Co Antrim Shield: Semi-final tie between Ballymena United and Linfield called off

Linfield are the last side to have beaten Ballymena United, on 29 September

Tuesday night's Co Antrim Shield semi-final between Ballymena United and Linfield has been postponed.

There was a pitch inspection at the Ballymena Showgrounds at 17:00 and the playing surface is waterlogged following heavy rain.

The two sides are set to play each other at the same venue in the Irish Premiership on Saturday.

Tuesday's other semi-final tie between holders Crusaders and Championship leaders Larne will go ahead at Seaview.

United, who sit one point behind league leaders Linfield, are looking to return to the Shield final for a second straight year having missed out on the silverware after a 4-2 defeat by the Crues last season.

Baxter wary of 'force to be reckoned with'

Larne were initially to host holders Crusaders in the last four until the fixture was rearranged for Seaview as the Inver Park side do not have a Premiership license.

The Crues are also a side in form with five straight wins so far in November breathing life back into their season.

Larne are 13 points clear of the Championship and with considerable investment behind the team, many expect them to make a considerable impression next season should they gain promotion to the top tier.

"Larne have racked up some goals this season. They are being all in front of them and scoring some amount of goals," said Crues boss Stephen Baxter.

"They are a big side, a quality side with big investment and will be a force to be reckoned with."