Ballymena United v Crusaders

BALLYMENA UNITED SQUAD

32 10 07 18

Lewis Tennant Midfielder

Ryan Waide Forward

David McDaid Forward

Jordan Gibson Forward

A Ballymena lad who has come through the United youth academy. Tricky, pacey winger who looks to have a bright future ahead of him. Highly regarded by the United coaching staff, Lewis is an exciting talent. He was a member of the impressive County Antrim Premier team in last summer’s SupercupNI. Made his senior debut for the club two weeks ago and has signed a new deal with the Sky Blues.

Ryan signed from Linfield and is now in his third season at Ballymena. Fast, tricky frontman who has scored some eye-catching goals. Ryan has represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level. A key member of the squad and will be looking to go one better this time around after being a runner-up last year.

Experienced striker who signed from Larne at the start of this season. David would love to get a winner’s medal this afternoon and with his excellent leadership of the line allied to his goalscoring ability an Irish Cup final is the perfect stage for this talented player.

Jordan was signed from Carrick Rangers in the summer after impressing manager David Jeffrey last season. Good link-up player who as well as being a striker can hold the ball up and play in fellow colleagues. A skilful frontman, Jordan has the perfect stage to make a name for himself this afternoon.

34 12 31

Nathan Clarke Forward

Kenny Kane Forward

David Taylor Forward

David Jeffrey MBE Manager

Another promising young player who has been producing very good performances for the U20 side. Antrim lad Nathan made his senior debut last season when he came off the bench against Dungannon Swifts and immediately made an impressive impact. Another fine prospect.

Kenny is now in his fourth season at Warden Street after he was signed from junior club Dervock. His chances in the first team may have been limited recently but with his tremendous pace he has the ability to cause defences a lot of problems. Should play a part at some stage.

Another promising member of the U20 side who has impressed the manager. Still only 16, David is a product of the youth academy and has also been with Ballyclare and Larne. Has been on trial with Aberdeen. Still to make his senior debut for the Sky Blues but has been on the bench in a number of games.

David has now been at the helm at Ballymena United for seven years and in that time he has led the Braidmen to numerous finals and, on two occasions, into Europe. Having won the Irish Cup on no fewer than seven occasions as manager of Linfield, he would love nothing more than to guide the Sky Blues to their first success in the blue riband competition since 1989. His vast knowledge and motivational qualities are second to none and United followers will be hoping these can be deciding factors this afternoon.

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