DUNGANNON Swifts are the visitors to the Showgrounds this weekend in the Carnegie Premier League tie, in a game which sees Rory Hamill return to the Braid for the first time since his move to the Swifts in the summer.

Ballymena will also be hoping to push up the league in this mid-table clash, between ninth place United and Dungannon in seventh. Sky Blues boss, Tommy Wright, has warned his players not to let their season rest on next week's cup game against Linfield, and try and move up the table. However, Harry Fay's Swifts have the advantage having already beaten Ballymena 1-0 at Stangmore Park; thanks to a late Shane McCabe strike in November.

The Braidmen's last win against the Swifts came in the reverse fixture last season; when Ballymena won a pulsating game 4-3 at the Showgrounds. Goals from Gary Smyth, Phil Charnock, Andrew Rosbotham and ironically Rory Hamill sealed a memorable win. The two sides drew 2-2 at Stangmore last season, with two Stuart King goals. Dungannon's last win at Warden Street came in in January 2005 when Dungannon won 2-1, with the late Gary Bownes scoring the winning goal.

In team news; Tommy Wright welcomes back Gavin Melaugh and Garth Scates from suspension served against Linfield. Vice-captain Gary Haveron remains out, meaning that Simon Kelly will again start after his impressive start to his Ballymena career. Paul Brown is a doubt after taking a knock against his previously broken foot at Windsor Park; and as reported in the local press - Darren Murphy is unlikely to play again this season, let alone against his former team.

Key Player

David Scullion has been attracting a lot of attention at Stangmore Park for his dynamic performances in the Dungannon midfield. The Northern Ireland Under-21 international joined from Glenavon in 2004, after spending time at Aston Villa. Recently starred in the Irish League representive team against the English National Game XI, at Mourneview Park.

Ex-Players

Arguably the most recognisable face in the Dungannon squad is that of former Ballymena striker, Rory Hamill. Hamill, a former Northern Ireland international sensationally joined Ballymena in 2004 from bitter rivals Coleraine - but failed the impress and was allowed to join Dungannon in the summer past. He is joined by goalkeeper, Dwayne Nelson in the ex-United ranks - Nelson made his debut at 16 years of age in a Ballymena shirt, but despite largely being a reserve goalkeeper; Dwayne. moved to Coleraine in 2004. Ironically, Ballymena's reserve goalkeeper; Stuart Addis has also spent time at the opposition, after spending a year and a half at Dungannon - Stuart joined Ballymena in January 2006.

Previous Meetings

DATE	COMPETITION	HOME TEAM	SCORE	AWAY TEAM
18-11-06	Premier League	Dungannon Swifts	1-0	Ballymena United
24-02-06	Premier League	Dungannon Swifts	2-2	Ballymena United
05-11-05	Premier League	Ballymena United	4-3	Dungannon Swifts
22-01-05	Premier League	Ballymena United	1-2	Dungannon Swifts
09-10-04	Premier League	Dungannon Swifts	1-2	Ballymena United

Form Guide

	BALLYMENA UNITED	DUNGANNON
LEAGUE POSITION	9th - 26 points	7th - 33 points
TOP SCORER	Kevin Kelbie (9)	David Scullion (10)
FORM (LAST SIX MATCHES)	WDLWWL	WLLLWL
LAST RESULT	L 0-2 v. Linfield (a)	L 0-1 v. Cliftonville (a)