Ballynahinch United Clinch Irish Cup Win Over Crumlin

IRISH CUP ROUND 2 BALLYNAHINCH UNITED   3  CRUMLIN UNITED   2  [AFTER EXTRA TIME] This was one of the most exciting cup ties ever at the Millbridge and despite the deteriorating weather as the heavy rain started to come in the large crowd remained to the bitter end. In the opening exchanges it was the visitors, Crumlin United from Division 1A of the Amateur League, who were on the ascendancy with ex Linfield star Pat Wall their outstanding performer. The home team were playing against a strong wind in the first half which changed frequently as it gusted around the Millbridge however they enjoyed a good share of possession mainly due to their persistence in keeping the ball on the ground. Teenage forwards Ian McMullan and Scott McKibbin were causing a nuisance of themselves while Gareth Bingham was holding the ball up well and linking well with Ian Boal, Alan Patterson and James Kingscott who were working very hard in midfield. [caption id="attachment_30979" align="alignleft" width="592" caption="Rab McMullan (4th right) of AV Auto Valet Presentation Specialist presenting a sample tracksuit to the club. Inlcuded (L to R) are John Jones, Ross Hayes, Stuart McMullan and Colin Murray."][/caption] United best opportunity of the first half came when Scott McKibbin’s header was brilliantly saved by the Crumlin keeper. Within minutes the visitors were ahead when they weaved their way through midfield with some quick fire passing before the ball was passed into the penalty area for a forward to swivel and score despite the efforts of goal keeper Brian McMullan. It looked as if Crumlin United had control of the game at this point however a strong defensive display from Gary Walsh, Ross Hayes, Scott Brashaw and Alan Dickson restricted their scoring opportunities. In the early stages of the second half Crumlin United enjoyed a considerable amount of possession without really creating any scoring opportunities but at the same time preventing the home side from getting back into the game. On the hour mark Adam Herron was introduced to the left side of midfield and his forceful runs along with a more attacking approach from Brashaw and Dickson made a significant impact with a number of corners being won. In the 65 minute a cross from Scott McKibbin was cleared to the edge of the Crumlin area and Ian Boal crashed a shot off the crossbar. The ball found its way out to Herron who smashed a cross back into the area which deflected off a defender into the path of Ian Boal who turned a defender and shot into the corner of the net for the equaliser. United were on the ascendency at this moment and moments later were awarded a free kick on the left wing. Alan Dickson sent a deep cross into the penalty area and Alan Patterson managed to beat the on rushing keeper to the ball and head home to put his side 2 – 1 up. The game was in its dying moments when Crumlin managed to break free on their right wing and the cross was met at the back post for a forward to head home. The game went into two periods of extra time however neither team seemed able to break down the strong defences until the last few minutes of the second period when a clearance from the Crumlin penalty area was deflected into the path of Scott McKibbin. He exchanged passes with JJ Carlisle and outpaced his marker before crossing along the six yard box for Ian McMullan to shoot home. This was a killer blow for the visitors and shortly afterwards  the referee blew the final whistle. This was a great advertisement for the amateur game with both teams giving their all over the full period of the game which proved an enjoyable and exciting afternoon for the good sized crowd. Many local clubs are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet with spiralling costs for referees [£50 plus expenses for Intermediate level] laundry etc and an increase in  attendances would not only help the finances but would also greatly encourage the efforts of the players. On Saturday the crowd as always were very supportive and certainly were Ballynahinch United’s 12^th man/women. This week United travel to play East Belfast in the 1^st Round of the Intermediate Cup.  The game has a 1.30pm kick off. BUFC NOTES On Saturday the new club tracksuits were presented by Mr Rab McMullan the owner of AV Auto Valet Preparation Specialists. The club are very grateful to Rab McMullan for his very generous sponsorship and everyone commented very favourably on the appearance of the club’s players from all three teams who have acquired them. Quite a number of players and officials have still to collect their tracksuit which they can do from Steven Jess and if you have not yet purchased one please see Johnny  McGreevy. The Swifts travelled to Mallusk on Saturday for a league match with Albion Star 2nds which they won 3 – 0 thanks to goals from Stevenson [2] and Marshall. This week they are at home to Bangor Young Men 2nds also in the league. The Albion was on the end of a heavy defeat to Premier side Ballyvange however they could not be faulted for their endeavour.]]>