Category: Results

Ballynahinch United 3 v Rathfern Rangers 1 Match Report

A few weeks ago United travelled to Rathcoole to play Rathfern Rangers in an evening match and left very disappointed having lost the game in the closing stages when they felt that they at least deserved a draw. On Saturday they had the chance to get their own back and on a Millbridge pitch that was all the better for a rainless week they took full advantage.

Right from the kick off United were into their stride and with the return from injury of Johnny Hunter who came into the side for the injured Scott McKibbin they had an additional goal threat. The visitors were always dangerous on the break however Hayes, Brashaw and Boal at the heart of the defence dealt comfortably with everything that came their way.

Up front Ian McMullan and Aaron Cheevers were a constant threat with Cheevers coming close to scoring on a number of occasions particulary from a long range shot which the Rathfern keeper managed to puch over the bar.

The opening goal cam on the half hour mark when David Kelly took a chance with a long range drive to shoot into the net past the keepers dispairing dive.

Throughout the remainder of the half United pressed forward with Craig Bowman and Stuart McMullan prominent.

In the second half as the game progressed the need for United to get a second goal becaame more inportamnt as Rathfern were beginning to become more dangerous.

The second goal came around the hour mark when Alan Patterson was pushed in the penalty area as he was about the head the ball goal ward. From the resulting penalty Johnny Hunter made no mistake to make it 2 – 0.

Despite their possession Rathfern rarely troubled Brian McMullan in the United goal and more and more the home side dominated play. The third goal came after a series of corners had been won and Johnny Hunter claimbed above everyone to head home superbly to make it 3 – 0.

Just as United seemed to be coasting Rathfern scored a goal and almost immediately a sense of anxiety was created however the introduction of Gareth Bingham, Alan Massey and Greg Allison had a very positive effect and the home side held on to secure full points.

This was a really good performance with every one putting in a full afternoon’s work which will have pleased manager Colin Murray.

Next Saturday United complete their trio of home league matches when they entertain local rivals Saintfield United.

Saturdays Results

The 1sts went out of the The Steele & Sons after a 3 nil defeat to a very good Glebe Rangers side. We wish them luck in the next round.

The 3rds got another pre-season match under their belts and beat Rossglass 5-3 at a sunny Millbridge. The score at half time was 1-1 after a cracking goal from Gregg Allison and with second half goals from Matthew Agnew, Alan Masey, Paul King and Grame McMullan meant the very young 3rds side came out on top.

The 2nds game against Ballymacash Rangers was cancelled.

Results 18/09/10

Abbey Villa 2-0 Ballynahinch United

Ballynahinch United II 5-0 Civil Service II

Ballynahinch United III 3-1 Dromara Village III

Ballynahinch United secured their first points of the season with a deserved victory over local rivals Dromara. The home side started brightly, controlling play from midfield and pushing forward at every opportunity. However, a resolute Dromara defence allowed only a couple of half chances and managed to keep Ballynahinch at bay, the closest to a goal being  Stephen King’s long range free kick which finished narrowly wide of the post.

The deadlock was broken just before the half hour mark when Darren McLernon found some space outside the box and drove the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal was reward for the hosts’ strong start and followed some excellent build up involving the whole midfield.

Despite falling behind it was Dromara who took the initiative. Ballynahinch defended well and absorbed the pressure with Paul Magennis, Ian Blackwood, Alan McKee and Richard Graham doing well to prevent Dromara from capitalising on their possession. However, just when it looked like they would go into half time with the advantage, Ballynahinch surrendered their lead. With Dromara moving the ball well a one-two allowed the forward through on goal where he made no mistake.

The second half began with both teams evenly matched and trying to push forward in search of a second goal. Again, chances were in short supply with both teams clearing their lines well and it took a substitution ten minutes after the interval to break the stalemate. David Magee, only on the pitch for a few minutes, was found unmarked at the back post with a cross from the left wing and he headed home to give the home side the upper hand.

Again, Dromara began to dominate but found a more determined Ballynahinch harder to break down with David Dunlop in particular standing out. Heading into the last twenty minutes it was Ballynahinch who upped their game and started creating chances, the best of which were David Dunlop’s header saved by the keeper and Gary McCracken’s header just wide of the net.

The match was over as a contest when Paul King, who was impressive throughout, outpaced the defender and lifted his header over the Dromara keeper to give Ballynahinch a two goal cushion and all three points.