Jim Ervin confident goals will soon flow for Ballymena United star after 'one of the top performances'
Ballymena United manager Jim Ervin is confident goals will soon flow for striker Success Edogun after “one of the top performances from him of the season” in their weekend draw with Crusaders.
Edogun caused constant trouble to the Crues with his hold-up play, strength and ability to run in behind, and while the 24-year-old played an important role in Kian Corbally’s first half strike, he didn’t ultimately find the net himself.
According to Sofascore, Edogun had a whopping 14 shots on goal, including six which were saved by Jonny Tuffey, and the Ballymena forward was awarded ‘Man of the Match’ with a rating of 8.4.
Edogun, who joined the Sky Blues from Finn Harps last season, has been a consistent presence in Ervin’s side this term, featuring in all 16 of their Premiership matches to date and has scored twice.
"There's times (against Crusaders) he's maybe taking that touch when he should be going first time or he's maybe slashing at things, but that will come,” he said. "I thought it was probably one of the top performances from him of the season.
"We're still looking that wee bit more because we need goals from him. Everything up until that point has been very good and very impressive, so if he can add the finishing touches to get goals, then we'll be okay.”
Ballymena have an opportunity to book their spot in a Co Antrim Shield final against Carrick Rangers when they host Cliftonville in Tuesday’s last-four showdown, but Ervin is under no illusions about the immediate task at hand.
"We have to embrace it, we have to make sure that we're up for the fight,” he added. “It's going to be an extremely difficult game.
"Cliftonville beat the league leaders (Coleraine on Saturday). We know what quality they have and what quality Jim (Magilton) has right throughout his squad, so it's going to make for an interesting cup tie.
"I've been involved in many semi-finals as a player and I know what they're like. They can be cagey at times, and it's who settles quickest, so I'm hoping for a big turnout on Tuesday night. We have to be at our best...we're really looking forward to a home tie.
"It's one that we're looking forward to...it's a big opportunity for the boys. It’s the first cup semi-final of the season, it'll be the first trophy that's up for grabs, so it would be nice to get to the final, but we need to make sure we perform.”