Irish Cup - Semi-Final | Ballymena V Coleraine

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S E M I - F I N A L MONDAY 27 JULY 2020 – KICK-OFF 4PM BALLYMENA UNITED COLERAINE NATIONAL FOOTBALL STADIUM AT WINDSOR PARK , BELFAST v

O F F I C I A L M A T C H D A Y P R O G R A M M E

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T E A M S

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Chris Johns GK Lyndon Kane Adam Mullan Aaron Canning Steven Douglas Aaron Jarvis Ben Doherty Stephen Lowry James McLaughlin

Ross Glendinning GK Anthony Kane Jonathan Addis Scott Whiteside Ryan Harpur Cathair Friel James Knowles Steven McCullough Kenneth Kane Andrew Burns Andrew McGrory Kofi Balmer Jude Winchester (c) Jim Ervin Adam Lecky Leroy Millar Reece Glendinning Aaron Burns Joshua Kelly Ross Lavery Jordan Williamson GK

10 11 12 14 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 31 32 36 38 41 46 47

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Eoin Bradley Josh Carson

Gareth McConaghie Stephen O’Donnell (c) Ian Parkhill

Jamie Glackin Aaron Traynor

Alexander Gawne Emmett McGuckin Andrew Whiteside Martin Gallagher GK Curtis Allen Stewart Nixon

Connor Friel GK Spencer Beattie Dean Lewis Arynn Annett Jordan McMullan Max Davidson

M A N A G E M E N T

Manager : David Jeffrey

Manager : Oran Kearney

O F F I C I A L S

Referee : Keith Kennedy Assistant Referee : Gareth Eakin Assistant Referee : David Anderson

Fourth Official : Evan Boyce Reserve Asst Referee : Andrew Nethery

Irish Football Association President David Martin Deputy Presidents Jack Grundie and Crawford Wilson Chief Executive Patrick Nelson Advertising Irish Football Association Pictures Press Eye

Official Publication by Irish Football Association National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Donegall Avenue, Belfast, BT12 6LW Editor Nigel Tilson Director of Communications Danny Lynch Design and Print Minprint Ltd, 401 Castlereagh Road, Belfast, Co Down, BT5 6QP Tel: 028 9070 5205 www.minprint.co.uk

Please note that the views in this programme do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish Football Association.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the 2019-20 season’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup semi-final between Ballymena United and Coleraine.

Congratulations to both teams on reaching this stage of the competition. We are living in unprecedented times, with restrictions on our movements still very much in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so I am delighted that we are able to stage this match today. May I also take this opportunity to thank Sadler’s Peaky Blinder, the title sponsors of the Challenge Cup, for their support and BBC Northern Ireland for showing the match live on television. This afternoon’s tie involving Ballymena and Coleraine looks set to be an intriguing game. We have Coleraine, who were challenging hard for the Danske Bank Premiership title prior to lockdown, up against derby rivals Ballymena United, who have been decimated by injuries this term but are now almost back to full strength.

Coleraine, who won the trophy in 2018 and already have this season’s League Cup in their trophy cabinet, will no doubt be aiming to get their hands on the Irish Cup once again, while Ballymena have a squad capable of giving any opposition a tough game. I wish both teams good luck in the semi- final. I thank the management, boards and staff of both clubs for their co-operation in the organisation of the game as well as our own staff at the Irish Football Association. May the better team from today’s game get to the Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup Final on

Friday (31 July). Enjoy the game. David J Martin President Irish Football Association

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SPONSOR’S WELCOME

After such a long and difficult time it’s great to have football back and to be able to finish the season with three huge games that will determine who lifts the 2019-20 Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup.

This year will be long remembered as one of the most challenging and remarkable of our lives, with the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 virus bringing daily life as we know it to a halt and with it some changes that will be with us for a very long time. From the adversity, though, the spirit of the people has shone through as we have made the necessary adaptations to get on top of the pandemic and get to the point where more and more aspects of normal life are able to resume. We have also seen the tremendous outpouring of support for our key workers in the NHS, social care and emergency services as they have put themselves in harm’s way in order to treat and protect us all in the face of the virus. It is those amazing people, above all, that we have to thank for being able to once again have our clubs competing on the pitch.

In due course the fans will return to stadiums and old matchday routines will be back, and so for now we will be happy that we are able to see matches once more, finishing off what has been a thrilling cup competition so far, with upsets and drama along the way. It’s a great reminder that football has always been there to bring us together in good times and bad, always providing that small piece of hope that, whatever else, this year might be our year. Good luck to all, and we can’t wait to see who will be the 2019-20 Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup champions. Samuel Amfo-Okoampah Country Manager Halewood Wines & Spirits – Sponsor

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Words: Nigel Tilson

D A V I D J E F F R E Y T H E B O

Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey is hoping for something magical to finish the 2019-20 season as it started.

