Ballynahinch welcomed fellow strugglers Dundonald FC to The Millbridge for the final fixture of 2019, and final fixture of the decade.
Both teams were hoping the other would gift them the three points as part of the festive fixture but it was a fairly contested competitive match.
United started well, with their wingers looking dangerous and their play connecting well with Johnny Stevenson staying strong to hold the ball up upfront.
Dundonald found themselves ahead in the first half when the Ballynahinch midfield missed their interception and Dundonald capitalised to put them 1 – 0 ahead.
Shortly after, they were able to double their lead when the Dundonald forward gobbled up an easy chance from a corner.
A rather lacklustre finish to the half for United as they went into the break 2 – 0 behind and the effects of Christmas turkey maybe showing the effects.
The United management team rung the changes at the break and made a double substitution to mix things up.
The changes had the desired impact and United looked much more threatening in the second half with Dundonald unable to cope with the pressure the home team exerted on them.
United finally found the breakthrough when good play between the United forwards resulted in a lay off to onrushing Gavin Crawford who superbly found the Dundonald bottom corner from outside the box.
United soon found a deserved equaliser when Alan Patterson connected perfectly with a volley from outside the Dundonald area which swerved past the despairing keeper diving to his right. What a hit! Patterson produced a rock-a-bye baby celebration in tribute to his new born daughter.
United continued to push and had a number of chances with Johnny Stevenson and Ian McMullan coming close but were unable to find the winner.
With the closing seconds of the game, Dundonald had a final chance, their winger slalomed behind the home defence and found an open net, only for Club Stalwart Scott Brashaw to deny the winner with a clearance off the line, much to the relief of United.
A tight game which United feel they could have claimed all three points bar for a disappointing period in the first half.
We go again in the New Year.
Round up
BUFC 2 – 2 Dundonald
| Goalscorers: | Gavin CrawfordAlan Patterson |
| Competition: | NAFL Div 1B |
| Ground: | The Millbridge |
50s Club
Following full time, we drew our December bonus 50s Club Draw.