Match Report: Ballynahinch United 1 v 1 Dunmurry YM (27/09/14)

United entertained Dunmurry YM at the Millbridge last Saturday (27th September). Despite the absence of a number of first team regulars due to the wedding of centre back Ross Hayes the home team were still able to field a strong line-up and from the start they controlled the game. The defensive combination of the experienced Davy Boal with Paul King was solid throughout while full backs Ethan Majury and Craig McMullan were constantly supplementing the midfield at every opportunity.

The visitors were content to attack on the break and due to their poor start to the season were obviously happy to fight for a point.

United took the lead after 20 minutes when Gavin Crawford converted a move that started with good work on the right wing by David Kelly and Ethan Majury.

In the 30th minute a brilliant through ball from Dalton Tate left the Dunmurry defence flat footed and Ian McMullan was sent free on goal however his side footed effort went agonisingly past the post.

Stuart McMullan and Aaron McCaffrey combined on a number of occasions in the first half but could not create any openings as Dunmurry defended resolutely. In the closing stages of the first half Dunmurry won a number of free kicks and it was from one of these that they equalised. Their high free kick was headed around the edge of the penalty area before falling to their centre forward who was standing in front of goalkeeper Brian McMullan at least three yards off side. He headed the ball into the net and everyone in the ground was waiting for a free kick but instead the referee gave the goal.

In the second half United launched wave after wave of attacks with Ian McMullan having a header brilliantly saved, Aaron McCaffrey seeing his deflected shot go wide of the goalkeepers legs as he dived in the opposite direction and finally in the closing minutes Dalton Tate’s free kick cannoning off the cross bar.

While United were disappointed with the result their overall performance and drive on what was a very warm day could not have been better.

Club Notes

The 1sts travelled to East Belfast and were very unlucky to come out losers in a seven goal thriller. Twice they led through goals from Ian McMullan but unfortunately a late brace of goals saw them denied a share of the spoils. A late penalty by David Kelly could not be bettered.

Players and club members are reminded that club memberships are now due and should be paid as soon as possible.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 2nds 3 v 3 Kirkistown 2nds

The Swifts entertained a strong Kirkistown side at Millbridge in their first home game of the season. Conditions were excellent for free flowing football on a well-manicured pitch and the small band of spectators was well entertained.

It was the visitors who scored the first goal when their centre forward shot home after some good work to get ahead of the Swifts central defenders leaving Johnny McGreevy with no chance of saving a well struck shot.

The home side soon got into their stride and having missed a good opportunity in the 15th minute teenager Graeme McMullan didn’t miss in the 20th when he stroked the ball home after good work by Ross Bingham.

In the 25th minute another teenager Matthew Manly gave the Swifts the lead when he picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and shot home.

The Swifts defence of McNeill, King, Bonner and McMenamin were constantly under pressure with midfielders Wilson, Massey, Manly and McPhail combining with them to keep the Kirkistown attack at bay.

In the second half Kirkistown started strongly and equalised after 55 minutes and then went 3 – 2 ahead in the 70th minute. The Swifts introduced David Griffiths and Alan McMullan into the fry and from the right wing Graeme McMullan crossed for Matthew Manly to head home the equaliser.

This was a hard fought game with both teams intent on attack and a draw on this occasion was the fairest result.

Match Report: Killough 2nds 4 – 5 Ballynahinch United 2nds

The Swifts got their league season started with an excellent away win to Killough Seconds. Last year the two sides met in a thrilling 5 – 5 encounter but this time the visitors edged the home side out with goals from Ross Bingham [2], Alan Massey, Paul King and David Griffiths.

The 2nds entertain Kirkistown 2nds at The Millbridge this Saturday 20th September in a league game.