Tag: Civil Service

Civil Service 2nds 1 v 3 Ballynahinch United 2nds

The Swifts picked up a hard won three points at the Civil Service playing fields on Tuesday 16th April.

In the previous week’s drawn game they had faced a Kilroot team containing a lot of first teamers and this was no different however securing the three points was made all the sweeter by having to play at their very best.

In the first half Gareth Bingham saw a shot cannon off the cross bar while Darren Fitzsimmons was blown for offside after he touched in Aaron McCaffrey’s goal bound shot. Civil Service were at their most dangerous from corner kicks and the Swifts defence of Gibson, Majury, Craig McMullan and King had to work hard while John McMenamin in goals made a number of important saves and catches. He could do little when the Civil Service took the lead on the stroke of half time.

In the second half a more determined Swift took the field and they equalised after 5 minutes when Greg Allison broke free down the left and crossed brilliantly for Fitzsimmons to score.

Midway through the half substitute Ian McMullan was introduced and he made an immediate impact when he scored with a header from Fitzsimmons right wing cross.

Graham McMullan was introduced on the right wing and he enjoyed some decent possession and late in the game he was fouled on the outside of the penalty area. Civil Service had at this stage got back into the game and the Swifts needed a goal for a cushion. Danny Reid in one of his all too rare appearances scored with an outstanding right foot shot that beat the Civil Service keeper all ends up to sail into the roof of the net.

This was an excellent performance with the younger players such as McMenamin, Graham McMullan and Greg Allison putting in stellar performances.

The next few weeks will be frenetic for the Swifts with a stream of Saturday and midweek games to the end of the season.

Last Saturday goals from Darren Fitzsimmons and Aaron McCaffrey secured a 2-2 draw away to St Teresa’s.

Results 18/09/10

Abbey Villa 2-0 Ballynahinch United

Ballynahinch United II 5-0 Civil Service II

Ballynahinch United III 3-1 Dromara Village III

Ballynahinch United secured their first points of the season with a deserved victory over local rivals Dromara. The home side started brightly, controlling play from midfield and pushing forward at every opportunity. However, a resolute Dromara defence allowed only a couple of half chances and managed to keep Ballynahinch at bay, the closest to a goal being  Stephen King’s long range free kick which finished narrowly wide of the post.

The deadlock was broken just before the half hour mark when Darren McLernon found some space outside the box and drove the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal was reward for the hosts’ strong start and followed some excellent build up involving the whole midfield.

Despite falling behind it was Dromara who took the initiative. Ballynahinch defended well and absorbed the pressure with Paul Magennis, Ian Blackwood, Alan McKee and Richard Graham doing well to prevent Dromara from capitalising on their possession. However, just when it looked like they would go into half time with the advantage, Ballynahinch surrendered their lead. With Dromara moving the ball well a one-two allowed the forward through on goal where he made no mistake.

The second half began with both teams evenly matched and trying to push forward in search of a second goal. Again, chances were in short supply with both teams clearing their lines well and it took a substitution ten minutes after the interval to break the stalemate. David Magee, only on the pitch for a few minutes, was found unmarked at the back post with a cross from the left wing and he headed home to give the home side the upper hand.

Again, Dromara began to dominate but found a more determined Ballynahinch harder to break down with David Dunlop in particular standing out. Heading into the last twenty minutes it was Ballynahinch who upped their game and started creating chances, the best of which were David Dunlop’s header saved by the keeper and Gary McCracken’s header just wide of the net.

The match was over as a contest when Paul King, who was impressive throughout, outpaced the defender and lifted his header over the Dromara keeper to give Ballynahinch a two goal cushion and all three points.