Irish Cup: Ballymena face Newry City for place in final
Ballymena take on Championship side Newry City tonight (Tuesday) in the semi-final of the Irish Cup.
The winners will play Crusaders in the showpiece final on May 7th.
It promises to be a fascinating encounter at Mourneview Park in Lurgan.
In the quarter-finals Ballymena (main pic) saw off the challenge of Larne after a penalty shootout while Newry's route to the semis was slightly more complicated.
Darren Mullen's side lost 1-0 to Glentoran in their last 8 game.
However, following an initial appeal the Glens were then ejected from the tournament after playing Joe Crowe, who was ineligible.
They then went on to take their case to arbitration - but that, too, was lost.
Newry currently top the Championship table and with just one game left, they are clear favourites to be automatically promoted to the top-flight.
Mullen said it would be a special moment for him and his players to reach the final: "It's a huge achievement in itself just to get to the Irish Cup final and obviously the rewards that come with it.
"But from my point of view as manager there would be nothing prouder for me than leading the team out on Irish Cup final - especially this group of players because they have been super."
And in an interview with Ballymena TV, Sky Blues boss David Jeffrey said tonight will be a great occasion for both sides.
"It's an opportunity not just for us but also for Newry," he said.
"I watched Newry myself - we've had them watched several other times - they're doing extraordinarily well - they will be a big asset to the Premiership next year.
"They're a team full of confidence, hunger and desire."
The game kicks off tonight at Mourneview Park in Lurgan at 7.45.