Preparations continue for the 2nds and 3rds

Preparations continue for the 2nds and 3rds with a series of games over recent weeks. A good performance last week saw them come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against a good Ballynagross  2nd side while on Saturday Castleabbey 2nds were the visitors in an entertaining game which the home side won by 4-2 with Jordan Hayes, Ross Bingham and Aaron McCaffrey [2] on the score sheet.

A further 2 friendly matches are to be played this week at The Millbridge on Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th August. Kick off for both games will be 6.30pm so all players should meet at the club for 5.45pm.

Club memberships are now due and should be paid to the Club Treasurer as soon as possible.

2nds & 3rds Management positions filled

United have moved to fill the vacancy of 2nd team manager with club stalwart Davy Teggarty moving up to take on the role. In addition the club has decided to move its second team from the NAFL to the Newcastle & District League Division 2.

Ian Blackwood has also been appointed to take on the role of 3rd team manager. Neither of the 2nds or 3rds start their league campaigns until early September and the club is on the lookout for additional players. Anyone interested should come along to the club on either Tuesday or Thursday night training or make yourself known to either of the managers or any of the club officials.

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.