Match Report: Ballynahinch United 2 v 0 Ballywalter Recreation

United entertained Ballywalter Recreation in this league encounter at Millbridge last Saturday.

The visitors are struggling at the wrong end of the league table and were keen to take all three points from their hosts and their intentions were obvious from the kick off as they dominated possession. A stout defensive display from Adam Herron, Scott Brashaw, Davy Boal and Ethan Majury held them at bay with Bryan McMullan’s safe handling copper fastening their overall play. As the game progressed United became more of an attacking force with Aaron Cheevers causing problems with his surging runs aided and abetted by his forward partner Gareth McMullan who was holding the ball up well.

In midfield Dalton Tate, Stuart McMullan, David Kelly and Greg Allison defended and attacked in equal measure.

United took the led from the penalty spot after 35 minutes following foul on Gareth McMullan. A brilliant through ball out of central midfield sent Cheever free and as he surged into the penalty area he cut the ball back to Gareth McMullan who was pushed over as he went to shoot. Cheevers stepped up and slotted the spot kick confidently into the net.

Just before half time United lost experienced defender Adam Herron with a nasty injury which following attendance by the Ambulance Service and a visit to the hospital has been diagnosed as a fracture.

In the second half both teams attacked without creating any clear opportunities however in the closing quarter things changed significantly with both goalkeepers making excellent saves. Aaron McCaffrey went close on a number of occasions as United make every effort to secure the three points.

Manager Keith Hamilton introduced Ian McMullan to the game for the last quarter and his fresh legs created lots of problems for the visitors defence and in the 80th minute when he was released free on goal the Ballywalter keeper brought him down well outside the area and he received a red card. Minutes later Ian McMullan scored United’s second when his goal bound shot was deflected past the stand in keeper to make it 2 – 0. Craig McMullan made his comeback after being unavailable for a number of weeks and he combined with brother Stuart to make numerous forays down the left wing in the closing stages.

This was not one of United’s best displays however each and every player played their part in securing the win. The unfortunate injury to Adam Herron marred the success of the day and  everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery. Adam is a very popular player senior player who has turned in numerous top class committed performances over the years and his team mates and the club’s supporters are looking forward to seeing him back in action very soon.

Match Report: Grove United 2 v 2 Ballynahinch United

United traveled to the Shore Road on Saturday last for this league encounter with Grove United who have had a series of good results in recent  weeks including a surprise defeat of Olympic a few weeks ago.

United started strongly and unlike some of their recent games their early endeavor was rewarded when Ethan Majury scored. For the remainder of the half United continued to play flowing football but that essential second goal did not come.

Grove came out with more conviction in the second half and secured an equaliser however United soon got on the front foot and Aaron Cheevers scored to give his team a deserved lead.

All over the pitch United worked tirelessly but again failure to put clear light between them and the opposition meant that they were vulnerable and Grove got a vital equaliser which may ultimately prove decisive in their fight to move away from the relegation zone.

This week United welcome Ballywalter Recreation, another team threatened with relegation, to the Millbridge.

The Swifts Supplementary Cup match against Strangford was postponed for a fourth time.

BUFC Notes

United’s annual Last Man Standing fundraiser gets under way this weekend. Anyone wishing to enter should contact any committee member before Saturday and all those who have already entered should make their team selections before Saturday.

Everyone at BUFC would like to wish Billy Hamilton Sen. a speedy recovery after his recent hospitalisation and look forward to seeing him and Sally back at the Millbridge very soon.

The Swifts game against Strangford in the Supplementary Cup was postponed on saturday past and it is hoped that it will take place at Millbridge this Saturday at 1.30pm.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 1 v 4 East Belfast

United entertained one of the Division 1B favorites on Saturday last and despite a valiant performance they were well beaten.

East Belfast arrived at the Millbridge having only lost one league game and from the kick off they were rampant moving the ball with speed and accuracy. United who were missing a raft of experienced players withstood this early onslaught with Brashaw, Majury, Herron, McCaffrey and Stuart McMullan making some timely tackles and goal keeper Bryan McMullan a few vital saves.

The visitors defence were getting things fairly easy in the opening ten minutes but once United got possession things changed and the pace of Cheevers caused them major problems.

East Belfast took the lead after 15 minutes when a speculative shot from outside the penalty area struck the inside of the post and went in giving McMullan no chance.

On 20 minutes Aaron Cheevers broke free and as he raced towards the penalty area he was pulled back and United were awarded a free kick. The lively midfielder took the kick himself and his superbly placed cross was touched over the line by Gareth McMullan.

The game became more even and the East Belfast defence were coming under increased pressure. Unfortunately an overzealous challenge from forward Ian McMullan was punished with a straight red card and the visitors capitalised on their numerical superiority. During a penalty area scramble one of their players went down following a fairly innocuous challenge and they scored from the penalty spot. As half time approached United’s inability to clear their lines gave East Belfast the opportunity to increase their lead and they took it with open arms.

In the second half United came out with a renewed spirit and despite having a player less they dominated play for the majority of the half with Kelly, Tate, Cheevers and Stuart McMullan in the thick of things. Teenage substitutes Graeme McMullan and Jack Patterson also made a contribution but despite all their possession the team lacked that killer instinct.

Having soaked up everything that United could throw at them the visitors  came more into the game and despite having a player sent off in the closing minutes they scored again late on.

Newcastle League are hosting a First Aid Programme

On behalf of the IFA, the Newcastle League are hosting a First Aid Programme on Wednesday 11 February. This course is fully funded.

See below the key details:

  • Training will take place at Murphys Bar and Restaurant Downpatrick – Function Room – on Wednesday 11 February.
  • There are two training sessions on the night. The first session starts at 6pm-8pm and the second at 8pm-10pm.
  • The training is conducted by a local company called Global Horizon and the training is fully recognised as a first aid training programme.
  • Each session can host a maximum of 15 adults.
  • The training is open to all club members, players, coaches, managers or volunteers.
  • Each club will also receive a free first aid kit worth £20.

We are asking for volunteers as we absolutely need some folk trained in First Aid and the problem experienced with the Carrick Rangers player a few weeks back identifies this.

Anyone wanting to go should contact Gilbert.