BUYA round-up: Defender Callum turns goalscorer with cup hat-trick

Goalscoring centre half Callum Ross had a day to remember, firing a hat trick as the under 14s progressed to the last eight of the NIBFA Cup, demolishing Donegal Celtic 6-1.

The 12s also progressed in the blue riband tournament, scoring seven against a stubborn Portaferry outfit.

The 11s tried out the new 3G facility at Kells in the morning against neighbours North End under 12s while another group of 11s faced Kells Cougars at the Sports Hut in the afternoon.

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BUYA 7, Portaferry 1: Ballymena, the defending NIBFA Cup champions, went in front inside the opening two minutes when Matthew Lorimer burst past the Portaferry defence and with great composure slotted the ball neatly into the back of the net.

The post and crossbar came to Portaferry’s rescue before the Sky Blues doubled their advantage on 40 minutes when Max Davidson turned his defender before firing into the corner.

Five minutes later they scored again as Ross McCausland knocked the ball past the keeper but away from goal. It looked as though the chance had gone but, close to the bye-line, Ross knokced the ball towards goal and cret into the net, via a slight touch off a defender.

The same player scored United’s fourth and a fifth followed when Lorimer converted from the penalty spot. Mark Butler completed the scoring from a Sean McAllister cross.

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BUYA 6, Donegal Celtic 1: United took the lead when Andy Smith reacted well to a shot, to head in the rebound.

Defender Callum Ross then scored twice, the second after some neat footwork.

Eamon McLaughlin then set up Harry Robinson with a glorious through ball which the Dunadry boy ran onto, finishing superbly with a dink over the keeper.

United were four up at half time as Callum Smith added to the tally with his first United goal.

United then won a penalty which Ross converted to complete a memorable hat trick.

United did enough on the day against this lower league opposition, but know they will face much more difficult opponents in the quarter finals with a trip to Crusaders.

LAST MAN STANDING

The Academy last man standing competition begins this Saturday, contact any team manager or committee member to confirm your entry and chance to win the cash prize.