Saturday 21 August
Match Sponsor: B.E.C. ELECTRICAL LTD
League action finally returned to The Millbridge with United hosting Downshire YM in what was dubbed in some quarters as ‘Derby Day’
Continue reading Match Report: B United 2 – 1 Downshire YMThe 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 – 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 – 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.
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 team’s hard working midfielders this season scored the second after 18 minutes when he was set up by Graham McMullan. Wilson’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 McGreevy’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 Ardglass’s reach when Matthew Manly’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.
