Ballynahinch Utd 1sts beat Downshire 2-1.
The 2nds lost 3-1 in the Quarter Final of the Templeton Cup to Woodvale while the 3rds lost 3-2 at Rathfriland.
Results 18/09/10
Abbey Villa 2-0 Ballynahinch United
Ballynahinch United II 5-0 Civil Service II
Ballynahinch United III 3-1 Dromara Village III
Ballynahinch United secured their first points of the season with a deserved victory over local rivals Dromara. The home side started brightly, controlling play from midfield and pushing forward at every opportunity. However, a resolute Dromara defence allowed only a couple of half chances and managed to keep Ballynahinch at bay, the closest to a goal being  Stephen King’s long range free kick which finished narrowly wide of the post.
The deadlock was broken just before the half hour mark when Darren McLernon found some space outside the box and drove the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The goal was reward for the hosts’ strong start and followed some excellent build up involving the whole midfield.
Despite falling behind it was Dromara who took the initiative. Ballynahinch defended well and absorbed the pressure with Paul Magennis, Ian Blackwood, Alan McKee and Richard Graham doing well to prevent Dromara from capitalising on their possession. However, just when it looked like they would go into half time with the advantage, Ballynahinch surrendered their lead. With Dromara moving the ball well a one-two allowed the forward through on goal where he made no mistake.
The second half began with both teams evenly matched and trying to push forward in search of a second goal. Again, chances were in short supply with both teams clearing their lines well and it took a substitution ten minutes after the interval to break the stalemate. David Magee, only on the pitch for a few minutes, was found unmarked at the back post with a cross from the left wing and he headed home to give the home side the upper hand.
Again, Dromara began to dominate but found a more determined Ballynahinch harder to break down with David Dunlop in particular standing out. Heading into the last twenty minutes it was Ballynahinch who upped their game and started creating chances, the best of which were David Dunlop’s header saved by the keeper and Gary McCracken’s header just wide of the net.
The match was over as a contest when Paul King, who was impressive throughout, outpaced the defender and lifted his header over the Dromara keeper to give Ballynahinch a two goal cushion and all three points.
Fixtures 11th Sept 2010
1sts v. Downshire (H)
2nds v. 4th Newtownabbey (A)
3rds v. Maghera (H)
Results 4th Sept 2010
Iveagh 2-1 Ballynahinch United
The hosts progressed to the 3rd round of the Border Cup after a close game in Belfast. Iveagh led 1-0 at the break and extended their lead soon after. However, Ian McMullan’s overhead kick reduced the arrears leaving the 1C side under pressure until the final whistle.
Ballynahinch United II 3-2 Albion Star
The 2nds overcame Albion Star in their first league match of the new season. Having trailed 1-0 goals from Stevenson and Williams handed the lead to the home side, only for them to see the visitors grab an equaliser. The match was settled by McCracken’s goal which handed Ballynahinch United all three points.
Ballynahinch United III 1-6 Annalong Rangers
The 3rds endured a torrid time in their first match against one of the stronger teams in the division. A makeshift 3rd team, missing a number of players, initially traded attacks with Annalong before falling behind on the half hour mark with a second goal following soon after. The away side gained momentum and scored two further goals in the lead up to half time.
The second half was a more balanced affair and, after conceding a fifth soon into the half, the 3rds got a foothold in the game and pressed the visitors, reducing the deficit with a well taken goal from Stephen King. Despite further pressure from the home side it was Annalong who would score again.
BUFC 3-1 Bangor Rangers
Ballynahinch Utd maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 3-1 victory over Bangor Rangers. Despite falling behind in the early stages of the match the hosts fought back to win with a first half penalty from Scott Brashaw and two goals in the second half from midfielder Ian Boal.
Prior to kick-off Grant Hayes and Ross Hayes of Ballylone Electrical Contractors presented managers Colin Murray and John Jones with the new kit for this season.
