Saturday 25 September
Match Sponsor: Ulster Property Sales – Ballynahinch
A point apiece
After last week’s Border Regiment Cup victory, Ballynahinch United returned to league action and entertained Dundonald at The Millbridge.
The home team started off best and looked threatening but Scott Cheevers turned the ball wide from a good opportunity.
United’s defence looked comfortably with Scott Brashaw flanked by Matthew Hall and Jordan Patterson while Taylor Graham assisted from the left.
Despite their dominance, United couldn’t make it count and both teams went in to the break goalless.
In the second half, Ballynahinch continued to be the better team and they eventually did break the deadlock.
Ross Murray picked up where he left off last week and continued to torture the Dundonald defenders. He danced and weaved around their defence before squaring to allow Scott Cheevers to bundle home from close range.
Dundonald battled back as United’s defence dropped deep. Unfortunately they couldn’t hold onto their lead when the referee awarded a penalty which Dundonald unduly slotted away.
Undeterred, United picked up again. Gavin Crawford and Ronnie Johnston continued to work hard in midfield and it was Ronnie who managed to help United edge ahead again. A long throw from the midfielder found Matthew shaw who looped an audacious header over Dundonald’s huge goalkeeper.
It looked as though that would be enough for United who had clearly been the better team all day. But Dundonald equalised again from a header at the back post.
Robbie Hagan, Ian McMullan and Jack Forbes were introduced by United in the second half. But it was Aaron Cheevers who had the next big opportunity. A long ball from Stefan found the forward one on one but he couldn’t get it onto his good foot to slide it round the keeper who made a good save.
Stefan Graham proved his worth in goal and made an excellent one-handed stop to save United from going behind.
That wasn’t the last chance of the game either. With almost the final kick of the game, Jack Forbes pounced on a cross at the back post and looked to stab it home for the winner but the away side’s goalkeeper magnificently pushed it onto the bar before it was cleared and the game finished level.
Match Sponsor
Big thanks to our match sponsor Ulster Property Sales – Ballynahinch.
Player of the Match: Matty Shaw
Round up
Ballynahinch United 2 – 2 Dundonald FC
| Goalscorers | Scott Cheevers Matthew Shaw |
| Player of the Match: | Matthew Shaw |
| Competition: | NAFL Division 1B |
| Ground: | The Millbridge |
Stevenson scores for Swifts
The Swifts faced another away game, this time at Kilmore Plying Fields versus Kilmore Rec IIs.
A strong Swifts side battled hard with the charge led by captain John McMenamin who kept the defence in line and ensured a clean sheet for Anto Greene.
At the other end, the Swifts went ahead when experienced forward Johnny Stevenson latched on to a long ball and slotted away the winner to crown the victory with 3 minutes to go.
Round up
Kilmore Rec IIs 0 – 1 Ballynahinch United Swifts
| Goalscorers | Johnny Stevenso | Competition: | NADAFL Division 1 |
| Ground: | Kilmore Playing Fields |