Tag: 1sts

Ballywalter Recreation 0 v 1 Ballynahinch United

United travelled to Ballywalter Rec on Saturday for a league fixture hoping to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.

The first half was dominated by United however they really created very little except for a header from Ian McMullan which went just over the crossbar. In the second half it was the home side who took up the running and but for a goal line clearance from Scott Brashaw and a couple of good saves from Brian McMullan they would have been behind. Gareth Bingham had one of the best of the second half scoring opportunities when his shot was well saved by the Ballywalter keeper. Just as the game seemed destined to be a scoreless draw Stuarty McMullan skipped down the left wing on 87 minutes and crossed to the back post and up stepped Craig Bowman to side foot the ball into the empty net.

These three points put United to the top of the Division 1B league table although they have played a few more games than their rivals.

This week they entertain Holywood at Millbridge.

Ballynahinch United 1 v 1 Saintfield United

United entertained local rivals Saintfield United in this league game at Millbridge.

The two sides had met almost a month ago with United winning by a clear margin at Saintfield however in this reverse fixture things were not made so easy with the visitors in much more resilient mood.

Saintfield United’s excellent win last week against Division 1A side Barn United meant that they were coming off the back of a good result.

It was United who were in the ascendency in the early stages of this game scoring in the 25th minute through Ross Hayes and also hitting both the cross bar and post. Stuart McMullan had a goal ruled out for offside however few in the ground agreed with the referees decision.

In the second half Saintfield were a far better proposition and restricted United’s scoring opportunities to a couple of long range efforts.

United’s inability to get a second goal which would likely have killed the game came back to haunt them when with ten minutes to go Ross Hayes had the misfortune of tunring the ball into his own net for Saintfeild’s equaliser.

United will have been disappointed that they did not play better and would have hoped to have taken all three points particularly at home however they have managed to remain unbeaten for a number of weeks and will hope to take this good fortune into their next match away to Ballywalter Recreation.

Ballynahinch United 3 v Rathfern Rangers 1 Match Report

A few weeks ago United travelled to Rathcoole to play Rathfern Rangers in an evening match and left very disappointed having lost the game in the closing stages when they felt that they at least deserved a draw. On Saturday they had the chance to get their own back and on a Millbridge pitch that was all the better for a rainless week they took full advantage.

Right from the kick off United were into their stride and with the return from injury of Johnny Hunter who came into the side for the injured Scott McKibbin they had an additional goal threat. The visitors were always dangerous on the break however Hayes, Brashaw and Boal at the heart of the defence dealt comfortably with everything that came their way.

Up front Ian McMullan and Aaron Cheevers were a constant threat with Cheevers coming close to scoring on a number of occasions particulary from a long range shot which the Rathfern keeper managed to puch over the bar.

The opening goal cam on the half hour mark when David Kelly took a chance with a long range drive to shoot into the net past the keepers dispairing dive.

Throughout the remainder of the half United pressed forward with Craig Bowman and Stuart McMullan prominent.

In the second half as the game progressed the need for United to get a second goal becaame more inportamnt as Rathfern were beginning to become more dangerous.

The second goal came around the hour mark when Alan Patterson was pushed in the penalty area as he was about the head the ball goal ward. From the resulting penalty Johnny Hunter made no mistake to make it 2 – 0.

Despite their possession Rathfern rarely troubled Brian McMullan in the United goal and more and more the home side dominated play. The third goal came after a series of corners had been won and Johnny Hunter claimbed above everyone to head home superbly to make it 3 – 0.

Just as United seemed to be coasting Rathfern scored a goal and almost immediately a sense of anxiety was created however the introduction of Gareth Bingham, Alan Massey and Greg Allison had a very positive effect and the home side held on to secure full points.

This was a really good performance with every one putting in a full afternoon’s work which will have pleased manager Colin Murray.

Next Saturday United complete their trio of home league matches when they entertain local rivals Saintfield United.