Saintfield United 1 v 4 Ballynahinch United

Ballynahinch United’s recent good run of one defeat in seven league and cup games continued with this important league win away to local rivals Saintfield United. The hosts have been struggling of late however United manager Keith Hamilton would not underestimate their ability to cause an upset. He was delighted to be able to field a full squad except for the suspended David Boal and bringing in new signing Owen Bassett to the match day fourteen.

Saintfield United started off brightly but just as they were settling into the game they were caught out by a quick move which saw Aaron Cheevers put Ian McMullan through to beat the offside trap to round the keeper and slot the ball into the net.

The lead did not last for long as Nick Ross nipped in to get the equaliser for the home side. The remainder of the first half saw both teams cancel each other out with the majority of the play taking place within the central midfield area.

The visitors came out for the second half with a renewed determination and in the 50th minute Ian McMullan gave them the lead when he headed home from a Lee Maxwell corner. Within a matter of minutes the lead had been increased to 3-1 when Simon Jackson crossed for Gareth McMullan to slip the ball home after some fancy foot work and score his first goal since his recent return to the club.

Saintfield who were being captained by former Ballynahinch United player Craig Bowman worked tirelessly with the Softley brothers in fine form however Crawford, Hayes, Brashaw, Stuart McMullan and JJ Carlisle were solid defensively while keeper Brian McMullan’s handling was excellent.

The game was put out of the home teams reach when Aaron Cheevers was flattened in the penalty area and when he gathered himself up he struck a brilliant spot kick into the net to claim all three points.

Manager Keith Hamilton was able to use his substitute’s bench to the full with Bassett on his club debut, David Kelly and Johnny Gibson giving his team a fresh impetus and causing the home team considerable defensive problems with their direct approach.

Saintfield did press hard to get back into the game and they created a number of chances that had they been taken could have caused Ballynahinch some uncomfortable moments.

This week Ballynahinch United are at home to NAFL Division 1C side Bryansburn Rangers in an Intermediate Cup tie. The kick-off is at 1.30pm and this is the last home game at the Millbridge in 2013 so it would be nice to see a big crowd down to cheer the team on.

Ballynahinch United 2 v 0 Rathfern Rangers

United entertained Belfast side Rathfern Rangers at Millbridge in this league encounter.

The home team were without the injured Ethan Majury and the suspended JJ Carlisle and the Boal brothers however they welcomed back Adam Herron into the match day squad. The early exchanges were even with both teams pressing for the advantage although the visitors had been lucky when their goal keeper dropped a corner ball against the post and his defence managed to get it scrambled away.

Ian McMullan who has been on the score sheet regularly in recent weeks added to his tally after 25 minutes when he was on hand to take advantage of a collision between goalkeeper and central defender to bundle the ball over the line. He was making up for missing a chance a minute earlier when he headed wide from a Johnny Gibson cross. After this Rathfern picked up the pace and caused the United defence of Scott Brashaw, Ross Hayes and Stuart McMullan considerable problems while goal keeper Brian McMullan was in outstanding form foiling several one on ones to keep a clean sheet before half time.

The start of the second half saw United take a 2-0 lead within minutes of the kick off. A good passing movement through midfield involving David Kelly and Gavin Crawford found Aaron Cheevers free and he chipped the ball over the Rathfern defenders into the path of Lee Maxwell who chipped the ball over the advancing keeper into the net.

Moments later United should have had a third goal when Ian McMullan was put through by cousin Gareth McMullan but the referee ruled that he was offside. A moment of indiscipline in the 70th minute saw David Kelly dismissed for retaliation after he was clearly hit in the face off the ball and as a result Manager Keith Hamilton sacrificed a forward by introducing Jay Smyth to the midfield as the United defence was under a fair bit of pressure. Stuart McMullan playing in a much deeper position than usual was in inspirational form regularly emerging with the ball from dangerous positions.

The experienced Adam Herron and later Nathan Farquhar were introduced to the fray and they were involved in a number of attacking moves which put United back on the offensive. From a corner Ian McMullan appeared to be punched by the Rathern keeper who was dismissed however instead of awarding a penalty as the ball was in play which would have sealed the game for United he inexplicably gave a bounce ball.

United’s steel and determination came to the fore in the closing stages of this game and they saw the game out. This was another good display from United who are at home again next week against Ballywalter Recreation.

Ballynahinch United 2 v 0 Bloomfield

United continued their recent good form with a victory over East Belfast side Bloomfield who had been having a steady season until recent weeks.

From the kick off United were on the front foot and within the first minute should have gone ahead when Maxwell shot wide when well positioned. Bloomfield responded and forced a series of corners with Brian McMullan having to make a number of timely interceptions. Ethan Majury was in exceptional form in defence along with Davy Boal, Scott Brashaw and Stuart McMullan who had their work cut out.

In midfield Aaron Cheevers, Ian Boal and Gavin Crawford put in a strong shift and their hard work was rewarded when Ian McMullan shot home from close range after 25 minutes to give United the lead. Gavin Crawford should perhaps have doubled the score just before the half time whistle but he was forced wide.

Bloomfield began the second half strongly however United started to get the ball to Johnny Gibson on the left wing were his pace and crosses caused the visiting defence a lot of trouble however their goal was not troubled as much as it should.

Gareth McMullan came on in the second half to make his first appearance since returning to the club last week and he made an instant impact when he charged down a defenders clearance. The ball spun wickedly across the penalty area and Ian McMullan sensibly waited until he brought it under control before weaving his way back onto the edge of the six yard area to shoot into the net to make it 2-0.

JJ Carlisle and Nathan Farquhar were introduced during the last quarter and they helped to reduce the threat posed by Bloomfield who were reduced to ten men in the closing minutes following a stupid second yellow card for dissent.

This was a good performance by United who travel to Lisburn Rangers this Saturday.