missing two full seasons due to a serious knee injury. He has had a very good campaign and has turned in some very assured performances in the centre of defence. Another player who was outstanding in the semi final and he will once again have a vital role to play this afternoon. He has made over 90 first team appearances since joining in 2018.

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