He pointed out Coleraine have “quality all around the pitch”, although he insisted his players will be up for the challenge, adding that their commitment and effort has been first class since returning to training.

Injuries ravaged his squad during the Danske Bank Premiership campaign, thus hampering his side’s progress, so he is instead looking all the way back to last summer to provide inspiration for the final week of this extended season. He explained: “Carrying forward last season’s momentum (his team finished second in the league) and effort into the first round in Europe (Europa League preliminary round) saw a historic progression against Faroese team NSI Runavik who were fully match fit, midway through their league season and very comfortable playing in the always-changing weather conditions at home. “Taking a 2-0 lead out there and coming away with a fantastic 0-0 draw led to an almost fantasy-like experience of taking on Swedish giants Malmo in the next round. “For the club, the staff, the players and particularly the fans that was a magical experience to share together.” And he would love nothing better than a similar magical experience this week, starting with today’s semi-final against Coleraine. He said: “The Irish Cup final is the blue riband event of the domestic calendar, and whilst Bryan (McLaughlin – his number two) and I have been fortunate to experience it a number of times over the years the desire to get there is as great now as it was the first time, and we very much want to experience that joy with others here at Ballymena United.” But Jeffrey, who won 31 trophies during his 17- year tenure as Linfield manager, knows his side will have to be at their best to have any chance of reaching the final on Friday.

FIFTH ROUND Saturday 4 January Ballymena United

2 0

Crumlin Star

SIXTH ROUND Saturday 1 February Warrenpoint Town Ballymena United QUARTER-FINALS Saturday 29 February Ballinamallard United

1 2

0 2

Ballymena United

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O R A N K E A R N E Y H E B O S S

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney would love a repeat of 2018 when he guided his team to Irish Cup glory.

“I think the general form of the players throughout the season has been superb and winning the League Cup against a very strong Crusaders team was testament to how well everyone was working.”

“It would be a massive achievement and brilliant for all our supporters to reach another Irish Cup final. We have good memories from the final in 2018. It’s a huge competition and it would be brilliant to get to another final,” he admitted. However, the pragmatic Bannsiders boss knows Ballymena United will be no pushovers in their last four clash. He pointed out: “Ballymena United are very strong opposition and have had an unfortunate season with injuries in particular. The majority of the players are still there from the squad that finished second in the league last season. That is the best indication of how tough a task it will be. They have plenty of star players who will need to be watched carefully. The Coleraine manager insists his squad are in fine fettle ahead of the cup clash. He revealed: “All our players have arrived back in good shape and are excited about the prospect of competitive football again. Lockdown has been necessary, but tough for everyone to go without training and matches. Everyone is looking forward to getting back out there again.” Before Covid-19 disrupted the football season – and life in general – the Bannsiders were in good form. The boss explained: “It was disappointing not to be able to complete the final league matches. We had put ourselves in a promising position and things were getting interesting for the final run-in. It will always be in the back of my mind what could have been.

FIFTH ROUND Saturday 4 January Glenavon

0 2

Coleraine

SIXTH ROUND Saturday 1 February Coleraine

3 0

Banbridge Town

QUARTER-FINALS Friday 28 February Larne

2 3

Coleraine

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Words: Nigel Tilson

J I M E R V I N T H E S K I P P

Ballymena’s veteran captain, Jim Ervin, admits he would love to reach another Irish Cup final – and to win the trophy with the Sky Blues.

In his days at Linfield the 35-year-old won the cup four times, as well as six league titles, however he missed out on a fifth winner’s medal in 2014 when Ballymena were beaten by Glenavon in the decider. He said: “I’d love to reach the final again. At my age you just never know the next time you might get to play in such a showpiece game. “The last time I was involved in an Irish Cup final (in 2014) it was a disappointment for everyone. We lost 2-1 and I went off injured after 22 minutes with a cruciate injury, so to try and put that right would be good.” The Ballymena captain promised he and his team- mates will be up for the cup. David Jeffrey’s side faced Crumlin Star in the sixth round of this year’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup. The Amateur League Premier Division outfit proved to be tricky opposition at the Showgrounds, but Ballymena eventually prevailed thanks to two second half goals. The Braidmen carved out several chances in the opening 45 minutes, however Star bossed things just after the break. On 66 minutes the home side broke the deadlock when substitute Declan Carville met a Ross Lavery corner and headed the ball home off the underside of the bar. Star piled on the pressure in the closing stages before Ballymena extended their lead in added time, Carville teeing up Cathair Friel for a close range finish. It was another tight affair in the sixth round, this time against fellow Danske Bank Premiership side Warrenpoint Town. A brawl marred the closing stages of the game at Milltown. The melee erupted after Andy McGrory netted the winner late on. THE STORY SO FAR

