Match Report: Kilmore Rec 4 – 2 BUFC

Ballynahinch took a break from league action and made the short journey to face NAFL Div 1A neighbours, Kilmore Rec at Robert Adams Park.

With both teams struggling for results in their respective leagues, Intermediate Cup action was a welcome breather and both teams started well.

It was the home side that took the lead when, from a corner, a free man was able to find the net with a header at the back post.

United were undeterred and pushed for an equaliser when Stuart Fitzsimons had a good chance inside the Kilmore box, his finish blazed over the bar however.

Despite their pressure and chances, United couldn’t take advantage and soon found themselves 2 down, when a free kick to the near post was nicked into the net. A third followed in similar fashion, and United also saw defender Alan Patterson forced to leave the pitch through injury.

Just before the break, Kilmore made it 4 with a finish from the back post that crashed in off the bar and left the United defence and goalkeeper with no chance.

United were glad to hear the half time whistle and trudged off to hear from Ricky and Dale and how to turn this tie around.

The second half was much better from the away side, now shooting down the hill. United’s second half dominance soon paid off when Alex Burtney crossed to find Gavin Crawford arriving late into the area. His header powered in to make it 4-1 and give United hope of a comeback.

United continued to create chances but found the Kilmore ‘keeper in good form until Ross Murray slalomed through the home defence and forced the ball into the bottom corner to make it 4 – 2.

The away side pushed again with Dylan Fitzpatrick breaking through one-on-one with the goalkeeper but his effort was blocked for a corner. United threatened on a number of other occasions, including having a penalty claim turned down when teenager Jonny Shannon was bundeled to the ground inside the area.

Kilmore even found themselves down to 10 men after a second bookable offence to a defender but unfortunately, despite their second half dominance, it was too late for Ballynahinch to complete the comeback.

We now return to our league fixtures and will travel to Portaferry to complete our hattrick of away games. Having drew 1 – 1 previously, Ballynahinch will be battling to go one better.

Round up

Kilmore Rec 4 – 2 BUFC

Goalscorers:Gavin Crawford
Ross Murray
Competition:Intermediate Cup
Round 1
Ground:Robert Adams Park

Ballynahinch United Swifts

Round up

Swifts 2 – 4 Castlewellan Forest FC

The Swifts welcomed Castlewellan Forest to The Millbridge to compete in NADAFL Division 1 but fell to a 4 – 2 defeat.

Goalscorers:Johnny Stevenson
Graeme McMullan
Competition:NADAFL Div 1
Ground:The Millbridge