Let Us Entertain You – a word of thanks.

Everyone in both the youth and senior sections of the club would like to express their sincere thanks to those who either supported or were centrally involved in the organisation of the Let Us Entertain You night which passed off so successfully last Saturday night.

The attention to detail and organisation was exceptional and the feedback on the event has been very positive indeed.

Special thanks go to Roz Steenson who organised the barbecue and food part of the night and to the Ballynahinch Lions Club who provided the marquees and the expertise to erect them.

Special thanks also goes to Ross Hayes and Scott Brashaw for all the repair work that they have undertaken within the club house in recent weeks in preparation for both this event and the youth tournament at the end of August.

The proceeds were in aid of the levelling, repair and reseeding of the training area and everyone at the club is very grateful for the support we have been given to this project.

Ballyclare Comrades 6 v 1 Ballynahinch United

United’s run in the Steel & Sons Cup came to an abrupt halt when they were well defeated by an excellent Ballyclare Comrades side last Saturday. They found themselves two down midway through the half and four down at half time. A spirited second half saw them get a goal back though Ian McMullan but a further two goals were conceded.

This week United play their first home match at Millbridge for well over a month when they entertain NAFL Premier League side Dunmurry Recreation in the Border Cup.

Rossglass 1 v 2 Ballynahinch Swifts

The Swifts claimed a debut victory in this their first game on their return to the Newcastle League.

Manager Davy Teggarty was in a position to field a strong team with a number of the first team squad being available for duty following holiday.

Playing some neat football from the start the Swifts created several good scoring opportunities and took the lead when Stevenson slotted home after rounding the keeper.

Rossglass equalised from the penalty spot to level the game before Alan Massey scored from the penalty spot to give the Swifts a half time lead.

In the second half Rossglass fought strongly to get back on even terms but the Swifts defence remained resolute while Bingham, Allison and McCaffrey all went close to increasing their lead.

IRISH CUP ROUND 1: Bangor Amateurs 2 v 3 Ballynahinch United

United continued their cup exploits with the third victory in a row in recent weeks.

For the management team and supporters this time it did not go to penalties although it was a late goal that decided the game.

United took the lead early in the first half when Simon Jackson scored however they found themselves behind by half time thanks to a flurry of goals from the home side.

Early in the second half United were level thanks again to Simon Jackson.

United created a number of opportunities in the second half however anxiety was creeping into the game for both sides as the game looked as if it was going into extra time. Thankfully the Ballynahinch contingent of supporters were spared further anxiety when new signing Lee Maxwell on his debut scored in the 87th minute to take United into the 2nd Round of the Irish Cup.

Steel & Sons Cup Round 2: Mossley YM 2 v 2 Ballynahinch Utd (Utd won 3 – 2 on penalties)

Last season United lost two cup matches on penalties against Downpatrick and Temple Rangers however this year there is a change of fortune.

United entered this game missing half of their first team squad due to holidays, injury and other commitments.

The importance of having strength in depth was tested with a number of players stepping up from the Swifts and Albion including a number of teenagers and they did not let manager Keith Hamilton down.

Simon Jackson who along with strike partner Johnny Gibson have proved to be excellent signings gave United a first half lead however it was cancelled out by Mossley in the second half.

Mossley led 2-1 in extra time but Herron popped up with an equaliser to take the game to a penalty shoot out.

Keeper Brian McMullan who is a reliable shot stopper proved to be a stumbling block to Mossley and despite unsuccessful spot kicks from the usually reliable Davy Boal and Allan Massey team mates David Kelly, Simon Jackson and Adam Herron scored to take United into the third round were they will meet IFA Championship side Ballyclare Comrades.