Tag: 1sts

IRISH CUP ROUND 1: Bangor Amateurs 2 v 3 Ballynahinch United

United continued their cup exploits with the third victory in a row in recent weeks.

For the management team and supporters this time it did not go to penalties although it was a late goal that decided the game.

United took the lead early in the first half when Simon Jackson scored however they found themselves behind by half time thanks to a flurry of goals from the home side.

Early in the second half United were level thanks again to Simon Jackson.

United created a number of opportunities in the second half however anxiety was creeping into the game for both sides as the game looked as if it was going into extra time. Thankfully the Ballynahinch contingent of supporters were spared further anxiety when new signing Lee Maxwell on his debut scored in the 87th minute to take United into the 2nd Round of the Irish Cup.

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.

Ballynahinch United 1 v 1 Lisburn Rangers

United entertained Lisburn Rangers in their penultimate league fixture at Millbridge on Saturday last. This proved to be a difficult encounter although United will be bitterly disappointed that their superior percentage of play did not yield all three points.

In the first half United were out of the blocks very quickly and Lisburn were hemmed into their own half for most of the time although they were quite dangerous on the break giving United defence of Foster, Brashaw, Boal and Herron some difficult moments while Brian McMullan was called upon to make one excellent stop.

In midfield Smyth, Hunter, Stuart McMullan and Aaron Cheevers were controlling things but they just couldn’t create the openings for hard working forwards Ian McMullan and Scott Brashaw.

Lisburn were reduced to ten men on the half hour when a moment of indiscipline followed moments later by a crude tackle on Cheevers was  suitably rewarded.

In the second half Lisburn regrouped and on the hour mark following a strong and persistent run by their centre forward he managed to hold of the tackles of Foster and Brashaw to score with a delicate shot that gave McMullan no chance.

Ian McMullan who had been lively all afternoon scored the equaliser in the 65th minute however despite the introduction of Kelly, Bowman and Allison United were unable to get their noses in front.

United’s last game of the season takes place at the Millbridge on Saturday 4th  May.