Match report: Ballynahinch United 2 – 1 Orangefield OB

United entertained fellow strugglers Orangefield to The Millbridge and took an early lead when Lee Maxwell put Ballynahinch ahead in the first minute.

United then found themselves under pressure for large points of the first half. The midfield of Andrew Shannon, Gavin Crawford and Ronnie Johnston worked hard to try get a foothold of the game finding some moments of joy.

Orangefield finally equalised from the spot which Stefan Graham was unlucky not to save.

Unfortunately, Glenn Bennett had to be withdrawn just before half time with Ben Maxwell his replacement.

Andrew Shannon made way for Harry Wilson who made his return to play after 18 months out with an ACL injury. Harry slotted in to defence beside Scott Brashaw, Chris Coleman and Stuart McMullan who defended well in front of Stefan Graham. 

United regained their advantage with Lee’s second of the game when Ben Maxwell’s deft touch fell kindly for Lee to convert.

Ballynahinch battled resiliently in defence and midfield with Greg Hall in control and Aaron Cheevers proving a threat in attack. 

Thomas Rodgers entered the fray for United’s goalscorer and added some energy to the home side.

The Millbridge roared with delight when the referee blew for full time as Ballynahinch picked up an important three points.

Player of the Match: Aaron Cheevers

Line up: Stefan Graham [C], Greg Hall, Stuart McMullan, Scott Brashaw, Chris Coleman, Gavin Crawford, Ronnie Johnston, Andrew Shannon (Harry Wilson), Glenn Bennett (Ben Maxwell), Aaron Cheevers, Lee Maxwell (Thomas Rodgers).

Downpatrick II 5 – 1 Ballynahinch United Swifts

The Swifts faced an away trip to league leaders, Downpatrick.

United threatened early on but Downpatrick also forged chances of their own but Steven Chapman kept them at bay.

And it was the home side who took the lead after 30 minutes.

To United’s credit, they battled back and equalised when Ian McMullan fired home from 30 yards out for his 5th goal of the season.

They could have equalised from an out-swinging by Luke Curry but the contact was sufficient enough to take the lead before half-time.

A frantic five minutes proved fatal for United in which Downpatrick scored four. 

Player of the Match: Steven Chapman

Line up: Steven Chapman, Matthew Tate, Kian Connolly (Cameron McKissick), Jamie McNeill, John McMenamin [C], Graeme McMullan, Colin Nelson, Gareth Bingham, Ian McMullan, Luke Curry, Patrick Harkin (Matthew Douglas).

Ballyvea III 7 – 0 Ballynahinch United Albion

Another tough week for the Albion side away to a strong Ballyvea side.

Player of the Match: Charlie Parkinson

Line up: Anthony Greene, Rhys O’Hare,, Ryan Rooney, Ethan Perkins, Greg Blunt, Stephen McNair [C], Matthew Lindsay, Charlie Parkinson, Nathan Cheevers (Thomas Casement), Callum Greene, Luke Craig.