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Dungannon Swifts Match Preview
Uploaded Friday, 14th Apr, 2023 at 10:08
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BALLYMENA United host Dungannon Swifts in the Danske Bank Premiership on Saturday afternoon.
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The last meeting of the sides was in January at the Showgrounds, United running out 2-0 winners thanks to a 52nd minute penalty from Andrew McGrory after Ethan McGee had upended David McDaid, McDaid going on to seal the points in the 90th minute.
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Latest results v Dungannon Swifts (all league unless stated):
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Ballymena United 2-0 Dungannon Swifts, Ballymena Showgrounds, 14th January 2023. Att: 840
Dungannon Swifts 1-1 Ballymena United, Stangmore Park, 21st October 2022. Att: 396
Dungannon Swifts 0-2 Ballymena United, Stangmore Park, 20th August 2022. Att: 561
Dungannon Swifts 1-2 Ballymena United, Stangmore Park, 30th April 2022. Att: 472
Ballymena United 1-0 Dungannon Swifts, Ballymena Showgrounds, 12th February 2022. Att: 906
Dungannon Swifts 0-2 Ballymena United, Stangmore Park, 18th December 2021. Att: 475
Ballymena United 4-3 Dungannon Swifts, Ballymena Showgrounds, 28th September 2021. Att: 715
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Dungannon Swifts:
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Since the defeat to Ballymena in January, Dungannon Swifts have went on to record 3 league wins, a single draw and 8 defeats. They sit 11th in the Danske Bank Premiership table with 24 points, 5 points behind Newry City and 5 points ahead of Portadown. If they finish 11th they'll face a relegation/promotion play-off against the 2nd placed team in the Lough 41 Championship.
They also had a decent run in the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup, Crusaders knocking them out at the semi-final stage after they'd beaten Knockbreda and Cliftonville away from home.
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Ballymena United:
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United haven't fared so well, the win over Dungannon Swifts the last victory in the league for the Sky Blues. 11 defeats and 3 draws, with only 4 goals to show has left the Braidmen in 9th place, safe from automatic relegation, but in danger of a relegation/promotion play-off if Dungannon Swifts and Newry City leap above them. On the other hand, a win over the Swifts would guarantee safety.
Thanks to wins over Carrick Rangers, Newington, Ballyclare Comrades and Larne, United will be in the final of the Samuel Gelston's Whiskey Irish Cup in May.
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Ticket Information:
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Tickets are not required for this game, and a cash gate will be available for both sets of fans. Adult admission will cost £12, concessions £8 and children under the age of 16 will be admitted free of charge with a paying adult.
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Match Officials:
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Referee: Ian McNabb. Assistant 1: Stephen Bell. Assistant 2: Ken Ross. 4th Official: Shane Andrews.
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Match Information:
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The match kicks off at 3:00pm.
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The last time United won in the league was against Dungannon Swifts at the Showgrounds, and a repeat of this result would secure a place in next season's newly renamed Sports Direct Premiership. With a cup final looming, a bit of form is badly needed, so make your way to the Showgrounds and be loud and proud in support of YOUR team - Come On Sky Blues!
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Match Preview by Paul Irwin
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