Category: Fixtures

Downshire YM 0 v 1 Ballynahinch United

United travelled to Hillsborough for this league fixture against local rivals Downshire YM.

The game was quite tight throughout with the home side giving United little time on the ball whilst they were particularly well set up defensively making them hard to break down.

The home side had the ball in the net midway through the first but the Downshire player was adjudged to have fouled United keeper Brian McMullan.
In the second half United upped their game and when Downshire had a player dismissed they took advantage with Aaron Cheever’s being rewarded for his hard running with a goal in the early stages of the second half.

This was a vital three points as United keep in contention in the top four although the remainder of the half is strewn with numerous difficult fixtures.

This week United travel to Irish League Championship 2 side Ballymoney United in the third round of the Irish Cup.

Lisburn Rangers 1 v 3 Ballynahinch United

IRISH CUP ROUND 3

United returned to play Lisburn Rangers for the second week running having been defeated in a league match the previous week. This time it was in the 3rd Round of the Irish Cup and what a difference a week makes because when United came out onto the pitch they were in very determined mood.

The opening half hour was fairly even but it was the home team who took the lead from a corner when a forward nipped in at the near post to head past a helpless Brian McMullan.

This set back would not last for long because in the 40th minute Stuart McMullan fired in the equaliser from a free kick which gave the home keeper no chance.

In the second half United came out ‘full of beans’ playing fluent attacking football which the home side struggled to deal with. In the 55th minute they went ahead when Scot Brashaw’s shot, which was going wide, was intercepted by Craig Bowman who crashed it into the net. On the hour mark it was 3-1 when a surging run from Bowman ended with Aaron Cheevers getting on the end of the resulting cross to fire the ball into the net despite the efforts of the Lisburn Rangers keeper.

For the final half hour the home team pushed to get back into the game but in defence Ross Hayes led his comrades Herron, Brashaw and David Boal with typical determination while in midfield Hunter, Smyth, Stuart McMullan and JJ Carlisle worked hard to stem the tide. Up front Ian McMullan, an early substitute for the unfortunate Scot McKibbin who was injured in the first half, worked tirelessly causing major problems with his decisive running.

This week United are at home to Bloomfield in a league match.

Todays Fixtures (17/11/12)

The 1sts travel to the same opposition as last weeks 2-0 defeat in the third round of the Irish Cup against Lisburn Rangers. Lets hope they gain some revenge after last weeks disappointment. Kick-off is at 1.30pm.

The 2nds are also in cup action today. This time in Round 1 of the Templeton Cup away to St Oliver Plunkett II. A good performance and display should see us into Round 2.

That leaves The Albion playing their first league game at The Millbridge for sometime. The opposition – Strangford IIs who are currently just 1 point ahead in the league sitting in 6th position. Kick-off is at 2pm.

Todays Fixtures (10/11/12)

The 1sts are away to Lisburn Rangers in the league.

The 2nds also are in league action at home to St Teresas YC II’s – kick off 2pm at The Millbridge.

The Albion take on Saintfield AYC II’s at home (Drumaness). With only 1 point separating both teams in the table this will be prove to be a very tight game.

Best of luck to all 3 teams today and lets hope we all see big W’s by 4pm.

Ardstraw 1 v 2 Ballynahinch United

INTERMEDIATE CUP ROUND 1

United made the long trip on Saturday to Ardstraw near Newtownstewart County Tyrone for this first round Intermeduate Cup tie.

Strangely enough the opposition are no strangers to United as the clubs played each other in the same competition two seasons ago and a friendship having been built up resulted in United travelling there in a pre season friendly last August past.

On Saturday United went into this game without the services of Ross Hayes, Craig Bowman and Alan Patterson however they welcomed back Aaron Cheevers to the line up. The home side had been on a decent run of late and came into the game on the back of a good win last week and as United found to their cost they were revelling in the confidence that it had brought. Indeed Ardstraw went ahead on the half hour mark however this spurred United on and having enjoyed a fair bit of possession they finally equalised when David Kelly was placed in the right spot at the back post to head home.

The second half was a very cagey affair with both teams exercising caution however United got the breakthrough midway through the half when a Johnny Hunter free kick was placed into the edge of the six yard area and an Ardstraw defender put the ball into his own net under pressure.

The home team pressed for an equaliser but the United defence in which Boal, Carlisle, Herron were outstanding was giving nothing away backed up by competent handling from goalkeeper Brian McMullan.

This week United return to league action against Sirocco Works at the Millbridge with a 2pm kick off.