ERVIN: WE’VE FACES UP OUR SLEEVE!

BALLYMENA captain Jim Ervin believes the new faces in David Jeffrey’s squad have brought a freshness and energy to the Showgrounds.

Six summer arrivals played in the 1-0 win at Coleraine, while five recent signings turned out in last week’s 3-2 defeat to champions Linfield.

Twice capped Northern Ireland forward Shay Mccartan has shown real glimpses of quality, while Ryan Waide and Paul Mcelroy, who scored against the Blues, have also impressed.

Ciaran Kelly, on loan from Bohemians, Ross Redman and Tre Hume, signed on loan from Linfield, have also strengthened Jeffrey’s defensive options.

Ahead of the trip to Larne, Ervin said: “The new signings have been excellent and competition is through the roof. There’s been a big turnaround in players and in the early games you can see the quality of the likes of Shay and Mac (Mcilroy) who has been superb.

“Big Ciaran has also settled in, while Ross Redman, Ryan (Waide) and Tre (Hume) have all come in and done really well.

“Larne are full-time and they have a lot of quality which gives them a massive platform to build upon, but our aim is to put in another good performance.”

Elsewhere, Cliftonville will look to bounce back from last week’s 1-0 defeat at Crusaders when they host Carrick.

Portadown travel to Warrenpoint, while both Glenavon and Dungannon Swifts go in search of their first win of the season at Mourneview Park. FIXTURES: Larne v Ballymena v Cliftonville v Carrick; Coleraine v Glentoran;

Glenavon v Dungannon Swifts; Larne v Ballymena; Warrenpoint v Portadown.