Brave Derriaghy just fail to cause cup upset

The Sky Blues made heavy weather of getting past their excellent Amateur League opponents, with an injury time goal giving the scoreline a suggestion of comfort for the senior side which simply wasn’t there.

Indeed, at one stage a major shock looked to be on the cards as Derriaghy went in 1-0 up at half-time after Aaron Stewart deflected Andrew Rosbotham’s cross into his own net in stoppage time to complete a superb first half display from the visitors.

Ballymena’s fightback began on the hour mark when Curtis Woods’ deep cross from the right found Ally Teggart who headed home at the back post.

United were in front eight minutes later when centre-back Davy Munster rose unchallenged to head home a Rory Carson corner.

Still Derriaghy weren’t finished and United had to survive a kitchen sink-style onslaught from the Amateur League side in the closing minutes before Ballymena captain Allan Jenkins broke clear in stoppage time to steer home the third and set up a quarter-final trip to Newry City.

Derriaghy boss Michael Lamont said he was very proud of his players’ efforts both on the day and throughout the cup run.

“I told the players at half-time to keep believing. We did believe we had a chance if we played the way we can play and if we caught Ballymena unawares and I thought we were good value for our lead at half-time.

“To be fair to Ballymena, they kept pushing and pushing although I thought 3-1 flattered them.

“This has been a great run, the lads have all enjoyed themselves and I think we’ve showed we can compete against higher opposition.”

Ballymena United: Nelson, Woods, Munster, Stewart, Black, Baker (Teggart 46), Jenkins, Surgenor (Carson 8), Downey (Lowry 75), McCutcheon, Costello.

Subs not used: Davidson, Rodgers.

Derriaghy CC: J Rosbotham, Burke, Larmour, (Strong 64), Patterson, McKinstry, McNaul, Elliott (Arnott 76), Stewart, Baker, Scott (Orr 76), A Rosbotham.

Subs not used: McCullough, Saulters.

Referee: Ross Dunlop (Carrickfergus).