United started slowly and found themselves behind early on after a corner was bundled home in the opening minutes.
The situation got worse when Malachians doubled their lead after 16 minutes.
When it rains, it pours for United and it certainly poured all afternoon as 5 more goals found the net throughout the game, although it could’ve been more if not for the efforts of Stefan Graham in goal.
Man of the Match: Stefan Graham
Line up: Stefan Graham [C], Cameron McKissick (Chris Coleman), Simon Johnston, Conor Graham, John McMenamin, Kyle Spindlow, Tom Nelson, Ian McMullan (Jake Redmond), Glenn Bennett, Glenn Moffett, Ross Murray (Graeme McMullan).
Swifts 2 – 3 Saintfield United III
Ballynahinch Swifts fell narrowly short in a thrilling encounter against Saintfield United, with the visitors edging a 3-2 win in a game that saw early drama, individual brilliance, and a spirited comeback in Stephen Irvine’s first game as Swifts Manager.
The match got off to a chaotic start for the Swifts, as an early penalty was awarded to Saintfield following a defensive lapse. To compound the damage, Ballynahinch were reduced to 10 men after a red card decision in the same sequence. Saintfield calmly converted the spot-kick and capitalised on the momentum, scoring two more well-taken goals in quick succession to take a commanding 3-0 lead inside the opening half-hour.
However, the Swifts refused to back down. Rallying around their misfortune, they clawed their way back into the game before the break, thanks to two excellent goals from Louis Boyd, whose attacking instinct and finishing gave the home side renewed belief.
Despite being a man down, Ballynahinch looked the better side for large spells of the second half. Defensively, they were immense—led by Greg Blunt, who put in a man-of-the-match performance with a series of crucial tackles and clearances. He was ably supported by Dairmuid Lavery, Ryan Rooney, and Callum Greene, who worked tirelessly to hold off Saintfield’s attack.
In midfield and up front, Ben Maxwell and Bradley Hamilton kept the pressure on, driving the team forward with energy and purpose. The Swifts came close to equalising on several occasions, but Saintfield’s defence held firm.
In the end, the 3-2 scoreline didn’t reflect the quality and character shown by Ballynahinch Swifts, especially after being reduced to 10 men so early in the match. There are plenty of positives to take forward as they prepare for the next fixture.
Man of the Match: Greg Blunt
Line up: Lewis Roy, Ryan Rooney, Rhys O’Hare (Pearse Irvine), Ethan Perkins, Greg Blunt [C], Diarmuid Lavery, Callum Greene, Ben Maxwell, Louis Boyd, Bradley Hamilton, Conor McVarnock (Leo Elliott)
Albion 2 – 2 Rossglass County Development Squad
A United side with familiar faces picked up a point at Langley Road in their first outing of the season despite going two goals behind.
The experienced outfit had no less than 7 over 40s in the starting line up, alongside two teenagers while Greg Hall donned the gloves in goals and kept Ballynahinch in the game. Ross Hayes also returned to action for the first time since 2022.
John Stevenson pulled one back for the home side but their efforts were made more difficult after the dismissal of Alan Dickson.
However, youngster Harry Brown nicked an equaliser in the last minute to salvage a draw in the league opener.
Man of the Match: Greg Hall
Line up: Greg Hall [C], Alan Dickson, Curtis Johnson (Ryan Patterson), Ross Hayes, Scott Brashaw, Colin Nelson, Gareth Bingham, John Stevenson, Roy Shilliday, Ross Duffield (Harry Brown), Liam Rodgers (Kian Connolly).
