2nds Archives – Page 9 of 17 – Ballynahinch United FC

Match Report: Ballykinlar Rec 2 v 3 Ballynahinch United 2nds

The Swifts continued their excellent unbeaten opening to the season with a hard fought victory away to Ballykinlar Rec.

Graeme McMullan gave the Swifts the lead with a superb drive from the edge of the penalty area after some hard work and an assist from Shaun Bonner.

Halfway through the first half the home side were reduced to ten men following a straight red card for a foul on Ross Bingham. However a resurgent Ballykinlar fought back to lead 2 â€“ 1 at half time.

Playing against 10 men gave the Swifts the upper hand in the 2nd half and Gareth Bingham equalised with a header from an Alan Massey corner to make the score 2 â€“ 2.

The hard working Ben Wilson continued his scoring run and made sure of the 3 points after a goalmouth scramble to fire the ball into the net.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 2nds 3 v 0 Ardglass Colts

The Swifts continued their unbeaten run with a victory over a hard working Ardglass side that never gave up but that failed to seriously threaten the home defence.

Matthew Manly opened the scoring in the 11th minute when he curled a great shot into the top corner of the net. Ben Wilson who has been one of the teamâ€™s hard working midfielders this season scored the second after 18 minutes when he was set up by Graham McMullan. Wilsonâ€™s curling shot gave the Ardglass keeper no chance.

For the remainder of the half Ardglass curtailed the Swifts attacking threat and defensively Craig McMullan, Ross Hayes, John McMenamin and Shaun Bonner had to be at their best while Jamie McPhail in front of the back four covered every blade of grass. Goalkeeper Johnny McGreevyâ€™s handling had to be at its best as he faced a barrage of crosses mainly from a series of corners.

In the second half Ardglass had a lot more possession but again they never really created a clear cut opening while the Swifts were limited to breakaways prompted by Alan Massey in central midfield and on occasions they created openings with Gareth Bingham having the best opportunity when he shot over the cross bar when put through by Craig McMullan. Replacements Scott McNeill and Ross Bingham made a major impact when they came on.

The Swifts put the game out of Ardglassâ€™s reach when Matthew Manlyâ€™s shot after great work by the teenage winger resulted in a defender and the goalkeeper combining to allow the ball to cross the line.

This was a decent performance from the Swifts who remain unbeaten however they will need to be more commanding next week when they travel to Ballykinlar.

Match Report: Ballynahinch United 2nds 3 v 3 Kirkistown 2nds

The Swifts entertained a strong Kirkistown side at Millbridge in their first home game of the season. Conditions were excellent for free flowing football on a well-manicured pitch and the small band of spectators was well entertained.

It was the visitors who scored the first goal when their centre forward shot home after some good work to get ahead of the Swifts central defenders leaving Johnny McGreevy with no chance of saving a well struck shot.

The home side soon got into their stride and having missed a good opportunity in the 15th minute teenager Graeme McMullan didnâ€™t miss in the 20th when he stroked the ball home after good work by Ross Bingham.

In the 25th minute another teenager Matthew Manly gave the Swifts the lead when he picked up a loose ball in the penalty area and shot home.

The Swifts defence of McNeill, King, Bonner and McMenamin were constantly under pressure with midfielders Wilson, Massey, Manly and McPhail combining with them to keep the Kirkistown attack at bay.

In the second half Kirkistown started strongly and equalised after 55 minutes and then went 3 â€“ 2 ahead in the 70th minute. The Swifts introduced David Griffiths and Alan McMullan into the fry and from the right wing Graeme McMullan crossed for Matthew Manly to head home the equaliser.

This was a hard fought game with both teams intent on attack and a draw on this occasion was the fairest result.

Match Report: Killough 2nds 4 – 5 Ballynahinch United 2nds

The Swifts got their league season started with an excellent away win to Killough Seconds. Last year the two sides met in a thrilling 5 â€“ 5 encounter but this time the visitors edged the home side out with goals from Ross Bingham [2], Alan Massey, Paul King and David Griffiths.

The 2nds entertain Kirkistown 2nds at The Millbridge this Saturday 20th September in a league game.

Awards Night

Saturday 3rd of May saw Ballynahinch United hold their annual dinner and presentation of awards in the Primrose Bar, Ballynahinch. As usual there were a large number of committee, players and supporters in attendance.

Following a very enjoyable meal which was to the usual high standards of the Primrose Bar the Club Chairman Gilbert Cromie officially welcomed everyone. Summarising the past year the Chairman expressed his sadness that the Club’s Third team (Albion) had to withdraw from the league due to a shortage of players and it was his hope that it would be restored once again next season. He made particular mention of the outstanding work of the management teams of Keith Hamilton, Colin Murray, Davy Teggarty, Johnny McGreevy and Paul Allison and he paid tribute to the commitment of the players both at training and on the field of play.

He highlighted the vital work of the club officers and committee and very importantly the faithful supporters and sponsors who make such an important contribution. Special mention was made of the long-time contributions of senior club members Jimmy Brown and Winston Brown for all the hours they put in maintaining the facilities and faithful supporters Billy Hamilton and his wife Sally who never miss a home or most away matches with Sally providing sandwiches for all home fixtures which is much appreciated.

Turning to the club awards the Chairman congratulated and made a presentation to first team goalkeeper Bryan McMullan who has been included in the Northern Amateur League squad for the amateur International against their Scottish counterparts which took place at Killyleagh on Saturday 10th May.

The Chairman then invited the management teams to come forward and present the awards for the 2013/14 season which were as follows:

Ballynahinch Swifts
Player’s Player – Aaron McCaffrey and Alan Massey [shared]

Managers Player – Shaun Bonner

Leading Scorer – Aaron McCaffrey

Ballynahinch United
Player’s Player – Scott Brashaw

Managers Player – Scott Brashaw

Leading Scorer- Ian McMullan

Club Young Player of the Year – JJ Carlisle

A signed shirt was presented to the first team attendant Steven Jess who is standing down from the role due to family commitments although he will remain on the committee.

The very popular and much sought after Golden Boot award was introduced by club stalwart Wilson Hamilton and through numerous comic moments and false trails to both hint but keep the audience and recipient guessing to the last possible moment the winner was announced as Ross Hayes to rapturous applause.