Saturday 18 September
Match Sponsor: Coulter Restaurant
Ballynahinch kicked off their Border Regiment Cup campaign against unbeaten 1C side, Bloomfield FC at The Millbridge.
The hosts went behind early when Bloomfield finally capitalised on their barrage of corners.
United rallied back and played good football. Taylor Graham nicked the equaliser after nipping in and rounding the keeper to roll the ball into the net with his right foot.
Despite the pressure United applied, level terms were short lived when a foul outside the box gave Bloomfield an opportunity to go ahead. Their well hit free kick sailed past Stefan Graham to give the visitors a 2-1 at the break.
After the break, United kicked into another gear with Matthew Hall, Scott Brashaw and Jordan Patterson marshalling a sturdy defence with Alan Dickson and Gavin Crawford adding a steely protection in midfield supported by Harry Bell.
The second half proved to be all United. Aaron Cheevers and Matthew Shaw, playing his first game having re-signed, threatened up front, and it was he who pulled the team level again.
Graeme McMullan came off the bench as the busy yellow shirts of United pushed for the winner but to no avail as the referee blew to take the game to extra time.
The home team continued extra time like they did the second half – searching for the winner.
Their pressure paid off when Ross Murray, who was outstanding all day, found himself one-on-one and slotted home to put United ahead.
Ian McMullan entered the fray late on to help Ballynahinch to hold onto their lead and progress to the next round, away to Crumlin Star.
Match Sponsor
Big thanks to our match sponsor Coulter Restaurant. Book your table now!
Round up
Ballynahinch United 3 – 2 (AET) Bloomfield FC
| Goalscorers | Taylor Graham Matthew Shaw Ross Murray |
| Player of the Match: | Ross Murray |
| Competition: | Border Regiment Cup Round 2 |
| Ground: | The Millbridge |
Young Swifts lose out
The Swifts travelled to Donard Park ti face Newcastle Young Boys but it was the away team who fielded the young boys.
With a number of players missing, the Swift’s drafted in some youth team players as young as 15.
Despite the inexperience in the ranks, they battled well but came undone when Newcastle were awarded a penalty. On the other hand, experienced player, manager, legend turned goalkeeper, Gareth Bingham, was unable to save the spot kick and the team fell to a 1-0 defeat.
Round up
Newcastle Young Boys 1 – 0 Ballynahinch United Swifts
| Competition: | NADAFL Division 1 |
| Ground: | Donard Park |