Ballynahinch took the short trip to Pigeon Hill to face The Saints in NAFL 1C.
It was the visitors who dominated the first half with Stuart McMullan, Sam and Robbie Lurring proving dangerous on the left, while chances for Robbie and Graeme McMullan went amiss. But Graeme finally gave Ballynahinch the lead with a well-executed finish with his left foot at the back post after Naseem Ouldhamlat’s corner had evaded everyone else.
The Blues failed to increase their lead despite Naseem’s effort that crashed against the crossbar while Robbie was unable to turn home the rebound.
Crucial blocks from Chris Coleman and Greg Hall maintained the lead going into the break.
Unfortunately, Ballynahinch never got going in the second half and Saintfield made them pay with a well-worked corner routine.
Jamie McNeill, who had the Saintfield winger in his pocket all day, was involved in a clash of heads which saw him replaced.
Saintfield scored a second after a last-ditch tackle from the Ballynahinch defence was deemed a foul and Saintfield slotted home the penalty despite Stefan getting a hand to the ball.
Ballynahinch rallied back but couldn’t convert their chances and the points went to Saintfield.
Buy the Down Recorder on Wednesday for a full two-page spread.
Player of the Match: Sam Lurring
Line Up: Stefan Graham [C], Greg Hall, Sam Lurring, Jamie McNeill (Patrick Harkin), Chris Coleman, Stuart McMullan, Naseem Ouldhamlat, David Kelly (Luke Craig), Graeme McMullan, Gavin Crawford, Robbie Lurring.
Unused Sub: Ian McMullan
Match report: B United Swifts 2 – 4 Cloughey II
The Swifts returned to The Millbridge for the first time since 20 January to face Cloughey IIs in the Kitroom Charity Shield Group B.
Captain John McMenamin gave the home team the lead after half an hour when he headed home from a corner.
Cloughey fought back and scored twice without reply to take the lead.
Cameron McKissick, who was excellent all day despite being ill throughout the week, scored a great goal early in the second half to equalise for the Swifts.
Aiden Brannigan was introduced for his debut for the Swifts, while it was also good to see Keelin O’Hare return to the club.
Unfortunately, United couldn’t capitalise on their momentum and fell behind again with Cloughey scoring twice to secure the win.
Player of the Match: Cameron McKissick
Line Up: Jake McCarten, Ryan Rooney, Stephen McNair, Matthew Tate (Aiden Brannigan), John McMenamin [C], Allan Massey, Matthew Lindsay (Ethan Perkins), Gareth Bingham, Anthony Greene, Keelin O’Hare, Cameron McKissick (Kian Connolly).
Unused Sub: Alan Patterson