Ballynahinch United Notes

COMBER REC   1   BALLYNAHINCH UNITED  1 [United won 6 – 5 on Pens] United travelled to Park Way, Comber for this Irish Cup 1^st Round encounter against the local Premier Division side. Both teams have been fairly inconsistent of late although United were coming of the back of a good league win the previous week. The game started at a lively pace with both teams keen to get forward and United’s attack caused some anxious moments for the Comber defence although they never really troubled the keeper. The home team came more into the game in the middle of the first half but they failed to convert the numerous chances that they created with Brian McMullan in fine form behind a resolute defence of Carlisle, Hayes, Brashaw and Dickson. On the half hour mark Comber opened the scoring when Gracey shot home after taking a pass from Smith. Comber then had a few other chances after this but the United defence held firm. In the second half midfielders Hunter, Boal, Patterson and Herron worked tirelessly to provide forwards Ian McMullan and Stuart McMullan with goal scoring opportunities. Injured pair Alan Patterson and Stuart McMullan were replaced by Roman Gugulev and Scott McKibbin and these two gave the home defence a difficult time with Gugulev hitting the crossbar with a stunning long range shot. Gareth Bingham entered the fray late on to add to United’s attacking options as they threw everything at Comber Rec. Late in injury time United were awarded a free kick and up came keeper Brian McMullan to cause confusion in the home defence and it was he who rose above everyone else to head home and take the game into extra time. Both teams were extremely cautious during the two periods of extra time and it was no surprise that the game went to penalties. Both teams converted their first five penalties with Ian Boal, Scott McKibbin, Roman Gugulev, Gareth Bingham and Johnny Hunter scoring for United however Brian McMullan doubly earned his man of the match status when he saved Comber’s sixth penalty and up stepped Adam Herron to score the winner. This week United return to league action with a home game against Rathfriland Rangers. BALLYNAHINCH UNITED 2NDS 3 V KILROOT REC. 2NDS 2 The Swifts played their first home game of the season at Millbridge and secured a hard won three points in what was a difficult encounter. The visitors took the lead after 10 minutes when a forward latched onto a loose ball and to give Stafford no chance. The home side chased an equaliser and eventually got it when a defender dallied on the ball and allowed Gray to nip in and score. The visitors took a 2- 1 lead into the half time break when an error by Stafford allowed the Kilroot centre forward to score. In the second half both teams pressed but generally created few clear cut scoring opportunities. The Swifts equalised from a free kick when Kingscott reacted quickest to shoot home. In the 90^th minute Craig McMullan scored the winner when he ghosted into the penalty area unmarked to shoot into the roof of the net. The Swifts travel to play Bangor YM in the league this Saturday. BALLYNAHINCH UNITED 3RDS 3 V MONEYSLANE 3RDS 1 The Albion gained a vital three points to put the gloom of the opening league encounters behind them. Goals from Gregg McCracken [2] and Paul King put the polish on a decent performance from this youthful side. The Albion entertain Strangford 2nds at Drumaness Council Pitch this Saturday.]]>