Linfield switch focus to the BetMcLean Cup on Wednesday night as Ballymena United visit Windsor Park for the semi final of this year’s competition (7.45pm k.o. all-ticket). The winners will progress to the final at Windsor Park on March 8 against either Glentoran or Coleraine who face off next week at The Oval.

In the quarter finals of the competition Linfield edged a 3–2 game at Newry City while Ballymena United produced an impressive performance to defeat Larne 2–0 at The Showgrounds.

The teams have already met twice in Sports Direct Premiership action this season with honours even. In September The Sky Blues secured a 1–0 home victory while Linfield responded a month later with a 2–1 win on home soil.

Ballymena have endured a disappointing league campaign and their inconsistent form means they are currently 10th in the Premiership table, a single point above the relegation zone. Recently appointed manager Oran Kearney has started to reshape the squad by adding Bradley Wade (Waterford FC), ex-Glens Shane McEleney and Sean Murray, Dean Ebbe (Dundalk), and Igor Rutkowski (Armagh City) in an effort to revitalise the side.

David Healy’s Linfield team, with new signings Darragh Leahy and Adam Frizzell on board, will be aiming to reach their 3rd League Cup final in 4 seasons, having lifted the trophy in 2023 with a 2–0 win over Coleraine, and again in 2024 thanks to a 3–1 victory against Portadown.

The Blues are braced for a physically demanding encounter in what will likely be challenging conditions under the Windsor Park floodlights, with a place in another final at stake.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett