Rossglass 1 v 2 Ballynahinch Swifts

The Swifts claimed a debut victory in this their first game on their return to the Newcastle League.

Manager Davy Teggarty was in a position to field a strong team with a number of the first team squad being available for duty following holiday.

Playing some neat football from the start the Swifts created several good scoring opportunities and took the lead when Stevenson slotted home after rounding the keeper.

Rossglass equalised from the penalty spot to level the game before Alan Massey scored from the penalty spot to give the Swifts a half time lead.

In the second half Rossglass fought strongly to get back on even terms but the Swifts defence remained resolute while Bingham, Allison and McCaffrey all went close to increasing their lead.

Border Cup 1st Round: Malachians 1 v Ballynahinch United 1 (United won 4 – 3 on penalties)

United travelled to NAFL Premier League side Malachians with a slighty weakened side due to holidays and injury. Into the line-up came Gareth Bingham and David Kelly.

The home side got off to a great start when they scored in the first few minutes however United played their way into the game and a brilliant strike by Johnny Gibson levelled the game just before half time.

The home team were a constant threat and Brian McMullan pulled off a number of excellent saves while in attack David Kelly went close with a header. In defence JJ Carlisle, Davy Boal and Scott Brashaw played out of their skins while midfielders Gavin Crawford, David Kelly, Ian Boal, Aaron Cheevers and Stuart McMullan covered every blade of grass.

Forwards Gareth Bingham, Johnny Gibson and Ian McMullan played their part throughout the match.

The two periods of extra time proved to be a bit of a non-event as each team became ever more cautious about making a mistake and soon it was time for the dreaded penalties.

After the first five had been taken by each team it was 3 each with Brian McMullan proving to be a major stumbling block. When a Malachians player missed their first kick in sudden death up stepped Scott Brashaw to cap a great personal performance and score the winner.

This was a spirited performance which will have given caretaker bosses Keith Hamilton and Davy Teggarty great encouragement as they go into two further cup ties next week and week after.

Ballynahinch United 1 v 1st Bangor O.B. 1

United entertained newly promoted 1st Bangor O.B. at the Millbridge last Tuesday (20th Aug) in their final mid-week fixture. A poor showing the weekend before coupled with the unexpected resignation of first team manager Colin Murray was expected to unsettle the team however this was not to be the case.

Caretaker Manager Keith Hamilton was assisted by the experienced club man Davy Teggarty and the attacking line up that they sent out certainly rose to the occasion.

Right from the kick off they were on the attack with Johnny Gibson and Ian McMullan attacking down both flanks with Simon Jackson proving to be a real handful with his physicality and speed through the middle.

United took the lead after twenty five minutes when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Ian Boal. There followed wave after wave of attack with Ian McMullan going close with an effort and Jackson shooting over the bar.

In the 40th minute a defensive error allowed 1st Bangor to equalise against the run of play.

In the second half United pressed hard for a winner with Cheevers a constant menace to the 1st Bangor defence.

Midfielders Gavin Crawford, Ian Boal, Stuart McMullan worked tirelessly to create opening but they and the forward line could not find a way through a stubborn defence.

Defensively United were strong with JJ Carlisle, Davy Boal and Scott Brashaw providing excellent cover for goal keeper Brian McMullan who dealt with everything that came his way.

2nds & 3rds Management positions filled

United have moved to fill the vacancy of 2nd team manager with club stalwart Davy Teggarty moving up to take on the role. In addition the club has decided to move its second team from the NAFL to the Newcastle & District League Division 2.

Ian Blackwood has also been appointed to take on the role of 3rd team manager. Neither of the 2nds or 3rds start their league campaigns until early September and the club is on the lookout for additional players. Anyone interested should come along to the club on either Tuesday or Thursday night training or make yourself known to either of the managers or any of the club officials.

The Albion 5 v 1 Rathfriland Rangers 3rds

Newcastle & District Amateur League Division 3

The Albion played this home league match at Kilmore and came away with a convincing victory despite falling behind in the opening minutes.

Rathfriland went ahead on 15 minutes however the home side equalised very soon after and in an outstanding display went into the break 3 – 1 up.

In the second half they consolidated their victory with another two goals. The goal scorers were Alan Massey with a hat trick, Paul King and Graeme McMullan.

This was a great result for Davy Teggarty’s young charges who give their all every week and despite the occasional blip come back with regular displays that give everyone so much encouragement for the future.