Tag: 2nds

Civil Service 2nds 1 v 3 Ballynahinch United 2nds

The Swifts picked up a hard won three points at the Civil Service playing fields on Tuesday 16th April.

In the previous week’s drawn game they had faced a Kilroot team containing a lot of first teamers and this was no different however securing the three points was made all the sweeter by having to play at their very best.

In the first half Gareth Bingham saw a shot cannon off the cross bar while Darren Fitzsimmons was blown for offside after he touched in Aaron McCaffrey’s goal bound shot. Civil Service were at their most dangerous from corner kicks and the Swifts defence of Gibson, Majury, Craig McMullan and King had to work hard while John McMenamin in goals made a number of important saves and catches. He could do little when the Civil Service took the lead on the stroke of half time.

In the second half a more determined Swift took the field and they equalised after 5 minutes when Greg Allison broke free down the left and crossed brilliantly for Fitzsimmons to score.

Midway through the half substitute Ian McMullan was introduced and he made an immediate impact when he scored with a header from Fitzsimmons right wing cross.

Graham McMullan was introduced on the right wing and he enjoyed some decent possession and late in the game he was fouled on the outside of the penalty area. Civil Service had at this stage got back into the game and the Swifts needed a goal for a cushion. Danny Reid in one of his all too rare appearances scored with an outstanding right foot shot that beat the Civil Service keeper all ends up to sail into the roof of the net.

This was an excellent performance with the younger players such as McMenamin, Graham McMullan and Greg Allison putting in stellar performances.

The next few weeks will be frenetic for the Swifts with a stream of Saturday and midweek games to the end of the season.

Last Saturday goals from Darren Fitzsimmons and Aaron McCaffrey secured a 2-2 draw away to St Teresa’s.

Ballynahinch Utd IIs 3 v 3 Kilroot Recreation IIs

The Swifts entertained a Kilroot reserve side which has not won a single game this season and which was filled with first teamer’s in this enthralling league game at the Millbridge.

Aaron McCaffrey gave the Swifts the lead after ten minutes but a rash tackle on the edge of the penalty area saw Kilroot equalise with a well-placed free kick. Not long Ethan Majury conceded a penalty which was converted despite Johnny McGreevy getting a hand to it.

On the half hour mark Aaron McCaffrey got the equaliser when he rose highest in the penalty area to head home brilliantly from a Majury free kick. Kilroot who were dangerous on the break scored a third following a sweeping move down the right wing.

Paul King who had one of his poorest games by his own admission scored the equaliser before half time with a simply stunning strike from 20 yards out that shot into the roof of the net.

After this the scene was set for a rip roaring second half or so the half dozen or so supporters who braved the elements but they were to be sorely disappointed. Very few chances were created and had it not been for an excellent save just after half time from McGreevy the Swifts may not have got anything out of the game at all.

The best player on the park in the second half was teenager Greg Allison who worked his socks off on the left wing both in attack and defence and he was closely followed by the efforts of another teenager Graham McMullan who had a good game on his first start for the Swifts.

Club Notes

The Swifts and The Albion were both in action at the weekend. The Swifts travelled to Bryansburn Rangers and continued their good form securing a point in a drawn game with McCaffrey scoring their goal.

Alan Massey continued his good form for The Albion scoring from the penalty spot for the second successive Saturday however they were unable to get back into winning ways.

The committee and members would like to express their thanks to Ian Blackwood of IB Electrical for ther generous sponsorship which is very much appreciated.

It was also great to see former player Michael Jones in attendance at Saturday’s game. Michael who is living and working in Melbourne, Australia was home recently for a family wedding and returned down under yesterday. He is playing football in one of the Victorian Leagues and secured the league championships with his team and by all accounts they are going well this season again.

Ballynahinch United II’s 1 v 1 Bangor YM II’s

Bangor YM were the visitors to Millbridge when The Swifts eventually got back to action after an astonishing nine weeks without a game. Manager Johnny Reid’s cause was not helped by a number of first team call ups however those who turned out performed brilliantly and could well have caused an upset by securing all three points against the unbeaten Bangor side.

Both halves provided the small number of spectators with plenty of action. In the opening quarter an experimental defensive set up had a few close shaves but the Bangor forwards did not take their chances while keeper Jason Stafford was at his very best.

At the other end McCaffrey was causing problems with his surging runs while in midfield Danny Reid was picking out the passes for the willing runs of lone striker Darren Fitzsimons.

It seemed that a draw was almost inevitable, however it was Bangor YM who went ahead in the 80th minute when they took the lead from the penalty spot after a rash challenge.

The Swifts had it all to do but the equaliser came quite quickly when Danny Reid launched a high free kick into the Bangor YM penalty area and despite the superior height advantage of the visiting defenders it was Aaron McCaffrey who jumped highest to head into the net.

Almost immediately from the kick off it was The Swifts who were on the attack but they were unable to get the winner.

On the day The Swifts defence of McPhail, McMullan, Bingham and Majury were outstanding while midfielders Gray, McCaffrey, Reid, Fegan and Allison worked tirelessly throughout.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Festive wishes to all players, committee members, supporters, friends & sponsors who help make this club what it is.

Lets hope the good results and successes gained in 2012 can continue into 2013 and beyond.

Be good and stay safe!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.