End of Season Awards 2021 – 2022

Ballynahinch United held their End of Season Awards Dinner at Spa Golf Club. A jubilant night despite the club’s final league standings. An exceptional meal was followed by the presentation of the club’s awards.

Diarmuid Lavery won the Swifts’ Leading Goalscorer award with 9 goals in 16 games, including a hat-trick away to Ballyvea IIs.

Managers Gareth Bingham and David Teggarty awarded their award to John McMenamin. The Swifts’ captain was a rock at the heart of the team’s defence. He proved this with outstanding performances for the first team at the latter end of the season.

The Swifts’ Players’ Player of the Year award was presented to Jamie McNeill. The young midfielder had an excellent season and continues to grow as a key member of the team. At just 18, there’s plenty of years ahead for Jamie at the club.

Matthew Shaw picked up United’s Leading Goalscorer award, bagging 14 goals in just 11 appearances, a goal every 66 minutes, including a hat-trick against both Barn United and Downshire YM. His goals also saw him pick up the Club Leading Goalscorer award.

The Manager’s Player of the Year went to Ross Murray. His performances saw him score 5 goals including the winenr against Downshire YM early in the season. His blistering pace and twinkle toes always cause trouble for the opposition.

The Big One, Players’ Player of the Year, went to Club Stalwart and ever-present Stuart McMullan. Having first picked up the award in 2012/13 and again in 2014/15, Stuart now has the coveted trophy for the third time. 25 consistent appearances and 3 Player of the Match awards and a hatful of assists helped the votes go his way.

Next, the Club’s Young Player of the Year award went to Luke Curry who performaned excellently for both teams when required.

Carlisles’ Fine Wines kindly donated a Gin Hamper to our raffle, this was won by Matthew Shaw.

Big thanks to Carlisles, Spa Golf Club and DJ Phil Cool who provided the entertainment on the evening.

Awards

Club

Young Player of the Year

  • Luke Curry

Club Leading Goalscorer

  • Matthew Shaw

Firsts

Players’ Player of the Year

  • Stuart McMullan

Manager’s Player of the Year

  • Ross Murray

Leading Goalscorer

  • Matthew Shaw

Swifts

Players’ Player of the Year

  • Jamie McNeill

Manager’s Player of the Year

  • John McMenamin

Leading Goalscorer

  • Diarmuid Lavery

Last Standing: Week 6

  • Palace, Spurs and Brighton drew, leaving only two.
  • 6 remain. Fixtures take place on 23 to 25 April.

Last updated: Monday 25 April

Full nameWEEK 6
Chico HamiltonCRYSTAL PALACE
Craig BurnsLIVERPOOL
Jonathan StewartMAN CITY
Matthew SimpsonSPURS
Stephen GreeneSPURS
Stuart McMullanBRIGHTON

Fixtures

Week 6

Saturday 23 April – Monday 25 April

  • Arsenal vs Man United
  • Leicester vs Aston Villa
  • Man City vs Watford
  • Norwich vs Newcastle
  • Brentford vs Spurs
  • Brighton vs Southampton
  • Burnley vs Wolves
  • Chelsea vs West Ham
  • Liverpool vs Everton
  • Crystal Palace vs Leeds

Match Report: B United 3 – 1 St Lukes FC

Saturday 9 April 2022

Ballynahinch entertained St Lukes at The Millbridge in the April sun.

United started slowly but soon pulled themselves together before taking the lead.

Matthew Shaw stepped out from deep and found Taylor Graham on the left. The winger squared to Glenn Bennett for an easy tap in to score his first first team goal for the club.

St Likes rallied back and had an excellent chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty. However, Ballynahinch’s Skipper, Stefan Graham pounced to prevent the spot kick from evening the scores. Unbelievably, his 7th penalty save of the season.

United scored a secondly shortly after. The home side exploited the left side once again, this time Ross Murray twinkled past the opposing full back and fired a ferocious cross into the box.

Glenn grabbed his second when the delicious delivery cannoned off his head into the top corner.

The United defence stayed strong until the end of the half with John McMenamin and Scott Cheevers supporting Matthew Shaw and Scott Brashaw.

After the break, United scrambled home a third. A corner fell in the six yard box at the feet of Jordan Patterson who stabbed it home for his 5th of the season.

United battle on, with Stuart McMullan, Gavin Crawford and Jordan Patterson providing energy and determination in midfield. Unfortunately, Ballynahinch were forced into a reshuffle when Matthew Shaw was dismissed for a second yellow.

That gave St Luke’s hope, and they soon scored when Stefan made a good saves but saw the rebound bounce off Scott Cheevers into the net.

With the game stretched and United down to ten, Stefan was required to keep United ahead with two excellent saves.

At the other end, Jack Patterson and Ross Murray had opportunities to increase the lead but to no avail.

Conor Graham and Harry Bell were introduced to help see out the game.

A great performance with a result to match.

Round up

Ballynahinch United 3 – 1 St Lukes FC

GoalscorersGlenn Bennett (2)
Jordan Patterson
Competition:NAFL Division 1B
Ground:The Millbridge