United entertained Downshire YM for a league match in Division 1B at The Millbridge in a fiesty game with strong flying tackles on a wet, soft soggy pitch.
The home started slightly better and were able to create a number of early chances but couldn’t convert and force the opener.
Downshire soon worked themselves into the game and took the lead after a Ballynahinch’s defence failed to intercept a long ball. The Downshire forward put his side ahead with a delightfully delicate dink over the enrushing goalkeeper.
They soon doubled their lead before United could get reset and the home team found themselves 2 behind but determined to make amends.
Their determination paid off and they pulled one back when Ross Murray’s corner connected with Alan Patterson’s forehead to make the net bulge and cut the deficit.
The goal inspired United again and they were able to dominate for the majority of the rest of the half and soon found an equaliser.
Alex Burtney beat the full back and swung an early cross low into the box which was fumbled by the goalkeeper. His drop proved decisive when Gavin Crawford followed up the rebound and rolled the ball into the empty net to make it 2 – 2 heading into the break.
Both teams battled evenly after the break, with certain areas of the pitch beginning to succumb to the affects of the weather.
It was Downshire who took the lead again, when a cross evaded the home side’s backline and skipped past Stefan in nets, to be prodded home.
United could’ve equalised almost immediately afterwards when a short backpass was intercepted by Ian McMullan, but his could only force a corner when his one-on-one was saved by the legs of the ‘keeper.
The home team also had two calls for a penalty turned down when Ross Murray and Alex Burtney were adjudged to havebeen fouled, but the referee said no.
Downshire scored the next goal to again give themselves a two goal advantage when their corner from the right landed directly in the net.
Ballynahinch found themselves down to ten when the referee produced a red card to Ian McMullan following a push.
The home team, despite their disadvantage, continued to battle on and looked the more threatening team for the final 20 minutes but couldn’t reduce the deficit and the match finished 4 – 2 to Downshire YM. Oir fourth 4 – 2 defeat in our last five games.
Round up
BUFC 2 – 4 Downshire YM
| Goalscorers: | Alan Patterson Gavin Crawford |
| Competition: | NAFL Div 1B |
| Ground: | The Millbridge |
Ballynahinch United Swifts
Round up
Drumaness Mills 13 – 0 BUFC Swifts
The Swifts endured a tough game and were well beathen by a Drumaness Mills side that was able to boast a number of first team players, as they had no game.
| Goalscorers: | |
| Competition: | NADAFL Div 1 |
| Ground: | Meadowvale, Drumaness |