Ballynahinch United got their 2024/2025 season underway with victory over visitors Suffolk in the first round of the Steel & Sons Cup.
The visitors started well in the first 15 minutes, but Ballynahinch soon found their rhythm, and enjoyed a fair bit of possession with Ronnie Johnston, Gavin Crawford and Greg Hall controlling midfield, while Lee Maxwell and Rhys Patterson threatened from the wings.
Unfortunately, Rhys was forced off through injury, with Cameron McKissock replacing him.
Defensively United were looking solid with Tommy Rodgers, Matthew Hall, Chris Coleman and Stuart McMullan giving Stefan Graham good cover.
Despite United’s dominance, their failure to take their chances cost them dearly as it was Suffolk who broke the deadlock 6 minutes before the end of the half.
A scrappier second half looked to be turning into a frustrating afternoon for United with the threat of being knocked out of the cup looming.
But it wasn’t until the 90th minute that United pulled one back! Cheevers slotted home a penalty after a foul in the area.
Ballynahinch weren’t finished there though! In the 93rd minute, a spectacular clearance-cum-shot from 65 yards by Thomas Rodgers bounced over the goalkeepers head into the net to clinch United the tie.
- Watch on Facebook (Finbar Curran Journalist)
Congratulations to Matthew Hall, Ronnie Johnston, Lee Maxwell, Cheevers, Rhys Patterson and Alan Dickson, who came off the bench, on making their debuts for the club.
Ballynahinch United will now travel to 1A side Ards Rangers in the second round on Saturday 17 August but host Suffolk once again in the league on Tuesday 6 August.
The club are also pleased to announce a partnership with Family Art Studio to sponsor our Player of the Month award.
Match sponsor: Family Art Studio