Ballynahinch United Finishing Well

BALLYNAHINCH UNITED 4 V SIROCCO WORKS 0 United won this game by four clear goals but  although they performed well it was perhaps a somewhat flattering score against a Sirocco Works side that performed impressively but did not take their chances. Ian Boal opened the scoring when he was first on the scene after Gareth McMullan’s shot was parried by the Sirocco keeper to head home. The visitors created a number of decent scoring opportunities however good defensive work from Hayes, Brashaw, Herron and David Boal coupled with a few excellent saves from Brian McMullan kept them out. Scot Brashaw added to Sirocco’s misery when he headed in a cross from Adam Herron to make it 2 – 0. Sirocco stepped up the pressure in the second half in an effort to get back into the game but Gareth McMullan increased the differential when he scored with a brilliant free kick from just outside the penalty area. Ian Boal, Stuart McMullan, Michael Mousley, Stuart Cree and Alan Dickson all worked tirelessly in United’s defence and midfield to keep a clean sheet with Roman Gugulev holding the ball up well in forward positions. Ian Boal completed the scoring when he lobbed the ball over defenders and goal keeper to score his second and the team’s fourth. This win secured the team’s second win in a week after beating Bangor Rangers at Clandeboye Park on Tuesday night with goals from Ian Boal and Gareth McMullan. NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3D TEMPLE RANGERS 2nds 2 V BALLYNAHINCH UNITED 2nds 2 The Swifts completed their league programme with a 2 – 2 draw against rivals Temple Rangers at Langley Road. For a derby it was fairly tame stuff with both teams committed to winning by playing football and the referee who handled the game well didn’t have to produce a single card. The Swifts stormed into a 2 – 0 lead with goals from Matty Shaw after five minutes and Ethan Majury after ten minutes however despite a great deal of possession they failed to capitalise on their superiority with Sam Annett going close on a number of occasions. Temple plugged away with the experienced Peter Kelly influential throughout and they got a goal back against the run of play when Colin Foreman stabbed the ball home past Jason Stafford. In the second half the Swifts had the majority of the play but could not get a third goal that would surely have killed off the home teams challenge but it did not come. Temple drew level late in the game when Cheevers stabbed the ball home following a clever free kick from Peter Kelly. During the previous week the Swifts lost 2 – 1 on Thursday to Bangor YM 2nds despite an opening goal from Scot McKibbin and on Tuesday night they were defeated 1 – 0 by Immaculata. CLUB NOTES This weekend the annual Cup Final match takes place at the Millbridge with the under 30’s against the over 30’s. All those playing should be at the Millbridge by 12.30pm for a 1pm kick off. There will be a free barbecue and all players and supporters are very welcome. The annual dinner and presentation of awards will take place in Cloisters, Dromore Street on Friday 20 May 2011 at 7.30pm.Those planning to attend should give their names and dinner choices to either Johnny McGreevy or Steven Jess as soon as possible. All trophies won last year should be returned as soon as possible. Everyone at the club would like to offer their congratulations to the Under-11’s on securing promotion to the Premier Division of the South Belfast Youth League. In addition to the commitment of the players a big thanks must go to the coaches within the club’s youth set up for their dedication and the encouragement they give to the players. The parents also provide outstanding support which is very much appreciated by everyone in the club.]]>