* Ballynahinch United win 2 – 1 on penalties.
The First Round of the Sam Gelston’s Irish Cup kicked off at The Millbridge against 1B side, St Luke’s FC.
An even first half ended 0 – 0 but with the home team the better side overall despite Stefan Graham making an excellent acrobatic save to keep it level.
United started slowly in the second half and found themselves behind within 5 minutes.
The away team were then awarded a penalty which Skipper, Stefan Graham saved.
It wasn’t long before Ballynahinch equalised when Ethan Majury’s free-kick was headed home by Greg Hall.
United had other chances but couldn’t score and the game went to extra time.
Extra time was an open affair with both team leaving spaces to attack.
St Luke’s were reduced to ten after a strong challenge on Robbie Lurring with seven to go. It was the away side who threatened most at the end of the game with some dangerous set-pieces.
Penalties next.
Graeme and Gavin converted for Ballynahinch while Stefan saved three with another crashing off the bar to put United into the second round.
Match Sponsor dedicated to: Chips Ahoy Ballynahinch
Ballynahinch’s Traditional Fish and Chips and supplier of our post-match chips. Order online for 15 per cent discount.
Player of the Match: Stefan Graham
Line up: Stefan Graham (c), Jamie McNeill, Greg Hall, Ethan Majury, Sam Lurring, Gavin Crawford, David Kelly (Graeme McMullan), Thomas Rodgers, Naseem Ouldhamlat (Luke Craig), Robbie Lurring, Glenn Bennett.
Unused sub: Patrick Harkin
