Ballynahinch United No Way Back From Rathfriland

BALLYNAHINCH UNITED 1 V RATHFRILAND 3 United entertained Rathfriland, one of the favourites for the Division 1B title, at Millbridge on Saturday last. The visitors are a well organised team featuring a number of very experienced players and from the outset the home team’s task was always going to be difficult. The visitors took the lead in the first half at a time when United had matched them however this set back did not deter United who after an encouraging half time team talk came out all guns blazing and equalised within a minute of the restartxa0 through Ian McMullan. Unfortunately United found themselves 2 – 1 down within minutes and although they battled throughout they could not get another equaliser. Late in the second half midfielder Ian Boal conceded a penalty which was converted leaving United withxa0 no way back. BANGOR Y.M. 2nds xa0 0 xa0 BALLYNAHINCH UNITED 2nds xa0 2 The Swifts travelled to the Bangor Sportsplex for this league game against Bangor Y.M. seconds and came away with three well earned points following a solid display in which the central defensive partnership of Jamie PcPhail and Craig McMullan played a major role. The visitors went 1 –0xa0 up after being awarded a penalty onxa0 20 minutes when Reid was fouled and he scored from the resulting penalty. The game was end to end howeverxa0 the home side were given few opportunities as the midfield ofxa0 Nelson, Massey, Hamilton and Alan McMullan worked tirelessly to support Majury, PcPhail, Maginnis, Craig McMullan and goalkeeper Stafford. In the middle of the second half Reid put the game out of the home teams reach scoring with a fierce shot after his first effort came back off the post. He almost scored again on a couple of occasions when he combined with striking partner Chris Gray and then Jason Brennan but shot wide on both occasions. CLUB NEWS The first instalment of the club membership was due to be paid on Saturday past. Anyone who did not see the club treasurer should do so as a matter of urgency and certainly on or before the weekend. The new club track suits will be available in the next week or so and those who ordered and have not paid for them should do so as soon as possible. The Albion were defeated 6 – 2 by Strangford with goals coming from the McCracken brothers Gary and Gregg.]]>