It was a slow start for Ballynahinch when they found themselves kicking off half an hour late due to a road traffic accident, and just 4 minutes later, United found themselves behind when Portavogie Rangers took the lead from a corner.
Undeterred, United rallied back and began to control possession to gain a foothold in the game. Soon, Naseem’s nimble footwork created an opportunity for the hosts which Robbie Lurring cooly dispatched to equalise.
United remained on top until the end of the half but couldn’t make it count. The beginning of the second half followed suit until Portavogie took the lead.
An away attacker advanced behind Ballynahinch’s backline but a defensive block wasn’t enough to prevent it from finding the bottom corner.
The visitors capitalised on a miscommunication in United’s defence and volleyed home from distance into an empty net.
Ballynahinch pulled one back when Robbie scored again after David Kelly’s threaded through ball. It was Robbie’s tenth goal of the season, but with time running out it was too little, too late for United to salvage any points.
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Player of the Match: Robbie Lurring
Line up: Stefan Graham [C], Greg Hall, Sam Lurring, Scott Brashaw, Chris Coleman (Jamie McNeill), Stuart McMullan (Thomas Rodgers), Gregg Allison (Luke Craig), David Kelly, Naseem Ouldhamlet, Gavin Crawford, Robbie Lurring
Saintfield United Swifts 2 – 2 B United Swifts
The Swifts took to Killyleagh to face Saintfield United Swifts in Group B of the Kitroom Charity Shield.
Ballynahinch took the lead when Graeme McMullan set up Patrick Harkin to slot home.
It wouldn’t last long though and Saintfield levelled the score before half-time.
After the break, Graeme was provider again when his header at the back post was turned in by Glenn Bennett in a goal mouth scramble.
Saintfield equalised again however, and the game petered out into a draw.
Player of the Match: Cameron McKissick
Line up: Jake McCarten, Cameron McKissick, Stephen McNair, John McMenamin [C], Will McNeill, Gareth Bingham, John Stevenson, Graeme McMullan (Liam Rodgers), Patrick Harkin, Glenn Bennett, Allan Massey (Keith Hamilton).
Unused subs: Matthew Lindsay, Matthew Tate, Ryan Rooney