Category: Fixtures

Club Notes

Ballynahinch United completed their programme of preseason friendly matches when they entertained a Crusaders Select team at the Millbridge. United took the lead midway through the half when Stuart Hunter pounced on a loose ball to drill home. The home side had numerous opportunities with Matty Shaw, Gareth McMullan and Ethan Majury going close with headers.

In the second half both managers made wholesale changes and the visitors equalised. The game was well attended and the club had a barbecue going throughout the afternoon as a fund raiser. Many thanks to all those who assisted in anyway on the day.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the preseason friendly games has been the introduction of a number of the under 17 squad and what a breath of fresh air they have proved to be. The hard work that Ballynahinch Youth has put in over the years looks like there will be a steady stream of young players challenging for places in the adult teams.
Everyone at Ballynahinch Youth is to be congratulated on the excellent work that they are undertaking.

This Saturday, United commence their 2015/16 league programme with a local derby against Ballynahinch Olympic at home. The kick off is at 2pm and as a large crowd is expected supporters of both teams are encouraged to come early to avoid congestion on the road. There is adequate car parking at Millbridge. Admission will be £3 for adults and children under 16 are free.

The committee of BUFC would like to express their thanks to BEC Electrical for proving a new team strip once again. Also our thanks to CEF – City Electrical Factors for providing match sponsorship for last Saturdays match.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a match during the season should contact a committee member. We are very grateful to those individuals and businesses who have provided support so far this season it is really appreciated.

Club Notes

Preparations continue for the new season with United having played a number of friendly matches against 18th Newtownabbey, Ardglass and Drumaness while the 2nds got their programme up and running with a game against local rivals Ballynahinch Olympic.

This Saturday United entertain a Crusaders Select side at the Millbridge with Kick Off at 2pm. Following the game there will be a BBQ Fund Raiser with admission £5. The club would very much appreciate a good turnout of players and supporters to get the season up and running.

The first game of the season will be a league match at Millbridge on sat 8th August when United entertain local rivals Ballynahinch Olympic. The kick off will be at 2pm and admission will be £3.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 2nds 4 v 3 Strangford

The Swifts continued their excellent form and made it 4 games unbeaten with victory over a very good Strangford side at Millbridge last Saturday.

It was the visitors who were on the attack from the start and their early efforts were rewarded by a goal on 15 minutes when a shot was deflected into the net giving keeper Johnny McGreevy no chance. The early dominance of the visitors dissipated after the goal and their goal was besieged by the Swifts and five minutes later Gareth Bingham controlled a cross from Ben Wilson, swivelled and fired the ball across the keeper into the corner of the net.

Ten minutes later the home side were ahead when Graeme McMullan was bundled over in the penalty area and Alan Massey converted the spot kick.

After 35 minutes the Swifts led 3 – 1 when Bingham scored his second from a Graeme McMullan pass after the teenager had two shots blocked. The visitors pressed hard to get back into the game and got a goal back shortly before half time.

In the second half the game turned on its head as a fluent Strangford side, who are one of the best teams in the division, placed the Swifts defence under constant pressure. Scott McNeill, Paul King, John McMenamin and Shaun Bonner had to work overtime as wave after wave of attack came their way. Veteran Ian Blackwood entered the fray for the injured McNeill and they held out until the 70th minute when Strangford equalised.

Substitute David Griffith entered the fray and very shortly afterward he made an instant impact. Following good work from Matthew Manly and a through ball from Craig McMullan David Griffiths ran onto the edge of the six yard area where he was upended by the Strangford keeper. Referee George, who had a fine game, pointed to the spot and Alan Massey sent the keeper the wrong way to make the score 4 – 3.

The Swifts held on thanks to some stout defending and a few good saves from McGreevy to secure the three points. Strangford will wonder how they lost this game as the youthful side played some excellent football however their defending was suspect and contributed to their downfall.

This Saturday the Swifts entertain Rossglass County at the Millbridge in what will be a difficult assignment.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 0 v 2 Portaferry

United entered this, their penultimate home game on the back of a good home win but missing a number of regular first teamers however the way they played from start to finish was a credit to them and their management team.

Right from the kick off it was the home team with the wind in their backs who were on the offensive with a long range shot from Gareth McMullan having the Portaferry goalkeeper Stephen Keith scrambling across his goal mouth as the ball passed his left hand post.

On twenty minutes Aaron Cheevers had a great opportunity when he ran onto a Greg Allison cross however he didn’t get enough power into his shot and goalkeeper Keith pulled of an outstanding save to touch the ball around the post for a corner.

United were dominating midfield with Scot Brashaw pulling the strings supported by the hard working Cheevers, Allison and Patterson.

Johnny Stevenson led the forward line exhibiting great strength in holding up the ball however a pulled hamstring on the half hour mark led to him being replaced by Aaron McCaffrey.

In defence Ethan Majury, David Boal and Dalton Tate were defending what little attacking threat that Portaferry posed over the first half hour with relative ease however in the last fifteen minutes of the 1st half they came into it more. Brian McMullan in the United goal  had to make a few timely  interceptions to pick up through passes as the opposition’s pacey forwards started to find space.

In the 35th minute Portaferry took the lead when Brian McMullan’s superb save to beat out a stinging shot fell kindly to Aaron McCarthy who was able to side foot the ball home.

In the second half United found themselves both 1 – 0 down and facing a strong wind in atrocious conditions and yet it was the home side who dominated possession. Unfortunately they failed to find the necessary openings and on the hour mark Michael Doran doubled the visitors lead when he ran onto a through ball to strike a shot past McMullan into the net.

While Portaferry would have the occasional breakaways United passed the ball around with ease with teenagers Tate and Allison providing on both flanks however their best chance was a shot from Ian McMullan that sailed just over the crossbar.

This weekend  United travel to Newtownards to take on one of the league favourites 1st Bangor.

Club News

The Swifts travelled to Strangford for their Supplementary Cup tie on Saturday past and having gone 3 – 0 down in the 1st half they staged a fight back in the 2nd half with goals from Graeme McMullan and Ross Bingham but just fell short. This week they entertain Ballynagross at the Millbridge in the league.

Thanks to ClubSportNI – Ballynahinch United now have their own online merchandise shop. You can get anything from Full Tracksuits to Beanie Hats!!!

Please take a look and treat yourselves (or someone else).

Any suggestions of gear people want added then please let us know.

Supporters, friends and family get involved and support our club!!!