Following a difficult night on Thursday in Bloomfield where United conceded seven, it looked like they would have their work cut out again against Portavogie especially given the growing list of injuries affecting United.
Conor Graham returned to the side having not played since April 2023, while Tommy Rodgers also made his first appearance since March.
It was an even enough game in the first half with both sides having half chances, although Portavogie were slightly more dominant and had numerous corners that they didn’t take advantage off. This was partially down to the dominance of the home sides skipper, Stefan Graham in goal.
Alternatively, Lee Maxwell and Louis Boyd-Wisoner had half chances at the other end with Kyle Spindlow taking control in midfield.
In the second half, United broke the deadlock when Glenn Bennett won yet another header like he had done all day. His flick on was punched upon by teenage substitute Ben Maxwell to nod home at the front post.
With all three substitutes used, United were forced to swap forward Louis into centre half to cover Conor’s injury. Unfortunately, Louis picked up a second yellow while defending to leave United a man short.
It was backs against the wall for the home side for the remaining ten minutes but a doggedly determined display saw them pick up all three points despite an onslaught from the visitors including another series of corners, in which Bradley Hamilton saved the day with a goal line clearance.
It was an excellent display from United, with new coaches, Mark Leahy and James Donaldson, on the sideline beside Kyle Rendall for the first time.
Match sponsor dedicated to Herron Country Fried Chicken Ballynahinch
Man of the Match: Stefan Graham and Kyle Spindlow
Line up: Stefan Graham [C], Tommy Rodgers (Ben Maxwell), Alan Dickson, John McMenamin, Conor Graham, Kyle Spindlow, Glenn Moffett, Tom Nelson, Glenn Bennett (Ian McMullan), Louis Boyd-Wisoner, Lee Maxwell (Bradley Hamilton).
Killough 7 – 0 Swifts
Gareth Bingham toon the reigns in the interim again while Ballynahinch look to confirm the Swift’s management team.
Unfortunately they found themselves 5 down at the break against the NADAFL Premiership Division side.
They conceded a further two in the second half.
Line up: Stephen McNair, Cameron McKissick, Ryan Rooney, Greg Blunt, Keith Hamilton, Graeme McMullan [C] (Kian Connolly), Gareth Bingham, Luke Craig (Matthew Lindsay), Diarmuid Lavery, Chris McVarnock (Liam Rodgers), Justin Herbert.