Match Report: Wellington Rec. 2 v 2 Ballynahinch United

United travelled to Millbrook, Larne for this league encounter with Wellington Rec who are one of the leading teams in the division this season. The pitch was in good condition and United were able to pick from a full squad. The opening few minutes were very much a case of both teams trying to size each other up however it was United who seemed to carry the biggest attacking threat and in the 10th minute they took the lead when Matty Shaw stabbed home from close in after a great cross from Aaron Cheevers. United continued to carry the biggest threat as they out passed a midfield and defence that struggled to close them down. The passing movements involving David Kelly, Dylan Carberry, Dalton Tate, Aaron Cheevers and Matty Shaw were excellent and they justifiably scored a second when Matty Shaw chipped the Wellington keeper from 25 yards. After this Wellington seemed to get a spurt of energy and for the last quarter of the first half they started to dominate proceedings forcing corner after corner. Try as they might they were we unable to stop the onslaught and minutes before half time they conceded a goal when a midfielder shot from the edge of the penalty giving Bryan McMullan no chance.

In the second half the United defence came under constant pressure with Dalton Tate, Ross Hayes, Scott Brashaw, Ben Wilson and Ethan Majury, who had gone to left back for the injured Stuart McMullan, having to work overtime to withstand their barrage of crosses. Not surprisingly Wellington equalised on the hour mark and although they did have a few other chances the defence held firm. It was not until the middle of the second half that United eventually got back into the game with their best chance falling to Stuart Hunter who had the ball taken off his head by a last gasp defensive clearance as he was about to head into an empty net.

The game ebbed and flowed over the remainder of the second half with Matty Shaw almost scoring again in the closing minutes when he almost connected with a cross from Dylan Carberry who was making his debut for the team. Ian McMullan and Gavin Crawford were introduced into the fray late on however United probably went away happy to have secured a valuable away point.

This weekend they entertain Bloomfield in a league fixture at Millbridge.

 

The Gaffer Keith Hamilton on the Official IFA Volunteer Team

The Irish FA have recently established an Official IFA Volunteer Team to encourage volunteering within different areas of the Irish FA and provide exciting opportunities for many committed and enthusiastic individuals. Opportunities have been established within various strands of the local game including Grassroots, Disability, Women’s and Schools football.

Each month www.irishfa.com speaks to a current member of the IFA Volunteer Team, taking a snapshot of their volunteering experiences within the Irish FA and this month the volunteer focus spotlight shines on our 1st team manager Keith Hamilton who is an Irish FA Volunteer Match Monitor and has been involved within various other volunteer roles at the Irish FA.

Keith Hamilton who is an Irish FA Volunteer Match Monitor and has been involved within various other volunteer roles at the Irish FA.
Keith Hamilton who is an Irish FA Volunteer Match Monitor and has been involved within various other volunteer roles at the Irish FA.

Match Report: Ballynagross 2nds 6 v 2 Ballynahinch United 2nds

The Swifts travelled to Ballykinlar to play table toppers Ballynagross 2nds and despite taking a 2–0 lead into half time with goals from Aaron McCaffery and Gary McCracken they lost 6-2.

The loss of central defender John McMenamin with a serious knee injury was a major factor. John’s injury has been diagnosed as a medial ligament problem and he is hoping to be back playing in the next few months and everyone at BUFC him a speedy recovery.

The 2nds travel to Carryduff this saturday for their last league fixture of February.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 1 v 1 Colin Valley

United played their first home match at Millbridge in over two months last Saturday on a pitch that was just about playable and one that the players aching limbs will not forget in a hurry. The visitors Colin Valley are playing in Division 1B for the first time this season having been promoted last year and to date they have acquitted themselves very well. From the outset it was obvious that United would have their hands full and so it proved to be.

The slick passing and movement of the visitor’s forward line caused the United defence of Alex Miller, Ethan Majury, Ross Hayes, Dalton Tate and Stuart McMullan serious problems from the outset requiring their midfield colleagues Ben Wilson and Gavin Crawford to help out. Their efforts were thwarted however in the 8th minute when Colin Valley converted a superb move with Bryan McMullan given no chance from close quarters.

United stepped up a gear after this prompted by Scott Brashaw in central midfield and several chances were created for Aaron Cheevers and Stuart Hunter. Indeed Stuart Hunter was really unlucky when his header came off the crossbar and was scrambled away on the half hour mark.

In the second half manager Keith Hamilton reorganised his team with Scott Brashaw reverting to central defence and Gareth McMullan coming into the forward line and this game the home team a different dimension to their play. Dalton Tate who moved into central midfield had a great shot superbly saved by the Colin Valley keeper as the visitors defence came under increased attack. On the hour mark United were level when Gareth McMullan scored from the penalty spot after Stuart Hunter was brought down by the Colin Valley goal keeper when he was in on goal. The visitors rounded on the referee with one of their central defenders getting a red card for foul and abusive language while the keeper received a yellow card for foiling what was a clear goal scoring opportunity with not a single defender even close.

Despite playing with ten men the visitors continued to be very positive causing United quite a few problems and testing Bryan McMullan who made several good saves and interceptions. At the other end United added attacking options in Dee Stewart and Ian McMullan as they probed for a winner. Dee Stewart had the best opportunity when he got his head on a left wing free kick from Stuart McMullan but his effort was well saved. At the end of the day both teams will have been happy enough with the draw.