Match Report: Ballynahinch United 3 v 0 Donard Hospital

United entertained old rivals Donard Hospital in this league match at the Millbridge last Saturday. The visitors had been promoted last year after a few years in Division 1C however they have found the higher level that little bit more difficult.

United settled into the game from the first whistle however it was Donard who posed a threat in the opening quarter with their right winger particularly prominent.

On one of their rare forward forages United took the lead in the 10th minute when Ian McMullan latched onto a loose ball to shoot into the corner of the net giving the Donard keeper no chance.

Donard pressed for an equaliser giving the United defence of Miller, Shaw, Majury, Tate and Stuart McMullan lots to think about however they held firm.

Goal scorer Ian McMullan was forced off with a hamstring strain and he was replaced by Johnny Stevenson who on the half hour mark laid the ball back for David Kelly to fire a thunderbolt into the net.

Kelly, Wilson and Brashaw were under a fair degree of pressure in midfield and they combined with their defence to keep Donard at bay while goalkeeper Brian McMullan produced an outstanding save in the 45th minute to prevent a goal.

In the second half Ben Wilson, who was struggling with an injury, was replaced by Gareth McMullan with striker Greg Allison moving into the left back role and Stuart McMullan taking over the central midfield position.

United were happy to surrender possession to Donard and played a containing game which proved very effective and occasionally they attacked with speed. It was from one of these quick breaks that defender Alex Miller found himself in space inside the penalty area and he crashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 3–0.

Donard threw everything at United in the last half hour of the game and it took some serious defending to keep them out. Brian McMullan who has been in great form proved to be a competent last line of defence saving a penalty after Stuart McMullan had been harshly adjudged to have handled in the penalty area following a shot that was driven into him from relatively close range.

Graeme McMullan came on to give the United attack some added vitality and in the closing stages it was the home team who forced a series of corners.

This was another great win for United who will travel to Bloomfield this coming Saturday for another league match.

BUFC Notes

On Saturday the club hosted local rivals Olympic in the first league match of the season. There was an excellent crowd at the game and the committee members present did an outstanding job with car parking, providing food and the other tasks that are vital to the efficient running of the club facilities on a big match day.

The seconds entertained Killyleagh YC 2nds on Friday night past and while they lost 3-0 to an experienced side it was nevertheless an encouraging performance. Next up for the 2nds is a friendly against Drumaness Mills 2nds tonight (Thursday 13th Aug) with a kick-off at 7pm.

Club members and players are reminded that membership fees should be paid to Gareth Bingham as soon as possible.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 0 v 2 Ballynahinch Olympic

Goals in each half from Stephen Megoran and Niall Walsh secured three points and the bragging rights in the early part of the season from this exciting derby game at the Millbridge last Saturday.

United in their new kit which was generously sponsored by BEC Electrical. The players and committee of BUFC are very appreciative of the continuing support BEC have given season after season by supplying new strips.
United in their new kit which was generously sponsored by BEC Electrical. The players and committee of BUFC are very appreciative of the continuing support BEC have given season after season by supplying new strips.

Millbridge was packed by supporters from both sides each keen to encourage their side on to victory and in the early exchanges it was the home team who did most of the attacking with Johnny Stevenson going close in the opening minutes. Greg Allison caused the Olympic defence considerable trouble in the early stages of the game putting in a succession of crosses that lead to several corners one of which led to a Matty Shaw header being cleared off the goal line.

Olympic took the lead after ten minutes when Megoran’s left wing cross from thirty odd yards looped high over United keeper Bryan McMullan to drop under the cross bar into the net. This was a very lucky break for the visitors which gave them an advantage in the game which they worked tirelessly to hold onto. It was a cruel blow to United’s defence of Alex Miller, Davy Boal, Matty Shaw and Stuart McMullan who had restricted Olympics’ forward threat.

On the half hour mark United had a genuine claim for a penalty when Alan Patterson was bundled over from behind in the act of shooting for goal however referee Mark Domican did not share the United supporter’s opinion.

In the second half United pressed for an equaliser with Dalton Tate, Stuart Hunter and JJ Carlisle prominent however Olympic worked tirelessly to reduce the number of scoring opportunities with their keeper in superb form.

Olympic got their second midway through the second half when Niall Walsh rose above the United defence to head home a superb right wing cross past Bryan McMullan. They could well have been three up when they missed a penalty after Boal, who was sent off for a second bookable offence, had brought down an attacker however the spot kick came back off the crossbar.

United introduced Gareth McMullan and Dee Stewart to the fray and they combined very well when Stewarts shot was headed goal wards by McMullan only for the Olympic keeper to miraculously palm it over the bar.

This was an encouraging start from Olympic who have high hopes for the season ahead while the United supporters will have been encouraged by a battling performance from a team that was missing six players through injury.

United now have a succession of away games against Rathfern Rangers [last night], Ballywalter [Saturday] and next week against opponents who have to be confirmed before they meet Valley Rangers in the Irish Cup on Saturday 22nd August.

Club Notes

Ballynahinch United completed their programme of preseason friendly matches when they entertained a Crusaders Select team at the Millbridge. United took the lead midway through the half when Stuart Hunter pounced on a loose ball to drill home. The home side had numerous opportunities with Matty Shaw, Gareth McMullan and Ethan Majury going close with headers.

In the second half both managers made wholesale changes and the visitors equalised. The game was well attended and the club had a barbecue going throughout the afternoon as a fund raiser. Many thanks to all those who assisted in anyway on the day.

One of the most pleasing aspects of the preseason friendly games has been the introduction of a number of the under 17 squad and what a breath of fresh air they have proved to be. The hard work that Ballynahinch Youth has put in over the years looks like there will be a steady stream of young players challenging for places in the adult teams.
Everyone at Ballynahinch Youth is to be congratulated on the excellent work that they are undertaking.

This Saturday, United commence their 2015/16 league programme with a local derby against Ballynahinch Olympic at home. The kick off is at 2pm and as a large crowd is expected supporters of both teams are encouraged to come early to avoid congestion on the road. There is adequate car parking at Millbridge. Admission will be £3 for adults and children under 16 are free.

The committee of BUFC would like to express their thanks to BEC Electrical for proving a new team strip once again. Also our thanks to CEF – City Electrical Factors for providing match sponsorship for last Saturdays match.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a match during the season should contact a committee member. We are very grateful to those individuals and businesses who have provided support so far this season it is really appreciated.