Saturday 15 January
The Swifts met Dromara Village IIIs in the first round of the Harry Clarke Cup at Bellsbridge, whilst missing several key players.
Continue reading Match Report: Dromara Village IIIs 1 – 3 B SwiftsTag: David Griffiths
Match Report: Colin Valley 5 – 0 B United
Saturday 8 January
Ballynahinch returned to action after an extended Christmas and New Year break having not played since 11 December.
Continue reading Match Report: Colin Valley 5 – 0 B UnitedMatch Report: Ballynahinch United 2nds 1 v 1 Castleabbey
Manager Davy Teggarty entered this game missing regulars Jamie McPhail, Scott McNeill and Ross Bingham and goalkeeper Johnny McGreevy however despite this apparent handicap his youthful team put on an outstanding performance against their more experienced opposition.
Right from the start the Swifts were on the attack with brothers Alan and Graeme McMullan combining on numerous occasions to cause the visitors defence considerable problems.
Matthew Manly should have given his side the lead after 20 minutes when he was sent clear by David Griffiths but he shot wide.
The Swifts welcomed back defender Paul King and he combined superbly with Craig McMullan in central defence and fullbacks Ben Wilson and Shaun Bonner to cancel out the occasional threat provided by the Castleabbey forward line.
After a scoreless first half the second began in wet conditions with the Swifts also facing a stiff breeze however they continued to dominate play prompted by veterans Gareth Bingham and Alan Massey and but for the lack of a killer touch they could easily have been several goals up.
The Swifts took the lead on 70 minutes when Paul King curled a brilliant free kick from the right side of midfield onto the goal line which was touched in by David Griffiths.
Castleabbey started to get a bit more possession but resolute defending and some confident handling from goalkeeper John McMenamin who had an excellent game looked as if it would see the home side over the finishing line.
In the closing minutes of the game a high cross into the Swifts penalty area caused confusion and it fell for a forward to head home and gain a share of the spoils for the visitors. While the eventual outcome was disappointing for the Swifts they can take great heart from a performance against Castleabbey who are a team expected to challenge for honours this season. Most importantly the Swifts have managed to maintain an unbeaten start to their league campaign and if they continue playing attractive attacking football they could well be up amongst the challengers themselves.
Match Report: Killough 2nds 4 – 5 Ballynahinch United 2nds
The Swifts got their league season started with an excellent away win to Killough Seconds. Last year the two sides met in a thrilling 5 – 5 encounter but this time the visitors edged the home side out with goals from Ross Bingham [2], Alan Massey, Paul King and David Griffiths.
The 2nds entertain Kirkistown 2nds at The Millbridge this Saturday 20th September in a league game.