Ballynahinch United entertained Shorts FC at the third time of asking after previous postponements due to bad weather including serious flooding at The Millbridge.
United lined up with a depleted squad missing no less than six regulars, however those who stepped up put in a good shift, although the home side rarely threatened in the early stages.
Shorts were lucky not to be down to ten-men after a horrendous challenge which ended without a caution. Although he was soon booked for another tackle breaking up a promising United attack.
The deadlock was then broken when Shorts were awarded a penalty.
A slight tactical tweak saw United gain more possession and nearly evened the score with Gavin Crawford coming close.
After the break, Ballynahinch were unlucky not to find the equaliser when George McCartney’s cross found Scott Brashaw and Gareth Bingham scrambling to turn it over the line but to no avail.
However, Robbie Lurring showed them how it’s done, nodding home from George’s next inch-perfect cross, to bag his 12th league goal – NAFL Division 1C’s joint-fourth top goalscorer this season.
With United getting into it, an unfortunate error at the back allowed the away side to regain the lead.
Shorts added a third soon after.
Despite falling behind, United battled back even after being reduced to ten men themselves, with Luke Craig unable reduce the deficit after working hard to create an opportunity.
Alan Patterson was industrious in midfield all evening while Robbie and Sam Lurring were tenacious all over the pitch with exceptional performances.
Player of the Match: Robbie Lurring
Line up: Stefan Graham [C], Greg Hall, Sam Lurring, Scott Brashaw, Jamie McNeill (Keith Hamilton), George McCartney, Chris Coleman, Alan Patterson (Cameron McKissick), Gareth Bingham (Luke Craig), Gavin Crawford, Robbie Lurring.
Match sponsor dedicated to: Douglas Autoparts
Douglas Autoparts, located in Ballynahinch, prides themselves on providing a personal and knowledgeable service at a reasonable price, catering for all your needs when it comes to vehicle maintenance.
