Category: Results

Match Report: Ballynagross 2nds 6 v 2 Ballynahinch United 2nds

The Swifts travelled to Ballykinlar to play table toppers Ballynagross 2nds and despite taking a 2–0 lead into half time with goals from Aaron McCaffery and Gary McCracken they lost 6-2.

The loss of central defender John McMenamin with a serious knee injury was a major factor. John’s injury has been diagnosed as a medial ligament problem and he is hoping to be back playing in the next few months and everyone at BUFC him a speedy recovery.

The 2nds travel to Carryduff this saturday for their last league fixture of February.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 1 v 1 Colin Valley

United played their first home match at Millbridge in over two months last Saturday on a pitch that was just about playable and one that the players aching limbs will not forget in a hurry. The visitors Colin Valley are playing in Division 1B for the first time this season having been promoted last year and to date they have acquitted themselves very well. From the outset it was obvious that United would have their hands full and so it proved to be.

The slick passing and movement of the visitor’s forward line caused the United defence of Alex Miller, Ethan Majury, Ross Hayes, Dalton Tate and Stuart McMullan serious problems from the outset requiring their midfield colleagues Ben Wilson and Gavin Crawford to help out. Their efforts were thwarted however in the 8th minute when Colin Valley converted a superb move with Bryan McMullan given no chance from close quarters.

United stepped up a gear after this prompted by Scott Brashaw in central midfield and several chances were created for Aaron Cheevers and Stuart Hunter. Indeed Stuart Hunter was really unlucky when his header came off the crossbar and was scrambled away on the half hour mark.

In the second half manager Keith Hamilton reorganised his team with Scott Brashaw reverting to central defence and Gareth McMullan coming into the forward line and this game the home team a different dimension to their play. Dalton Tate who moved into central midfield had a great shot superbly saved by the Colin Valley keeper as the visitors defence came under increased attack. On the hour mark United were level when Gareth McMullan scored from the penalty spot after Stuart Hunter was brought down by the Colin Valley goal keeper when he was in on goal. The visitors rounded on the referee with one of their central defenders getting a red card for foul and abusive language while the keeper received a yellow card for foiling what was a clear goal scoring opportunity with not a single defender even close.

Despite playing with ten men the visitors continued to be very positive causing United quite a few problems and testing Bryan McMullan who made several good saves and interceptions. At the other end United added attacking options in Dee Stewart and Ian McMullan as they probed for a winner. Dee Stewart had the best opportunity when he got his head on a left wing free kick from Stuart McMullan but his effort was well saved. At the end of the day both teams will have been happy enough with the draw.

NAFL Clarence Cup 1st Round: Abbey Villa 3 v 1 Ballynahinch United

After a break of over two months Ballynahinch United got their season back on track with a game having suffered cancellation after cancellation due to the recent inclement weather. Believe it or not this game was moved from venue to venue across North Down to get it played and it finally took place on the council pitch at Kircubbin which was in excellent condition.

United were up against Abbey Villa in one of the leading contenders in NAFL Division 1A and not having played for some time was evident as the home team went into a 2-0 lead after fifteen minutes with goals from Adam Arthurs and Michael Doran.

Most of the first half hour proved to be hard going for United with their defensive line up of Alex Miller, Ross Hayes, Scott Brashaw and Stuart McMullan having to work hard and give goal keeper Bryan McMullan some cover. As the first half progressed the midfield of Dalton Tate, Gavin Crawford, Matty Shaw, Aaron Cheevers and Stuart Hunter got a lot more possession to give Ian McMullan some service and support up front. In the 40th minute Ian McMullan scored following a goalmouth scramble and as the first half ended the visitors were well into the game.

At the start of the second half it was Abbey Villa who made the early running however once United got hold of the ball the situation changed with wave after wave of attack descending on the Villa goal and in the 50th minute United got the opportunity to level the game when Ian McMullan was upended in the penalty area. Up stepped the usually reliable Dalton Tate who sadly got under his spot kick to launch it over the bar.

Abbey Villa got a third from a Michael Doran header on the hour mark and this made United’s task all the more harder. United manager Keith Hamilton brought on Dee Stewart, Gregg Allison and Ethan Majury in an effort to get back into the game. Majury, Stuart McMullan and Alex Millar all had long range efforts from free kicks but they could not get the opening that would have made for an exciting finish.

This was United’s first game for almost ten weeks and given the quality of the opposition they were facing this was a good performance and it is a credit to the players for keeping themselves in good condition despite the constant disappointments of the previous weeks postponements.

This week United entertain Colin Valley at the Millbridge and it will require a performance of the same quality to secure important league points.

Some photos of saturdays match can be seen below.

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Club Notes

It is now two months since United had a first team game with scheduled fixtures both home and away being cancelled due to the weather conditions. Last Saturday’s Clarence Cup tie to Abbey Villa fell victim to the weather and it has been rescheduled for this saturday with a 1.30pm kick off. Mind you the weather forecast for the coming week isn’t exactly too good so fingers crossed.

The Swifts have had a couple of games (away defeats to Dromora & Tollymore) since the turn of the year with a home game scheduled for this saturday at The Millbridge against Carryduff.

However for the majority of players over this past few months it has been a case of train and train and train in the rain in the hope of a game.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 0 v 1 Orangefield OB

United entertained old rivals Orangefield OB who are now plying their trade in Division 1A of the NAFL in this Intermediate Cup tie. Despite Orangefield’s superior league status there was very little between the teams and the outcome eventually came down to who would convert the penalties that each would be awarded during the game.

The first half was end to end with Brian McMullan having to make a couple of saves while at the other end United went close on a few occasions through the efforts of Ian McMullan, Greg Allison and Dee Stewart. On the half hour mark United were awarded a penalty and up stepped Dalton Tate who had his spot kick saved.

The second half was much the same as the first with both teams sharing the possession. United introduced Ross Hayes for Scot Brashaw just before half time and Lee Price for Ian McMullan early in the second half.

On the hour mark Orangefield were awarded a penalty when Alex Millar was adjudged to have fouled an opponent in the penalty area. From the resulting kick Brian McMullan was unable to repeat the feat of his counterpart as the ball was dispatched high into the net. United pressed hard for an equaliser with Ben Wilson and David Kelly worked tirelessly in midfield along with Stuart McMullan to retrieve the situation.

This week United return to league action when they visit Rosario YC.