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Crusaders Match Preview

Linfield Match Preview
Uploaded Thursday, 17th Nov, 2022 at 18:11

Ballymena United host champions Linfield in the Danske Bank Premiership on Friday evening.
The last meeting between the sides was in September in the league, also at the Showgrounds, Linfield running out 4-0 winners thanks to goals from Joel Cooper, Kirk Millar, Chris Shields (pen) and Robbie McDaid.
Latest results v Linfield:
Ballymena United 0-4 Linfield, Ballymena Showgrounds, 3rd September 2022. Att: 1742
Ballymena United 0-2 Linfield, Ballymena Showgrounds, 8th March 2022. Att: 1460
Linfield 1-0 Ballymena United, National Stadium, 15th January 2022. Att: 2199
Linfield 1-0 Ballymena United, National Stadium, 21st December 2021. Att: 2019
Ballymena United 3-1 Linfield, Ballymena Showgrounds, 9th November 2021. (BetMcLean League Cup Round Quarter-Final)
Linfield:
Since the last meeting of the sides, Linfield have added a further 14 points to their total, with wins over Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon (2) and Portadown, draws against Coleraine and Cliftonville, and defeats to Crusaders, Glentoran and Larne.

This has seen Linfield climb the table to 5th place, 3 points clear of Coleraine and 3 behind Crusaders, with a game in hand over both.
Ballymena United:
During the same time, United have won 4 games, drawn 1 and lost 4, and now sit 9th in the league, 2 clear of Newry City and 2 behind both Glenavon and Carrick Rangers, with a game in hand over both.
Tickets:
Tickets for Ballymena United supporters are available at Tickets - Home Fans.
Entrance/Exit arrangements:
Ballymena United spectators will only be able to gain entry from the ECOS side of the stadium, in other words all spectators travelling to this match by car should drive to the roundabout on the Broughshane Road and take the turn off signposted to ECOS and follow Kernoghan's Lane into the car park at the rear of the Showgrounds.

Any home spectators walking to the stadium should walk down Suffolk Street onto Farm Lodge Avenue and make their way to Gate E, then around the new 2G pitch and along the rear of the Main Stand to the turnstiles at Gate P.

Slemish Drive turnstiles will NOT be open for this match and Slemish Drive car park will not be available for use by Ballymena United Supporters.

Supporters are also advised that at the end of the match Ballymena United spectators will be required to leave via gate P and on towards ECOS centre/Kernoghans Lane then Broughshane Road.

There will be no egress towards Slemish Drive or Warden Street egress to Suffolk Street may be subject to a short delay.
Your understanding and assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated by the club.
Match Officials:
Referee: Jamie Robinson. Assistant 1: Paul Robinson. Assistant 2: Stephen Donaldson. 4th Official: Shane Andrews.
Match Information:
The match kicks off at 7:45pm.
It's almost a month since Linfield lost their last league game, and they defeated Glentoran 2-1 midweek in the Toals Co Antrim Shield to set up a final against Larne. Ballymena United played out of their skins on Monday night to defeat Crusaders 1-0 at Seaview, Kym Nelson grabbing his second goal in as many games to grab the three points. Can United pull off another shock by defeating Linfield at home? Make your way to the Showgrounds and be loud and proud in support of YOUR team - Come On Sky Blues!
Match Preview by Paul Irwin