BALLYMENA United captain Allan Jenkins is gunning for derby glory on Saturday in the Danske Bank Premiership.
The Sky Blues travel to fierce rivals Coleraine in the first derby showdown of the season.
It is an intriguing clash between two progressive clubs this term.
Coleraine sit second in the table – only being denied the top spot on goal difference.
Ballymena have also enjoyed an encouraging start, losing just one of their seven fixtures.
Only four points separate the two sides as they look to cement their place at the top end of the table.
Recent history favours the Bannsiders going into tomorrow’s clash.
You have to date back to October 17, 2009 to unearth Ballymena’s last league win over Coleraine.
Since then the North West giants have gone nine games unbeaten against their derby rivals.
It has been three years of hurt for the Sky Blues faithful – but skipper Jenkins is hoping to change that record tomorrow.
“It has been a long time since we last won against them – too long,” the Scottish midfielder said.
“We have had a rough time against Coleraine in recent times, and we owe them one.
“The aim is to scrap those records with victory on Saturday. It would be nice to give our fans the bragging rights for a while.
“They have suffered enough and they deserve a change. Hopefully we can do that.
“It is a massive derby game – for the clubs, players and fans.
“We know we will get a nice welcome at Coleraine, but as a player you want that partisan atmosphere. These are the games you relish, and I can’t wait for Saturday.”
Ballymena have shown a steely resilience this season, losing just once – against current league leaders Cliftonville.
They have yet to win away from home, however – another statistic Jenkins is keen to put a wrecking ball through tomorrow.
“What better way to get your first away win than at Coleraine. That would be a good way to get up and running on the road,” he added.
“We are learning all the time this season. We beat Linfield on the opening day and we have performed well against the likes of Crusaders.
“There have been times when we didn’t turn up, notably against Donegal Celtic when we were three down before half-time. But we got a draw out of that game and that is down to the fighting spirit of the team.
“Glenn (Ferguson) has come in and got everyone battling for each other. We are fitter and determined to make a mark on the league this season.
“Coleraine are the same, which makes it such an interesting game on Saturday.”
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