Albion return

We are delighted to announce the return of our third team, Ballynahinch United Albion.

The Albion have been accepted by the Newcastle Amateur and District Association League and will compete in Division 2 which sees The Swifts promoted to Division 1.

Originally formed in 1984, the Albion provided playing opportunities for older players and blooded younger players into the adult game. We look forward to offering this once again.

In 1996/97, player/manager Davy Teggarty led the team to Bignian Cup success defeating Dromara 2-1 at Donard Park with Mark Robinson scoring the opens and a golden goal from Mark McCormick sealing the victory. Albion Captain, and now Club Chairman, Gilbert Cromie, lifted the trophy, while also finishing runners-up in the league.

He said: “I am delighted that the club has been able to bring the ‘Albion’ team back it is something that I have long wanted although numbers sadly did not justify it. Many players started out their time with the Albion and that is what we want the team to do equally it gave those reaching their end of playing days an opportunity to gain some silverware and indeed I and many others did that’.    

In 1999/2000, the Albion picked up more silverware after winning the Newcastle League Shield.

In 2008/2009, Manager Jonny Reid brought the good times back for the Albion, guiding them to the Division 2 title.

Unfortunately, the club were forced to withdraw the Albion from the league in 2011.

We’re looking forward to a new era with the reintroduction of Ballynahinch United Albion. Matthew Lindsay will take charge with Stephen McNair as assistant.

Match report: Castlewellan Town 3 – 3 Ballynahinch United

Tuesday’s mid-week match saw Ballynahinch return to league action against the newly promoted, and in great form, Castlewellan Town. 

From the kick off both sides knew they were in for a battle. However it was Ballynahinch United who struck first just three and a half minutes into the game. A loose ball dropped to Jack Patterson who connected as sweet as could be on the volley. Once the ball left his foot you knew it was destined for the goal. A rocket off the bar and in saw United take the lead. 

Castlewellan increased the pressure and the game sprung to life. Uniteds back line of Tommy Rodgers, Matthew Hall, Chris Coleman and Scott Brashaw kept their shape and began frustrating the Castlewellan attack who kept finding themselves offside. Pressure mounted from Castlewellan but it was United who found the net again.

A clever ball into the middle of the park from Brashaw saw Greg Hall in a bit of room. Again from around 20 yards out, Greg rolled back the years and whipped a beautiful shot past the goalkeeper, 2-0. 

This only encouraged Castlewellan who again upped the tempo and pressure with United struggling to get their foot on the ball. A sloppy pass at the back was intercepted by the Castlewellan striker who went on to convert. 2-1 

The second half started brighter for Ballynahinch with both teams battling again. Both sides created some chances but neither could capitalise. A few dubious decisions seemed to go against United but that didn’t stop their drive. A ball over the top from Matthew Hall saw Jack Patterson free from any markers. With the ‘keeper rushing out, Jack was able to get the ball under control and lob it over the top of the onrushing keeper for the brace. 3-1.

Pressure continued to mount from Castlewellan and after a scramble at United backpost and a great save from Stefan, the ball fell kindly to the Castlewellan forward who smashed it in to make it 3-2. A second yellow for Matthew Hall following the goal left United down to 10-men for the remaining 20 minutes.

The ten men knew they were in for a battle and worked together as a unit. The effort and teamwork could not be faulted however it was not meant to be. A free kick on the 89th minute outside the Ballynahinch box ended up in the top corner of the net. Heartache for United and jubilee for Castlewellan. 

A point away from home at a difficult opposition, but Ballynahinch came away disappointed to have dropped two points. 

Player of the Match: Chris Coleman 

Line up: Stefan Graham [C], Thomas Rodgers (Alan Dickson), Stuart McMullan, Scott Brashaw, Matthew Hall, Gavin Crawford, Chris Coleman, Greg Hall, Jack Patterson, Lee Maxwell (Cameron McKissick), Scott Cheevers (Rhys Patterson).