IRISH LEAGUE: Jim Ervin does not want Ballymena to be known as a cup team

The Sky Blues are still celebrating following Tuesday’s thrilling County Antrim Shield final victory over Linfield.

It saw the Braidmen lift the senior trophy for the second time in just over three years, in what was their fourth final during that period.

Despite their success in the cup competitions, Glenn Ferguson’s men have failed to make an impression in the Premiership this season, labouring in eighth spot following just seven wins from 23 games.

It is a frustrating stat for skipper Ervin, and one he hopes the club can improve on from now to the end of the season.

“That’s been our difficulty. In the cup competitions we have been excellent, but we haven’t translated that to the league,” the former Linfield defender said.

“We don’t want to be known as a ‘good cup team’, we need to replicate this performance in the Premiership.

“We need consistency and we need to try and put it right, and that’s something we will look to address from now to the end of the season.

“I am a born winner. I would never play football if I didn’t think I could win, regardless of what club I am at.

“Spike (Ferguson) has put a decent squad together, and we have reached four finals in three years, and won two.

“There’s a lot of boys who will learn from this experience and hopefully we can carry that into the rest of the season.”