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.

Let Us Entertain You – Saturday 14th September 2013

In association with Ballynahinch Youth we have organised a fundraiser on Saturday 14th September 2013 at The Millbridge with a night that has:

GREAT MUSIC (live singer + DJ)
GREAT FOOD (1x Free BBQ meal with your £10 ticket)
GREAT CRAIC (join in the fun )

Kicking Off at 6.30pm tIckets are £10 and can be purchased from any member of the club or Ballynahinch Youth – ALL WELCOME !!

Further Information can be seen here.

Preparations continue for the 2nds and 3rds

Preparations continue for the 2nds and 3rds with a series of games over recent weeks. A good performance last week saw them come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against a good Ballynagross  2nd side while on Saturday Castleabbey 2nds were the visitors in an entertaining game which the home side won by 4-2 with Jordan Hayes, Ross Bingham and Aaron McCaffrey [2] on the score sheet.

A further 2 friendly matches are to be played this week at The Millbridge on Tuesday 27th and Thursday 29th August. Kick off for both games will be 6.30pm so all players should meet at the club for 5.45pm.

Club memberships are now due and should be paid to the Club Treasurer as soon as possible.

Border Cup 1st Round: Malachians 1 v Ballynahinch United 1 (United won 4 – 3 on penalties)

United travelled to NAFL Premier League side Malachians with a slighty weakened side due to holidays and injury. Into the line-up came Gareth Bingham and David Kelly.

The home side got off to a great start when they scored in the first few minutes however United played their way into the game and a brilliant strike by Johnny Gibson levelled the game just before half time.

The home team were a constant threat and Brian McMullan pulled off a number of excellent saves while in attack David Kelly went close with a header. In defence JJ Carlisle, Davy Boal and Scott Brashaw played out of their skins while midfielders Gavin Crawford, David Kelly, Ian Boal, Aaron Cheevers and Stuart McMullan covered every blade of grass.

Forwards Gareth Bingham, Johnny Gibson and Ian McMullan played their part throughout the match.

The two periods of extra time proved to be a bit of a non-event as each team became ever more cautious about making a mistake and soon it was time for the dreaded penalties.

After the first five had been taken by each team it was 3 each with Brian McMullan proving to be a major stumbling block. When a Malachians player missed their first kick in sudden death up stepped Scott Brashaw to cap a great personal performance and score the winner.

This was a spirited performance which will have given caretaker bosses Keith Hamilton and Davy Teggarty great encouragement as they go into two further cup ties next week and week after.