Tuesday 9 August 2022
Ballynahinch United welcomed Suffolk to The Millbridge for their first league game of the season in 1C.
The home team started brightly with John McManus and Naseem Ouldhamlat causing problems on their league debuts, while the visitor’s defence were unable to handle the pace and strength of Gregg Allison.
Despite their dominance Ballynahinch were unable to take the lead. The water break and an unfortunate injury to Naseem broke their momentum allowing Suffolk to gain a foothold, while Taylor Graham entered the fray. It remained goalless until the half.
The second half started like the end of the first, with United sluggish to get going but John McMenamin and Scott Brashaw held United’s defence strong with Harry Bell and Sam Lurring mopping up when required.
Soon, Gavin Crawford and Stuart McMullan combined with Stuart volleying home to break the deadline, perhaps against the run of play.
Suffolk fought back and scored an equaliser after a defensive slip gave them an opportunity to even the scoreline.
Cameron McKissick replaced John and Rendall’s men rallied back. They soon went ahead again when David Kelly set Gregg free to slip it sublimely past the Suffolk stopper.
Gregg found himself through on goal again only this time to be upended in the box. He stepped up to hit the spot kick but saw it saved. Fortunately the rebound fell favourably as he followed up to finish for his second.
Next up, United travel to Crystal Park to face Premier Intermediate side, Banbridge Town.
Ballynahinch United 3 – 1 Suffolk FC
| Goalscorers | Stuart McMullan Gregg Allison (2) |
| Competition | NAFL Division 1C |
| Venue | The Millbridge |
| Player of the Match | Gavin Crawford |