Ballynahinch welcomed Mossley FC to The Millbridge for a NAFL Div 1B fixture on Saturday 24 August.
United wearing their new Yellow and Blue Hummel kit from sponsors B.E.C. Electrical Ltd. for the first time.
The first half saw Ballynahinch create numerous chances but their early crosses were unable to connect with an attacker in the middle. One cross from the right was cleared by a Mossley defender but the clearance landed at Gavin Crawford’s feet just outside the area. Unfortunately his rushed effort sailed narrowly past the post.
The half finished goalless but United were encouraged by their performance and dominance.
However, wary in the second half Mossley pushed forward. Their attacker drove towards the Ballynahinch box under little pressure. He hit a thunderous shot from around 30 yards that flew past the United Goalkeeper. A blow to the home team!
0 – 1 Mossley
Undeterred, Ballynahinch pulled themselves together and began on the ascendancy again. The home team were in control and won a corner.
Alex Millar, returning to the club after spending time playing hockey, floated in a cross but it sailed over the helpless ‘keepers head into the goal for the equaliser. He certainly didn’t mean it.
BUFC 1 – 1 Mossley
Ballynahinch continued to dominate the game, keeping possession and showing a determined spirit threat looked as though would get them the 3 points. But Mossley remained dangerous from set pieces…
From a corner in the dying minutes, Mossley crossed the ball from the right and other than a magnificent save from Debutant Steffan Graham in goal, the away side would’ve nicked the points.
Steffan, newly signed from Dromara FC, immediately set Captain Gary Murray on a counter attack. He mauraded forward and played Ian McMullan through from the half way line. The United forward raced onto the through ball and beat one defender inside the box…
Gary screamed for the ball after making the 90 yard box to box run in the dying seconds of the game, but was ignored by Ian…
But his effort went wide. Much to the disgust of his team mate. And the game finished as a 1 – 1 draw.
Ballynahinch should be encouraged by their performance and look forward to the rest of the season.
Round up
Ballynahinch United 1 – 1 Mossley FC
| Goalscorer: | Alex Millar |
| Competition: | NAFL Division 1B |
| Ground: | The Millbridge, Ballynahinch |