FOOTBALL: Gers give up home advantage in semi-final

On Tuesday (December 8) evening the Carrick Times broke the news on Twitter that the Gers would give up home advantage to David Healy’s Blues.

A statement published on the club’s website on Wednesday afternoon read: “Given that the fixture has already been postponed once, due to a waterlogged pitch at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena, the decision has been made, so not to jeopardise the scheduling of final which will take place on Tuesday 12th January.

“We are conscious of the impact that this could have had on the competition, County Antrim FA and Ballymena United, who have already booked their place in the final.

“Efforts are continuing to ensure that the pitch at Taylor’s Avenue will be able to host a number of fixtures over the busy festive period, starting with the visit of champions Crusaders on Saturday.”

Carrick’s last-four tie against the 43-times winners of the competition is scheduled for Tuesday, December 15 (7:45pm).