Saintfield Too Strong For Ballynahinch Utd In Border Clash

Saintfield FC enjoy strong win over Ballynahinch Utd

NAFL Border Cup Round,

Venue: Millbridge, Saturday 24 August 2024,

Ballynahinch United 0 Saintfield United 7.

Saintfield United progressed to the second round of the Border Cup on Saturday.

They enjoyed a comprehensive win away to neighbours Ballynahinch United. Injuries and holidays meant the Saints’ line-up was changed significantly from their previous fixture, with teenager Aaron Young making his debut start for the first team.

The Saintfield FC first team.

An injury to defender Clint Thompson in the warm up also forced a last minute reshuffle, with regular goalkeeper Lewis Patmore moving to striker, and manager Craig Bowman taking his place between the posts.

It would turn out to be an inspired change, as Patmore opened the scoring after two minutes. Then he would go on to complete his hat-trick in the second half in 65 and 73 minutes.

Captain Aaron Milligan continued his rich vein of form scoring in 36 minutes and by adding a second goal on 53 minutes, and further goals by McCloskey, Sofley and Ouldhamlat after the interval completed a resounding win.

It was a match that saw 7 yellow cards dished out: 5 for the home side and 2 for the visitors.

Saintfield will host Rosario in the second round, a team managed by former Saint, Chris Morgan.

Saintfield United: C Bowman; C McCloskey (A Martin); C Taylor; A Milligan; A Young (P McEvoy); R Sofley; N Ouldhamlat (A Martin); A Brown; A Childs; L Patmore; E Barr.

Ballynahinch Utd: S Graham, T Rodgers, S McMullan, S Brashaw, C Coleman, G Crawford, R Johnston, G Hall, R Annett, L Maxwell, J Patterson. Subs: T Dickson, C McKissick, G Bennet