Category: Fixtures

Tennants Irish Cup Round 2 Match Report: 18th Newtownabbey 2 – 1 Ballynahinch United

United travelled to Newtownabbey to take on an 18th Newtownabbey side that has been performing well this season and whose ranks include a number of former Irish League stars.

The United line-up included a full debut for teenager Corey Fitzpatrick and what an outstanding showing he put in.

Aaron Cheevers gave United the lead however the home team equalised later in the half and could have gone ahead but for the brilliance of keeper Brian McMullan who saved a penalty.

In the second half United had a number of chances to score and should have had a penalty of their own which appeared to be more justifiable than the one awarded against them. As the game was approaching extra time the home team scored a rather fortunate goal to thwart United’s hopes of progressing in the competition.

This week United travel to Rathfern Rangers in a league game.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United Swifts 2 – 1 Ballynagross Seconds

Ballynahinch United Swifts entertained Ballynagross Seconds at the Millbridge on Saturday last. Manager Alan Davis had to shuffled his squad due to a number of first team call ups and absentees however it gave him the opportunity to see some new faces and some players getting starting places for the first time.

From the start the Swifts settled quickly and played at a high tempo however it was the visitors who took the lead from the first corner of the game. Despite this set back the young Swifts team followed their game plan and were soon on attack and were level within five minutes when Gregg Allison beat the Ballynagross right back for pace to deliver and quality cross which Dave Griffiths slotted home.

Alan Massey and Aaron McCaffrey controlled central midfield opening up the game to both sides of the pitch. Graeme McMullan and Alex Burtney were providing the danger on the left wing with their superb linking overlapping and throwing in dangerous crosses.

Influential in creating the second goal was Craig Tate who pounced terrier like on a startled centre half and his poor clearance fell to Griffiths who struck a superb shot 25yrds out past a started goalkeeper.

In the closing stages of the first half Swifts keeper John McMenamin was called on to make several saves to prevent the half ending all square.

In the second half some adjustments to positions on the park for players ensured to all intent and purposes it was one way traffic as the Swifts tried to create a third goal to put the game out of the oppositions reach. New signing Niall Tyndall, Ben Onhua and Dylan Fitzpatrick coped with the Ballynagross breaks. McMullan who’d hit the bar earlier had another shot saved while Allison through some creative work went close twice but was thwarted by the Ballynagross keeper.

Massey and McCaffrey tried their luck from distance but that third goal proved elusive. New signing Lorenzo Fucas made a substitute appearance along with Blaine and Jay to keep the tempo going.

Ballynagross proved to be an extremely competitive team contributing to an exciting game that despite the Swifts superior possession defended resolutely whist being dangerous on the counter attack. In the end the home side managed the game well particularly in a final frantic five minutes to get take all three points and achieve their third victory of the season.

This weekend the Swifts travel to Kirkistown in the league.

Pre-Season Friendly Match Report: Ballynahinch United 3 – 0 Moneyslane

Ballynahinch United got their preseason underway with a friendly against Mid-Ulster side Moneyslane at Millbridge last Saturday. Manager Keith Hamilton was missing a number of first team squad members, however it gave him the chance to give some of the youth team an opportunity to show what they can do and when the chance came they most certainly did.

The home side were on top for most of the first half with David Kelly running the midfield aided and abetted by Alex Miller, Gavin Crawford, Jordan Kennedy and Stuart Hunter.

Moneyslane came more into the game in the latter stages of the first half and early part of the second and defensively Greg Allison, Ross Hayes, Ethan Majury and Scot Brashaw were in commanding form while goalkeeper Brian McMullan came to the rescue on several occasions. Aaron Cheevers played up front on his own and his hold up play and distribution was excellent throughout.

United took the lead in the 30th minute when a bit of quick thinking by Cheevers led to a free kick being taken quickly for Kelly to lash it home past the visiting keeper.

During the second half four youth team players – Craig Tate, Alex Burtney, Ben Ohnuo and Jack Davis were introduced into the team and as they have been training with the seniors since late June they didn’t look one bit out of place. It was during the latter stages of the game that United increased their lead with two goals from Cheevers and Kennedy. In the 75th minute Aaron Cheevers latched onto a through ball and fired an unstoppable shot into the net while in the 85th minute Jordan Kennedy stepped up to score from the penalty spot.

This was a great start to the season however a lot of hard work has still to be done in preparation for the seasons start on 13th August at home to Wellington Rec. in the Steel & Sons Cup.

Training sessions continue each Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Millbridge and new players will be made very welcome.

Next Saturday afternoon [23rd July] United will entertain Bloomfield at the Millbridge.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 1 v 1 Bloomfield

United got back to Millbridge on Saturday past after several postponements for a league fixture against Bloomfield. The visitors although one point above United have played seven more games and a win for them was vital whilst the home side needed to ensure that they got something out of the game to avoid getting drawn into the relegation dog fight.

The home side fielded without four absentees from the previous week namely, Ian McMullan and Ross Hayes [suspended] David Kelly [family illness] and Stuart McMullan [wrist injury] and they were replaced in the match day squad by Greg Allison, Johnny Stevenson, Alex Miller and Dee Stewart.

It was the visitors who started the brightest whilst United were taking a little time to settle and Bloomfield capitalised on this to take the lead in the 5th minute.

United bounced back and launched a series of attacks on the Bloomfield rear-guard with Dee Stewart and Matty Shaw going close. United’s midfield of Aaron Cheevers, Ben Wilson, Stu art Hunter and Dylan Carberry worked tirelessly both in defence and attack creating a number of openings. Their efforts lead to United equaliser when Shaw was pulled back just outside the penalty area and Ethan Majury  fired in a dipping free kick which found its way into the net under the goal keepers body.

Defensively the much changed line-up of Gavin Crawford, Dalton Tate, Scott Brashaw and Ethan Majury settled well and except for one scare in the closing minutes when Brashaw had to head off the line they ensured that Brian McMullan in the United goal had a fairly easy day.

In the second half United had the best of the chances with Shaw and Hunter going close with long range shots and Crawford going agonisingly close from close range following a great left wing cross from Alex Miller. Johnny Stevenson and Greg Allison can on for the last quarter to change the United attack but the visitors fought feverously to ensure that they at least held on to a point which in the end was probably no more than either side deserved.

This week United travel to Dundonald for a league game against Donard Hospital another side that are in the relegation zone.