Irish Cup Final 2022

BALLYMENA UNITED SQUAD

Michael Place Midfielder

Ryan Waide Forward

David Parkhouse Forward

Signed fromGalway United in January, Mikey has made 14 appearances so far. Scored a vital equalising goal in the 3-3 draw against Larne in the quarter-final which led to the penalty shootout victory. At his best when taking on defences, he is a fast winger who has an eye for goal.

Ryan has been at the club for two seasons now and is a vital member of the squad. Fast, tricky forward who likes to take defenders on. Has represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level since he has been at the club. He is sure to feature in today’s game and he will be keen to get on the scoresheet.

Joined the Sky Blues in the summer but had the awful luck to pick up a serious knee injury in the very first game of the season, keeping him out of action for four months. Showed great determination in his fight back to fitness and the former Northern Ireland U21 international became a hero with the fans with a 90th minute winner in the Boxing Day derby with Coleraine.

Paul McElroy Forward

Kenneth Kane Forward

David Jeffrey MBE Manager

Joined from Crusaders in October 2020 and has become leading goalscorer in the team. Very good close control and can quickly sense scoring opportunities. Works hard for the team and is willing to track back to help the defence. Lethal penalty taker who has scored many times from the spot. Scored 16 goals last season and has followed that up with 15 so far this campaign.

Joined Ballymena United from junior club Dervock three seasons ago but has had to be patient to get games. Scored a late equaliser in the semi final against Coleraine two seasons ago to take the game to penalties His patience and determination have seen himmake 22 starting appearances this season and he is sure to be in this afternoon’s squad.

Needs no introduction. A legend in the Irish League, the former Linfield defender managed the Blues where he won everything in the local game. Won the Irish Cup seven times as manager of Linfield before stepping down in 2014. Many were surprised when he returned to management to take over the reins at Ballymena United in 2016. In his first full season at the Showgrounds he won the League Cup. He also led the team to qualification for the Europa League, a feat he repeated two years later. Recently awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Honours List, David still retains an immense passion for the game.

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