Category: Results

Border Cup 1st Round: Malachians 1 v Ballynahinch United 1 (United won 4 – 3 on penalties)

United travelled to NAFL Premier League side Malachians with a slighty weakened side due to holidays and injury. Into the line-up came Gareth Bingham and David Kelly.

The home side got off to a great start when they scored in the first few minutes however United played their way into the game and a brilliant strike by Johnny Gibson levelled the game just before half time.

The home team were a constant threat and Brian McMullan pulled off a number of excellent saves while in attack David Kelly went close with a header. In defence JJ Carlisle, Davy Boal and Scott Brashaw played out of their skins while midfielders Gavin Crawford, David Kelly, Ian Boal, Aaron Cheevers and Stuart McMullan covered every blade of grass.

Forwards Gareth Bingham, Johnny Gibson and Ian McMullan played their part throughout the match.

The two periods of extra time proved to be a bit of a non-event as each team became ever more cautious about making a mistake and soon it was time for the dreaded penalties.

After the first five had been taken by each team it was 3 each with Brian McMullan proving to be a major stumbling block. When a Malachians player missed their first kick in sudden death up stepped Scott Brashaw to cap a great personal performance and score the winner.

This was a spirited performance which will have given caretaker bosses Keith Hamilton and Davy Teggarty great encouragement as they go into two further cup ties next week and week after.

Ballynahinch United 1 v 1st Bangor O.B. 1

United entertained newly promoted 1st Bangor O.B. at the Millbridge last Tuesday (20th Aug) in their final mid-week fixture. A poor showing the weekend before coupled with the unexpected resignation of first team manager Colin Murray was expected to unsettle the team however this was not to be the case.

Caretaker Manager Keith Hamilton was assisted by the experienced club man Davy Teggarty and the attacking line up that they sent out certainly rose to the occasion.

Right from the kick off they were on the attack with Johnny Gibson and Ian McMullan attacking down both flanks with Simon Jackson proving to be a real handful with his physicality and speed through the middle.

United took the lead after twenty five minutes when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Ian Boal. There followed wave after wave of attack with Ian McMullan going close with an effort and Jackson shooting over the bar.

In the 40th minute a defensive error allowed 1st Bangor to equalise against the run of play.

In the second half United pressed hard for a winner with Cheevers a constant menace to the 1st Bangor defence.

Midfielders Gavin Crawford, Ian Boal, Stuart McMullan worked tirelessly to create opening but they and the forward line could not find a way through a stubborn defence.

Defensively United were strong with JJ Carlisle, Davy Boal and Scott Brashaw providing excellent cover for goal keeper Brian McMullan who dealt with everything that came his way.

Ballynahinch United 2 v Lisburn Rangers 1

United opened their Northern Amateur League Division 1B campaign with a win over a youthful Lisburn Rangers side at Milbridge on Saturday.

The Millbridge pitch was in excellent condition and with a lick or two of paint to the club house and dugouts the setting was ideal for the much anticipated first game of the season.

United were in the ascendancy from the start with Stuart McMullan and Craig Bowman surging down the wings prompted by the passes from midfield of the industrious trio of ScottBrashaw, Ian Boal and debutant Gavin Crawford. Things were really looking up for United in the 20th minute when Craig Bowman popped up in the penalty area to take a layoff from another newcomer Simon Jackson to power an unstoppable shot into the net

Lisburn were very tidy at the back and through midfield but they were unable to breakdown the reliable home defence in which Ross Hayes was a colossus alongside the fast improving JJ Carlisle who was as steady as a rock in the sweeper position and the ever reliable Davy Boal.

Jackson who had a solid debut should have scored on the half hour mark when he elected to pass to partner Aaron Cheevers rather than shoot.

In the second half experienced Lisburn Rangers manager Paul Kirk made a few changes and they came more into the game but United’s keeper Bryan McMullan was dealing competently with everything that came his way.

Jackson’s pace which was never fully utilised in the first half became more of a feature of United’s play and he was put through on the left wing several times. On the hour mark Jackson made it 2-0 when he surged into the penalty area and guided a shot into the net giving the Lisburn keeper no chance.

United continued to withstand Lisburn’s promptings however the withdrawal of Ross Hayes and then the unnecessary dismissal of Ian Boal upset the balance of the game. Jay Smyth was introduced into midfield and he worked tirelessly to stem the tide however a goal by Lisburn in the 80th minute created a panic amongst United’s supporters and it took a superb save from Bryan McMullan and clearance by his cousin Stuart in the dying seconds toearn all three points.

A good start to the league campaign for United who were missing several players for a variety of reasons. United’s old failing of not scoring enough goals is something that has been vexing the supporters for some time and in fairness to manager Colin Murray and his assistant Keith Hamilton they have worked hard to secure players with a proven track record in this department and time will tell if  they can challenge for honours. This was an encouraging start and a fitting reward to the players who have worked very hard in pre-season.

Pre-season – the story so far…

Pre-season training has continued over the last number of weeks with good attendances although as expected a number have come and gone through holidays.

United have also been engaged in number of friendly matches with victories against Ballynagross and Crewe and a defeat to Ford.

All of these matches have provided the team with stiff opposition and this coming week will be no different with games against Ballymacash (Tuesday 23rd July), Rathfriland (Saturday 27th July) and Ards F.C (Tuesday 30th July).

It is good to see a few new faces as well and anyone who has not got fixed up with a club will be made more than welcome.

There will be a friendly on Wednesday 24th July at Millbridge against Rossglass for Swifts and Albion players.

Everyone at the club is looking forward to the visit of Ards F.C who will this year compete in the Irish League Premier Division.  There have always been a lot of Ards supporters around Ballynahinch and it is hoped that a good number will take the opportunity of coming along to support local football.

Club Notes

The season continues with three remaining fixtures with the Swifts playing at home on Tuesday 7th May against Saintfield United 2nds who they drew 2-2 with last Saturday and on Thursday 9th May against Groomsport 2nds. The Albion have a yet to be arranged league game away to Saintfield AYC 2nds.

The Albion entertained Maghera 2nds at Kilmore last Saturday losing 3-2. They went 2-0 down and then staged a superb fight back with two goals from Albion hot shot Alan Massey but they succumbed to a late winner.

United entertained League leaders and champions elect Immaculata in the last game of the season and despite putting up a good performance they were defeated 1-0.

On Saturday 11th May the annual Cup Final Barbecue and Fun Match will take place at the Millbridge. Full details and timings will be available at the club house during the week.