Ballynahinch United Notes

NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE – DIVISION 1B

Ballynahinch United 1  Orangefield Old Boys 3

United entertained high flying Orangefield OB at the Millbridge on Saturday past and despite a promising start they eventually succumbed to a disappointing defeat especially after the excellent result the previous week in the Intermediate Cup.

Things looked so promising in the opening period when Johnny Hunter smashed home a penalty to put United in the ascendency however Orangefield got back into the game in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. Defender Scott Brashaw shielded the ball out for what he believed was a goal kick however the referee shocked the home side by awarding a corner from which Orangefield scored.

Orangefield took the lead in the second half and later on made it 3 – 1 from the penalty spot to secure all three points.

NORTHERN AMATEUR FOOTBALL LEAGUE – Templeton Cup

Greencastle Rovers 2nds 5  Ballynahinch United 2nds 0

The Swifts travelled to the Valley Leisure Centre on Saturday for this 2nd Round Templeton Cup match and as in previous years in this competition they failed to get past the first hurdle.

The home side took the lead after 15 minutes of the first half although it appeared that their scorer had kicked the ball out of keeper Brewer’s hands. Throughout the first half United hemmed the home side in their own half with Spratt, Hamilton, Graham, Cheevers and Bingham all going close.

In the second half the Swifts never really turned up and conceded a number of breakaway goals as they made efforts to get back into the game.

NEWCASTLE & DISTRICT AMATEUR LEAGUE – Harry Clarke Cup

Ballynahinch United 3rds 2   Maghera 3 [AET]

The Albion exited the Harry Clarke Cup after a pulsating cup tie with Maghera which went to extra time. The game was fought tooth and nail throughout with Mark ‘Chip’ Murray outstanding in the centre of the Albion defence and Peter Kelly controlling things in midfield.

After a scoreless first half the Albion took the lead through an Alan Massey penalty. He had been fouled after controlling a long throw from Paul King.

Maghera stormed back and after a period of pressure scored from a long range effort to give Johnny McGreevy no chance.

Stewart Wilcox gave the home side the lead again when he took on two defenders and scored from the edge of the box with a left foot strike into the top corner.

Just when it looked as if the Albion would secure a victory Maghera broke free to round McGreevy to score and send the game into extra time.

Very few chances were created in extra time however in the closing minutes the Maghera centre forward was put through and finished well to give them a 3-2 victory.

BALLYNAHINCH UNITED NOTES

United have been drawn against IFA Championship League 1 side Loughgall in the Intermediate Cup. The match takes place at Millbridge on Saturday 28 January 2012 with a 1.30pm kick off. Outstanding membership contributions should be paid to the Club Treasurer or any committee member as soon as possible.

The fund raising committee are running a Last Man Standing competition which will commence on 2 February. All committee, players and supporters who would like to support this fund raising initiative should contact Scott Brashaw or Steven Jess as soon as possible.