Ballynahinch United and Suffolk faced off again for the second time in 4 days, this time to start their NAFL Division 1C campaigns.
United made one change with Scott Brashaw replacing Chris Coleman in defence.
It was Ballynahinch who started on the ascendancy but Lee Maxwell’s effort slipped wide in the opening minutes.
In a repeat of the weekend, United continued to create many chances but were wasteful with their finishing until Lee made amends and made it 1-0 after 30 minutes. But they couldn’t increase their lead before the end of the half despite their dominance, with Greg Hall, Gavin Crawford and Ronnie Johnston proving industrious and decisive in midfield.
At half time, Suffolk made changes and switched their formation which gave the United team something to think about.
However, 5 minutes into the second half, Rhys Patterson rounded the goalkeeper but found himself too wide. An audacious chip allowed Cheevers to head home to double the deficit.
It looked comfortable for the home team but perhaps complacency set in and Suffolk pulled one back on the hour.
A second yellow for Thomas Rodgers knocked Ballynahinch off their stride in what turned out to be a shaky few minutes for the Sky Blues but the defence, lead by the outstanding Matthew Hall alongside Alan Dickson, Scott Brashaw and Stuart McMullan held firm.
United soon got to grips with being a man down and threatened on the counter attack but to no avail until Ronnie headed home from a corner kick.
Teenager Tyler Dickson came off the bench to make his debut for the first team having come through the ranks at Ballynahinch Youth.
Ballynahinch completed the scoring late on, once again, when the Suffolk goalkeeper saw the ball rise over his head after a delightful chip by Cheevers.
The final whistle blew to confirm three points to kick off our league campaign.
This weekend we face Williwbank in the Irish Cup, away.