UNITED face another tricky league fixture this Saturday, as newly crowned County Antrim Shield winners, Cliftonville, visit the Showgrounds (kick-off; 3.00pm.)

The Reds became the first club outside of the ‘Big Two’ to lift the County Antrim Shield, as they defeated Lisburn Distillery 2-1 on Tuesday night at the Oval. It was their first Shield win since beating Ballymena United ten years previously – and was their reward for some of the excellent football Eddie Patterson’s (pictured) side have been producing this season. They currently lie fourth in the league table, only three points off the leaders Glentoran, and after two cup finals already this season, the Solitude faithful could be forgiven for dreaming of a big future for the current exuberant and determined team Patterson has assembled in only his second season at the helm in North Belfast.

In the reverse fixture this season, Cliftonville ran out 2-1 winners at Solitude in October; David McAlinden and Chris Scannell scoring the home goals, with Albert Watson scoring in between. United last victory over Cliftonville came last season in the quarter-finals of the County Antrim Shield, when Ballymena ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Albert Watson and Gary Haveron. The last home league victory for the Braidmen was in December 2001 when caretaker manager George Magill steered Ballymena to a 2-1 victory with Tony Anderson and Noel Burgess scoring the goals, Tommy McCallion scored a controversial goal in Cliftonville’s favour.

Ballymena, who drew 2-2 with Crusaders at Seaview last week, are still likely to be without striker Darren Fitzgerald, who picked up a knee injury last week in training, and missed the Crusaders game. Simon Kelly’s international clearance didn’t come through in time for last week’s game, but despite being cleared to play after his move from Dundalk – it is likely the central defender will play for the reserves to build up match fitness, Nigel Boyd will also come back into contention for a place in the squad after playing for the reserves last week.

Key Player

Midfielder Barry Johnston, has been a key figure in the Cliftonville side this season, as the Reds have produced some excellent football this season. Johnston was signed by Coleraine in 2002, after beginning his career with the North Belfast Reds. He won an Irish Cup winners medal in 2003, but the Bannsiders’ financial problems meant that he returned to Solitude in January 2006. He had formed a strong partnership with Conor Downey in the Reds’ midfield, but it will be intriguing as to how he will cope with Downey’s departure to Linfield two weeks ago.

Ex-Players

There are no ex Cliftonville players on the Ballymena panel, but there will be a number of familiar faces visiting the Showgrounds this Saturday. Central defender, David McAlinden signed for the Reds in the summer from Glenavon – he was signed by Nigel Best in 2000 and was allowed to join Crusaders in 2002, playing regularly for Ballymena in the First Division under Kenny Shiels. Midfielder, John O’Loughlin; who is currently transfer-listed at Solitude spent four years at Ballymena between 2001 and 2004 and became a real fans favourite for his tenacious and whole-hearted approach. Finally striker, Vinny Sweeney (pictured) spent all of last season with United, scoring 13 goals but went back to Limavady, only to join Cliftonville three weeks ago.