He said: “We will be as best prepared as possible for the semi-final game. Circumstances aren’t great going into such a big game but saying that it’s the same for all four teams so we get on with it. “The boss, Bryan and the rest of the coaching staff will have us in the best possible condition we can be in - and we will go and give it everything we have.” Ervin knows it will be a tough task to get past the Bannsiders. “They have quality players all over the pitch,” he said. “They play a particular way under Oran and he seems to get the best out of every player, so we expect a very difficult game. Like most of the derby games it will be frantic but also entertaining no doubt.” Warrenpoint’s Brandon Doyle opened the scoring just after half-time before Kyle Owens equalised with a header before McGrory sealed a 2-1 victory for the Sky Blues. David Jeffrey got the better of good friend Harry McConkey when they crossed swords in the last eight at Ferney Park in Fermanagh. The Sky Blues edged out Championship side Ballinamallard United, who were Irish Cup runners- up last season, by two goals to nil in muddy conditions. The visitors opened the scoring on 16 minutes when Adam Lecky found Friel down the right and his cross was swept into the net by Josh Kelly. Ballinamallard had a couple of chances before the visitors sealed the win in the 74th minute. Lecky was brought down in the box and Tony Kane stepped up to smash the resulting penalty into the top corner.

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S T E P H E N O ' D O N N E L L

The form guide prior to lockdown would point to Coleraine having things their own way against the Sky Blues in the Irish Cup semi-final. E S K I P P E R

over the last couple of seasons and the boys have experienced both Irish Cup and League Cup finals recently. “I think this gives us the platform to look past the significance of the game and focus on our own individual performances and try to do our own jobs well throughout the game.” He admits he will miss the fans’ support during the big game but hopes the team can deliver for them. “The fans have been brilliant again this season. We have all missed Saturdays and football at the Showgrounds throughout lockdown. We have been working really hard to get ready for this game. Hopefully we can reward the fans by getting to another Irish Cup final and end a great season for the club on a high.” Premiership new boys Larne provided the opposition in the last eight and it was a real ding-dong affair at Inver Park. Larne dominated the opening 45 minutes and took the lead when Coleraine defender Lyndon Kane inadvertently headed a Martin Donnelly free-kick into his own net. Bradley and fellow striker James McLaughlin were much more effective after the break with Bradley teeing up McLaughlin for a smart finish on 54 minutes. Larne edged in front again when Jeff Hughes headed in a Donnelly free-kick before Coleraine levelled through a Stephen Lowry penalty, awarded after John Herron had handled the ball in the penalty area. The game looked to be heading into extra-time when Bradley produced the goods once more. With three minutes remaining the veteran striker turned his marker and drilled a low shot past Larne stopper Conor Devlin to seal a 3-2 win.

But Bannsiders captain Stephen O’Donnell believes it counts for little given that it’s a derby clash and both teams are returning to competitive football after a lengthy absence. He said: “Ballymena are a good side and the derby is always a tough game to play in, but one that we always enjoy. Their league form does not represent the full quality they have in their side and we will need to be in top form to beat them. “Both Adam Lecky and Cathair Friel have the quality to change games and for us it will be important that we try and limit their influence on the game.” He does, however, feel the Coleraine squad will give it their best shot come kick-off. The skipper said: “I feel as a group we are in a good position to compete and play well in big games. We’ve been involved in a number of big games A hard fought win at Mourneview Park kick-started Coleraine’s Irish Cup campaign this season. The 2-0 fifth round victory came courtesy of goals from Jamie Glackin and Eoin Bradley. Glackin pounced in the ninth minute. Ian Parkhill fed Bradley who in turn slipped a pass to Glackin and he calmly slotted the ball home. Glenavon’s Josh Daniels headed against the bar before Coleraine settled it 15 minutes from time. Bradley picked up a loose ball and nipped past the keeper before sweeping it into the net. Premier Intermediate League side Banbridge Town were the visitors to the Showgrounds in the sixth round and they were comfortably beaten by the Bannsiders. Coleraine took the lead early on. Glackin’s corner was met by Aaron Canning and his header nestled in the net. Substitute Emmet McGuckin grabbed two goals as Coleraine coasted to a 3-0 victory. He produced a neat finish for his first and then swept home his second 11 minutes from the end. THE STORY SO FAR

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ACTION FROM THE QUARTER-FINALS

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Saturday 29 February 2020 Ballinamallard United 0 Ballymena United 2

Ballymena edged out Championship side Ballinamallard United, who were Irish Cup runners-up last season, by two goals to nil in this season’s quarter-finals of the competition.

Friday 28 February 2020 Larne 2 Coleraine 3 Coleraine’s last eight clash against Larne at Inver Park was a real ding-dong affair. The Bannsiders eventually won the tie 3-2.

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